You've completely nailed it... In articulating the American view and treatment of time. Though I didn't grow up in the US, I've been completely influenced by it and it's something I experience in my corporate work. 2025 was a very exhausting work year for me, with the back-to-back virtual meetings that are time-boxed and you have to apologise for even being a minute later.
Quite ironic that I work best when "time runs away" from me. I know that's a very American way of phrasing it. But to put it another way, its when I allow myself to savour the time I have and be in flow.
Thanks for sharing this. It's a reminder to me to live more in the Parisian way (even if I'm not based in Paris) with regards to time, to a certain extent that the situations I'm in can allow.
Thank you for this, Abigail. Virtual meetings starting on the dot during Covid (even in France) really exhausted me too, so I completely see what you mean. It’s hard to find a more relaxed relationship with time when everything around us says go, go, go—but it feels so important for our health and wellbeing.
I felt about exhausted listening to this on audio Pamela. The relentless of the clock-watching American style. I think I prefer the more measured approach you are opting for 👍😍
I hear you. The American relationship to time can feel very intense. I’m trying to keep the intention without the urgency—and I’m glad that nuance came across.
I love the photo of the Orsay! And also love the sentiment you have written here. I’m always curious: are the French aware of how much we admire their lived experience with time? Do they equally feel that they live a “slower” life?
That’s a good question, Abbie. I’d say if they’ve lived or worked abroad — especially in Asia or the U.S., which is actually pretty common — then yes, they feel the difference. They don’t call it “slower,” though. They usually just come home extra happy about time for apéro.
I do believe some of this is hardwired. I remember, as a child of about 7, writing down the hours of the day and planning activities for each one. I was inspired by reading a book about nuns in a convent who ordered their lives in this way. I'm an INTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale and find a lot of satisfaction in ordering my days. Maybe it's also a Catholic thing - monks chanting the Hours, for instance.
So true, Amy. I admire the discipline of ordering your days. And you’re right — in the Catholic tradition, the structure exists to free time for prayer, not fill it. I think we’ve lost a bit of that in the productivity rush (in the U.S. especially).
Bonne année Pamela and good luck with enjoying every minute, without looking at your watch! It's how I also prefer to live my life. I gave up wearing a watch every day 21 years ago when I jumped off the crazy rat race... x
Ah, I know the "problem"... I still have deadlines for a column I write and need regular reminders to keep me on track. 😁 It's so easy - and wonderful! - when the muse is with you and your writing flows. 🤩 I have used Google calendar reminders for years and find receiving a bleep now and then very helpful. 😘
You've completely nailed it... In articulating the American view and treatment of time. Though I didn't grow up in the US, I've been completely influenced by it and it's something I experience in my corporate work. 2025 was a very exhausting work year for me, with the back-to-back virtual meetings that are time-boxed and you have to apologise for even being a minute later.
Quite ironic that I work best when "time runs away" from me. I know that's a very American way of phrasing it. But to put it another way, its when I allow myself to savour the time I have and be in flow.
Thanks for sharing this. It's a reminder to me to live more in the Parisian way (even if I'm not based in Paris) with regards to time, to a certain extent that the situations I'm in can allow.
Thank you for this, Abigail. Virtual meetings starting on the dot during Covid (even in France) really exhausted me too, so I completely see what you mean. It’s hard to find a more relaxed relationship with time when everything around us says go, go, go—but it feels so important for our health and wellbeing.
Thank you, Pamela.
My American husband has remarked that the only thing the French do fast is drive. 😜
Hehe! I could probably say the same about my French husband 😉
I felt about exhausted listening to this on audio Pamela. The relentless of the clock-watching American style. I think I prefer the more measured approach you are opting for 👍😍
I hear you. The American relationship to time can feel very intense. I’m trying to keep the intention without the urgency—and I’m glad that nuance came across.
I love the photo of the Orsay! And also love the sentiment you have written here. I’m always curious: are the French aware of how much we admire their lived experience with time? Do they equally feel that they live a “slower” life?
That’s a good question, Abbie. I’d say if they’ve lived or worked abroad — especially in Asia or the U.S., which is actually pretty common — then yes, they feel the difference. They don’t call it “slower,” though. They usually just come home extra happy about time for apéro.
I do believe some of this is hardwired. I remember, as a child of about 7, writing down the hours of the day and planning activities for each one. I was inspired by reading a book about nuns in a convent who ordered their lives in this way. I'm an INTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale and find a lot of satisfaction in ordering my days. Maybe it's also a Catholic thing - monks chanting the Hours, for instance.
So true, Amy. I admire the discipline of ordering your days. And you’re right — in the Catholic tradition, the structure exists to free time for prayer, not fill it. I think we’ve lost a bit of that in the productivity rush (in the U.S. especially).
Bonne année Pamela and good luck with enjoying every minute, without looking at your watch! It's how I also prefer to live my life. I gave up wearing a watch every day 21 years ago when I jumped off the crazy rat race... x
Love this, Eva! The only time I forget the clock is when I’m in flow. But sometimes that means flowing straight past my own deadlines 😉
Ah, I know the "problem"... I still have deadlines for a column I write and need regular reminders to keep me on track. 😁 It's so easy - and wonderful! - when the muse is with you and your writing flows. 🤩 I have used Google calendar reminders for years and find receiving a bleep now and then very helpful. 😘
So true. Flow is precious—and a few well-timed reminders can help protect it rather than interrupt it.