Whatever you do, life don't stop. It only sits a minute and

In the grand sweep of time, there is one undeniable truth that binds all of us—life does not pause. It moves forward with an unrelenting pace, indifferent to our plans, our dreams, or our personal struggles. Grace Paley’s words, “Whatever you do, life don’t stop. It only sits a minute and dreams a dream,” speak to the profound reality of existence: that while we may seek to carve our own paths and chase our own dreams, life itself is ever in motion, unfolding its own story as we live ours. This reflection is an invitation to accept the fleeting nature of time and to recognize that while we strive, we must also understand that life has its own rhythm—one that often moves independently of our will.

The ancient philosophers were keenly aware of the impermanence of life. Heraclitus, the philosopher from Ephesus, famously said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” His words speak to the constant flow of time and the transient nature of all things. Just as a river continually changes, so too does life, always flowing forward, never stagnant. Paley’s reflection aligns with Heraclitus' teachings: no matter what we do, life continues on its course, unimpeded by our individual actions. And yet, there is beauty in that very fact—because, in the fluidity of life, we are granted the opportunity to dream, to create, and to shape our lives even while life itself moves on.

In the mythology of the Greeks, the Fates were the personifications of time, weaving the threads of human lives with their unbreakable loom. While the gods might intervene, the Fates remained relentless in their pursuit of the inevitable. The most ancient of stories teach us that humanity is caught between our dreams and the unchangeable passage of time. Like Odysseus, who embarked on a journey to return to his family, only to be thwarted by forces beyond his control, we too find that our dreams often must contend with the unyielding nature of life itself. Odysseus’ dreams of home and family were no less important because they existed in a world governed by the inevitable forces of time and fate. His resilience in the face of those forces is what we must also strive to cultivate in our own lives.

Consider the story of Leonardo da Vinci, whose dreams were boundless. Leonardo did not merely dream of painting Mona Lisa or inventing a flying machine; he dreamt of an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and the mastery of everything he touched. Yet, even da Vinci, in his pursuit of immortality through his art and inventions, understood that life was fleeting. Despite his brilliance, his dreams often seemed to remain just beyond his grasp. Da Vinci’s life was marked by the tension between his vision and the marching advance of time. His work stands as a reminder that, though life doesn’t stop, dreams still shape the course of history. His legacy shows us that while time may carry us forward, it is through our dreams and actions that we leave our mark.

The lesson here is not one of despair, but of acceptance and action. In Paley’s words, we are reminded that while we chase after dreams, life will never cease to unfold. Life does not stop—it continues, often in ways we do not anticipate, and sometimes against our will. However, the moment that life "sits a minute and dreams a dream" offers us an opportunity to reflect, to dream, and to create. This moment of reflection is not a pause, but a brief alignment between the ongoing march of time and the dreams that reside in our hearts. Dreams, then, are not just for the young or for those with idealistic visions, but for all who understand the importance of pursuing them, despite the forces of time and fate.

In our own lives, we must embrace the inevitability of change and the passing of time. Like da Vinci or Odysseus, we may face setbacks or feel that time is slipping away from us, but we must remember that dreams—no matter how big or small—are the fuel that keeps us moving forward. Even if life does not stop to wait for us, we must take action, keep dreaming, and continue working toward our goals. The brief moments we get to “dream” are precious, and in them, we must find the inspiration to make lasting change, to create, and to contribute meaningfully to the unfolding story of life.

So, as you reflect on your own journey, ask yourself: are you letting the passage of time push you forward without your dreams, or are you actively creating moments where you can dream and pursue those dreams? Life, like the river, moves relentlessly forward, but we can still shape the path ahead by taking action each day. Embrace the flow of time, but do not let it drown your dreams. Let your dreams guide you through the currents of life, for in the end, it is not the time that matters, but how you use it to turn your dreams into reality. Live with intention, and let your dreams be the force that propels you through the tides of life.