TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Time is a very, very precious thing. It is a limited and valuable resource. Time "flies by" when you are having fun, it is "of the essence" when you have something that needs to be done and it often "marches on" despite our best efforts to manage the pace of daily activities. Need proof? There are a mere 30 days left to take advantage of use-or-lose leave. Finally, the mad scramble to finalize fiscal year 2012 purchases while simultaneously closing out unit budgets has resource advisors and commanders alike in a tizzy.

Instead of focusing on the passage of time or a lack of it being available, we should focus on ways to value the time we do have, making the most of those minutes that aren't wholly occupied by our schedules or pending deadlines. Have you watched the sunrise or a sunset? Have you taken the time to pause and think about those serving on deployment as a C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III or KC-10 Extender has flown overhead? Have you silently thanked those who didn't return from deployment when the National Anthem has played as you drive off the installation? Have you stopped lately to help someone without being asked or simply taken the time to put the smile on the face of a family member, friend or co-worker? If not, why not?

These may seem like trivial things and you may be thinking they don't require much effort or time to do and you would be right. But that doesn't mean they are not important and worth the miniscule time required to act. You strengthen not only your mental well-being but also the relationships you have with others by making the time to appreciate and when able, be involved in the activities around you. Time is a resource and once it is gone it can't be recovered. Likewise, opportunities enjoy life and to have an impact on others are similarly lost if not taken when presented.

Eleanor Roosevelt's quote says it best: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present."

Do more than manage your time, make the most of it.