Donna Duffy spent an hour with us reflecting on her life’s work: guiding women over 55 to shed what no longer serves them and embrace their “signature work”—the deep, purposeful contributions that bring meaning to their lives. It is here that we begin our exploration of time, not as a linear force marked by seconds ticking away on a clock, but as a layered experience where moments of profound connection and transformation unfold.
The Two Faces of Time: Chronos and Kairos
For many of us, time is an unyielding taskmaster. Governed by Chronos—a term rooted in Greek mythology and representing linear, measurable time—our days are segmented into schedules, deadlines, and goals. Chronos drives our productivity and defines much of our modern world. But as Donna Duffy reminds us, there exists another form of time, one that invites depth and presence: Kairos.
Kairos, also of Greek origin, speaks to “the opportune moment,” a time not measured by minutes but by meaning. It is the sacred aperture when the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, when a conversation, a shared meal, or an unplanned pause allows us to fully inhabit the present. “Kairos time,” Donna explains, “is about being here, not rushing toward what’s next or longing for what’s gone. It’s about seeing the person in front of you, not the face of the clock.”
The Seeds of Kairos: Donna’s Story
Donna’s journey into the realm of Kairos began far from Delaware. Born into a large Italian family in northeastern Pennsylvania, she later found herself living in Nazareth, Israel, where she spent 12 years immersed in an Arabic community. It was there that she first encountered a radically different relationship with time and community.
“Life in Nazareth,” Donna recalls, “felt like a suspension of time. Plans could change in an instant if family or neighbors arrived at your doorstep. The focus was always on people, not schedules.”
In Nazareth, the hospitality was profound. A common greeting, “Ahlan wa sahlan,” signified not just “welcome” but “you are preferred.” It was a culture where coffee cups were filled as freely as hearts, where neighbors celebrated one another’s joys and grieved each other’s losses as if they were their own.
One poignant example Donna shares is how her community rallied around her family during a personal crisis. After her son was born prematurely and required intensive care, neighbors arrived unbidden, bringing food, care, and presence. “It was never about what they could gain,” Donna says. “It was about how they could give.”
"We’ve become so siloed in our individualism, but there is such beauty in sharing resources, celebrating together, and supporting one another." – Donna Duffy
Contrasting Kairos and Chronos
The rhythm of life in the Middle East contrasted sharply with the pace of life in the United States, where Donna later returned. “Reentry was harder than leaving,” she admits. “Back in America, I hit the wall of Chronos time. It was difficult to let go of the interconnected, communal living I had come to cherish.”
This stark contrast illuminated the costs of a Chronos-driven society: isolation, burnout, and a relentless focus on productivity at the expense of relationships and well-being. Donna’s mission became clear: to help others rediscover Kairos, not as an escape but as a way to bring balance and intentionality into their lives.
Living in Kairos: Practical Steps
Create Space for Grace: One of the simplest ways to invite Kairos into your life is by leaving room for spontaneity. Donna emphasizes the importance of not jamming every minute of your day with back-to-back tasks. “Buffer zones between commitments,” she says, “give you the chance to breathe, reflect, and truly connect.”
Prioritize People Over Productivity: In our rush to accomplish more, we often miss the opportunity to connect deeply with those around us. Donna encourages us to focus on “the face of the person in front of us, not the face of the clock.” Whether it’s a heartfelt conversation or simply being present, these moments of connection are the essence of Kairos.
Adopt a Community Mindset: Drawing from her time in Nazareth, Donna reminds us of the power of communal living. “We’ve become so siloed in our individualism,” she laments. “But there is such beauty in sharing resources, celebrating together, and supporting one another.”
Practice “Drink Your Coffee” Moments: Inspired by her late father’s words, Donna shares a metaphorical call to presence: “Drink your coffee, stop looking around, and be here.” This simple practice of grounding yourself in the moment can transform your relationship with time.
Reimagine Success: Donna challenges us to rethink our definition of success, moving away from external achievements and toward a life of service and significance. “What if,” she asks, “we measured our days not by what we got done but by how many people we blessed?”
Bridging the Gap: Kairos in a Chronos World
The journey toward Kairos does not mean abandoning Chronos. Instead, it invites us to weave the two together, finding a rhythm that honors both the practicalities of modern life and the deeper call for meaning and connection.
This integration is particularly vital in times of systemic change. Donna’s work with Sage Success Studio, which supports women over 55 in discovering their “signature work,” exemplifies how Kairos can guide us through transitions. By prioritizing collaboration and community, she creates spaces where women can thrive, not as isolated individuals but as interconnected contributors to something greater.
A Call to Kairos
Donna’s journey—from the communal streets of Nazareth to the quiet beaches of Delaware—offers us a profound lesson: life’s most transformative moments happen not when we race against the clock but when we step into the flow of Kairos time.
