Don't Waste Your Time – A Monk’s Story That Will Change How You See Life Forever

MONK: My child, let me tell you a story. There was once a young student who came to me, tired… not in his body, but in his spirit. He said, "Master, I study hard, I try my best, but time slips away like water in my hands. I feel like I’m running, but I’m going nowhere." I looked into his eyes — eyes full of potential but clouded with distraction. And I asked him a simple question: “Do you know the value of one moment?” He looked puzzled. So, I told him this... There was once a man who had a beautiful garden. Every day, he’d say, “I’ll water the plants tomorrow. I’ll pull the weeds next week. The sun is too hot today.” Days turned into months, and when he finally returned, the garden was overgrown, the flowers wilted, the beauty lost. You see, the garden was his life — and time was the gardener he ignored. My dear friend, every moment you live is a seed. You can plant it in distraction, and it will grow into regret. Or you can plant it in intention, and it will bloom into wisdom. Too often, we wait for the perfect time to begin — to study, to dream, to change. But let me tell you something I’ve learned after years of silence and self-reflection: Time doesn’t wait for clarity. It rewards commitment. I once wasted years chasing approval, pleasing others, proving my worth. Until one day, I sat in complete stillness and asked myself — “If today were my last day, would I be proud of how I spent my time?” That question changed everything. So now I ask you… Why wait? Why scroll endlessly through a screen, chasing temporary satisfaction when your purpose is quietly calling your name? You want success? Focus. You want peace? Let go of what doesn’t matter. You want growth? Embrace discipline like a friend, not a burden. When you manage your time, you are not just organizing your day — you are designing your life. One hour can change your future. One decision can shift your path. One habit, repeated daily, becomes your destiny. So, my child… If you’re a student, don’t study only to pass an exam — study to discover yourself. If you're tired, rest. But don’t retreat into mindless comfort. And if you feel lost, remember — even the sun rises again, no matter how dark the night. Make time your ally. Walk with it, don’t race against it. Because the truth is… you don't need more time. You just need to stop wasting the time you already have. (He pauses, his voice softer, more intimate now.) Sit with this for a moment. Reflect on how you’ve spent today. And ask yourself… “Is this the life I want to build, moment by moment?” If not, then begin again. Now is always a good time to begin. (He smiles, bows his head gently.) Until next time… walk slowly, live fully, and make each breath count.