More memory glitter, less time confetti

Years ago, when I first began writing productivity content, I stumbled across a concept that I thought would be the perfect label for feelings many of us experience throughout our lives: time confetti.

It sounds joyous and celebratory, right?! I assumed it referred to small, memorable moments worth celebrating, remembering, or rejoicing in. Those moments that color our world, brighten our memories, and allow us to say, “I lived a wonderful, beautiful life,” when the end is near.

My assumed definition of the term was utterly off the mark (almost laughably so).

Brigid Schulte is a journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and keynote speaker at the intersection of personal transformation and systems change. Schulte coined the term “time confetti” in her first book, Overwhelmed: How to Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time*.

In Part One of the book, Schulte recounts writing detailed time diaries for a meeting with John Robinson, a pioneering time-use sociologist and scholar. Robinson asked Schulte to conduct a time study with him so that he could show her where she had leisure time. Working through overwhelm, Schulte tracked her time in a stream-of-consciousness format, often doing multiple things at once.

While reviewing her notebooks with Robinson in a conference room, Schulte stumbles upon the perfect metaphor:

Thus, the concept of “time confetti” was born (and far different from what I expected): small, chaotic, and scattered fragments of time that we experience because of the hectic and ever-present demands of modern-day life.

The dreadful and overwhelming feelings associated with “time confetti” are real ones that many people (myself included) experience. These moments become more apparent when your day-to-day feels unintentional and unreasonably full.

But what if we swapped “time confetti” for more of the experiences I wrongfully assumed this label described? What if we replaced “time confetti” with “memory glitter?”

Think about “memory glitter” as tiny, fragmented pieces (memories) of life, but with a positive spin. The moments that linger in grave detail and catch the light in our minds long after they pass.

Here are a few cherished moments from my “memory glitter” jar I thought about recently:

• The time my Grandma picked up a pre-made margarita mix for a camping trip and didn’t realize you have to add your own liquor (she wouldn’t stop talking about how excellent her margaritas were, not realizing they didn’t contain alcohol, lol)

• The time my Papa talked me through an anxiety-inducing event at his workplace, but finished his story with, “Nothing is ever as bad as it seems in your mind” — advice I’ll always carry with me

• The time my Grandpa short-sheeted me, and I didn’t understand what was happening (and he laughed until his belly hurt)

• The time my Grammy drove to Vail with me for an outdoor yoga class with Rachel Brathen (Yoga Girl) because she knew how much yoga was helping me work through the loss of my other grandparents

Like specks of light that catch and shimmer unexpectedly, “memory glitter” moments might seem small, but they have much more to offer than the effects of “time confetti.”

Time passes for everyone. You can choose to fill your life with “time confetti” and overwhelm, or you can pause and fill your “memory glitter” jar with intentional memories to carry with you to the end. No matter which route you choose, the time you’ve spent is time you will never get back, so spend it wisely.

💌 Have a favorite memory or two in your “memory glitter” jar you want to share? Reply to this email! I always love hearing from you.

Time well spent: weekly roundup

1. I’m reading Artificial Wisdom by Thomas Weaver* (and annoying my husband because I won’t stop talking about it). This is not a book I would typically pick up, but I am delighted I did. Think science fiction meets mystery meets thriller, and how technology could affect the future.

2. Thanks to my friend and fellow writer, Kaleigh Moore, I’m walking through Felicity Wild’s Awkward AI ethics conversations free email course, which includes 15 reflective prompts over 15 days to spark conversations about responsible AI use at work. Highly recommend!

3. I’m visiting a new-to-me place as you read this (and spending quality time with family who lives here). Trips and time with loved ones are not for “someday.” Book the trip!

Your next intentional move

• How can you be more intentional about choosing activities that stretch your imagination and expand your worldview?

• What would it look like to approach technology more intentionally and responsibly in your daily decisions?

• What trip, visit, or shared experience have you been putting off?

Check out the full list of intentional prompts and share it with someone you love!

Until next time

• Check out our growing list of book recommendations

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One more thing before you go…

I’m Alyssa Towns, and this is Time Intentional, a newsletter exploring what it means to spend our limited (and precious) time intentionally. Extend your love and support by sharing this newsletter with someone you know or buying me a coffee! ☕

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