Fiji Time

Fiji, and Fijians perplex me! I’ve only been here two days and already their culture perplexes me. And I guess on reflection, this occurs because I’m confronted by what I see, hear and feel, and I need to take on board some of their messages.

I have just arrived on the beautiful island resort of Muscat Cove for a well earned holiday. Fresh from the hectic schedule of ‘Get-everything-done-and-squared-away-before-we-leave’ syndrome, I am greeted by the island staff who tell you outright, in a joking but very serious way, that they operate according to ‘Fiji Time’. ‘What’s that?’ says I, thinking it is a Pacific Region equivalent to GMT, or Eastern Standard Time!

‘No worry, no hurry’ comes the reply. ‘Slow down, chill out. Fiji time’, says the Fijian, followed by little giggle. They giggle a lot here. Probably a message in that too!

Then I picked up the daily resort newsletter and read the Fijian quote of the day… “The day will happen, whether you choose to get up, or not!”

Now you can probably see why I am perplexed. Is it just me, or are these two philosophies contradicting each other. And yet, when you have time to sit on the beach and watch the most amazing sunsets in the world, you have time to dig a little deeper and reflect on the wisdom in the messages.

Here’s what I think this gentle and wise race of islanders are suggesting to us Westerners…

1. Live your life somewhere between ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ and ‘Seize the day’
2. Hedge your bet somewhere between ‘Take it easy’ and ‘He who hesitates is lost!’
3. Operate  somewhere in between ‘The early bird catches the worm’ and ‘Look before you leap’
4. Adopt a line that is centered somewhere in between ‘JUST DO IT’ and ‘The Six P’s’ (Prior Preparation Prevents Pretty Poor Performance!)

It reminds me of that saying that not to many people on their deaths beds, wish they had spent more time at the office! These first few days relaxing in Fiji have caused me to reflect on how I lead my daily life.

Now, finally, comes the dawning, that we were designed to work, rest, and play. I have been working 25 years now since leaving school, and I think I have forgotten to balance the last two!