Sunny Side Up: Time flies – but don’t let it, savour life instead

We live in an age that pushes us to be faster, busier, and endlessly available, yet what keeps us going is the ability to step back, take stock, and give time to what matters most. — 123rf

In September 2025, I spent time in Rome and found it surprisingly difficult to adjust to the more relaxed pace of life espoused by Italians.

A friend had suggested it might be a “pleasant culture shock” to spend time in a world where mealtimes are slow and social, and enjoyment is prioritised over efficiency. Like any major city, people are busy and have things to do, but it felt like they also knew how and when to slow down, enjoy their food and their company.

Being in La Città Eterna (the Eternal City), there was much to see and do, from the Roman Forum to the Sistine Chapel, and many gelato shops. My wife and I found ourselves among throngs of people, but the place somehow felt unrushed.

The first of two memorable moments came when I stood in front of St Peter’s tomb in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica. Emperor Constantine began building the first St Peter's Basilica in the fourth century, directly over the tomb, which was first marked in the second century.

The second was standing in the ruins of the Curia of Pompey, which is accepted as the site where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44BCE. If ever a place shows that time flies – and to savour what time we have – Rome is a constant reminder.

It was surreal standing at the spot where one of the most famous political events shaping world history took place over 2,000 years ago. Today, it sits just across from a McDonalds. There’s a real sense of our own time being “just a blip” in the grand scheme of things, but also a feeling that we all make our mark, and life is to be enjoyed while we have it.

As I flew back to Malaysia, I thought about pieces of advice from two successful men who could hardly be accused of laziness or drifting through life. They both emphasise the importance of slowing down and savouring the joys of life.

The first came from Rev Neil Urquhart, who I’ve known since I was in primary school and who remains a dear friend and mentor. He once told me that, in his diary, he has the word “course” written regularly.

“No one realises it means golf course,” says Neil, “but I make sure to have time for myself, friends, and of course, family. If you don’t protect some of your time, someone will always find a use for it.”

To this day, I’ve yet to find a busier man of the cloth. Yet, his energy and work ethic seem fuelled by rest and leisure rather than hampered by it – a message that might feel counterintuitive in today’s culture.

The second was from Lee Lung Nien, former CEO of Citibank Malaysia, and current Citi Country Officer and Banking Head for Singapore. A man with many interests including car racing, scuba diving, and drumming, he often highlights the importance of “getting a life”.

Lee suggests that having a life outside work can offer a lot of interesting experiences, which therefore makes for an interesting life that others will be interested in learning about.

Getting a life is also likely to expand our knowledge, emotional intelligence, social skills, and contextual intelligence – all qualities that help us stand out in an age where most people have impressive CVs.

What strikes me about both men is that they see life as a privilege rather than a right, or something to rush through. Each continues to enjoy a successful career in their respective professions, but they always make time for the important experiences and people outside work. 

We live in an age that pushes us to be faster, busier, and endlessly available, yet what keeps us going is the ability to step back, take stock, and give time to what matters most.

Whether that’s enjoying a meal without rushing or making space for passions beyond the office, these intentions are what give us a psychologically rich life, which is the opposite of feeling like we’re going through the motions.

“Tempus fugit” – time flies. It’s a theme I write about often, but given how easily we can find ourselves sucked into the whirlwind of constant doing, it reminds us that life really is a privilege to savour while we’re here.

The columnist will launch his latest book, The Tyranny of Speed, with co-author Prof Eugene Tee, at The Gallery, Level 1, Sunway University, on Oct 8 at 4pm. Attendance is free but requires registration at bit.ly/launchspeed.

Sunny Side Up columnist Sandy Clarke has long held an interest in emotions, mental health, mindfulness and meditation. He believes the more we understand ourselves and each other, the better societies we can create. If you have any questions or comments, e-mail [e-mail]. The views expressed here are entirely the writer's own.