What would change if we measured our lives not in years but in meaningful moments? What beauty might emerge if we allowed ourselves to pause, connect, and truly see one another? These are the questions Donna leaves us with, urging us to embrace Kairos not as an ideal but as a practice—a way of living that honors the sacred in the everyday.
So, as you finish reading this, take a moment to pause. Drink your coffee. Look around. And step into the Kairos of now.
Kairos vs. Chronos: A Conversation on Transformative Time
Andrew Rose: Donna, thank you so much for joining me today. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you. Let’s dive right in. Could you tell us a bit about where you are now and what you’re working on?
Donna Duffy: Thank you, Andrew. I’m so glad to be here. Right now, I’m in Southern Delaware, just a few miles from Bethany Beach. My focus these days is on helping women over 55 discover and refine their “signature work”—the deep, meaningful contributions they want to make in the world. It’s been an evolution for me, stepping away from my marketing agency to dive into this work. And it’s been shaped by personal loss, including the passing of both my parents, which reoriented everything for me.
Andrew Rose: That’s incredibly profound, Donna. Your work resonates with so many people, especially as it touches on something universal: time. Let’s explore the concept of time as you see it. Can you explain the difference between Chronos and Kairos time?
Donna Duffy: Of course. Chronos is the time most of us know and live by—it’s linear, measurable, and governs our schedules. But Kairos is something else entirely. It’s about the opportune moment, a time not measured by minutes but by meaning. Kairos is when you’re fully present, and the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. It’s about being here, now, with the person in front of you—not rushing to what’s next or longing for what’s past.
Andrew Rose: You’ve spoken about how your time in Nazareth, Israel, profoundly shaped your understanding of Kairos. Can you share that story?
Donna Duffy: Absolutely. Living in Nazareth for 12 years among an Arabic community changed me forever. The culture there was deeply communal. Plans could shift in an instant if family or neighbors showed up at your door. Hospitality was central. A common greeting, “Ahlan wa sahlan,” didn’t just mean “welcome”—it meant, “you are preferred.” Neighbors celebrated your joys and grieved your losses as if they were their own.
For instance, when my son was born prematurely and had to stay in intensive care, our neighbors came together to support us. They brought food, helped with our older daughter, and simply sat with us. That kind of presence and care was Kairos in action.
Andrew Rose: That’s such a beautiful example of community and presence. How did it feel to return to the U.S. after experiencing that way of living?
Donna Duffy: Reentry was much harder than leaving. Here, I hit the wall of Chronos time. The pace of life was fast, individualistic, and disconnected. It was challenging to let go of the interconnected living I had experienced in Nazareth. But it also inspired me to bring elements of Kairos into my life and work here.
Andrew Rose: What are some practical ways people can invite more Kairos into their lives?
Donna Duffy: One way is to create space for grace. Don’t pack your schedule so tightly that there’s no room for spontaneity or reflection. Prioritize people over productivity. When you’re with someone, focus on them—not your phone, not your clock. Practice what I call “drink your coffee” moments. My late father used to say, “Drink your coffee, stop looking around, and be here.” That’s become a metaphor for me: be fully present in the moment you’re in.
Andrew Rose: That’s such a grounding practice. Joining us now is Rache Brand, who I know has some thoughts on this. Rache, welcome. What’s your take on blending Kairos and Chronos time, especially in today’s fast-paced world?
Rache Brand: Thank you, Andrew, and it’s a pleasure to be part of this conversation. Donna, your insights resonate so deeply. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we’ve become disconnected from community and the rhythms of nature. In our work at Superstruct, we talk about creating systems that honor both the individual and the collective. It’s about finding that balance—honoring the practical demands of Chronos while also embracing the depth and meaning of Kairos.
Andrew Rose: Rache, you’ve spoken about collective health in the past. How does that idea tie into this conversation?
Rache Brand: Collective health is a perfect example of Kairos in action. It’s about shifting from an individualistic approach to health—where it’s every person for themselves—to a system where we support and care for one another. When we approach health, or any challenge, from a collective mindset, we’re creating opportunities for meaningful connection and transformation. It’s not just about efficiency or outcomes; it’s about the journey and the relationships we build along the way.
Donna Duffy: That’s so true, Rache. When I lived in Nazareth, the concept of being alone didn’t really exist. If something happened—a celebration, a loss, or even a mundane challenge like a water main break—the entire neighborhood showed up. They brought food, squeegees, laughter, and love. That’s collective health. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving together.
Andrew Rose: It sounds like there’s so much we can learn from these communal cultures. Donna, how do you incorporate these lessons into your work with Sage Success Studio?
Donna Duffy: Sage Success Studio is all about helping women over 55 rediscover their purpose and contribute their unique gifts. Many of these women have spent decades focusing on others—their families, their careers—and now they’re ready to explore what truly lights them up. By creating collaborative spaces and encouraging a collective approach, we’re bringing elements of Kairos into how we work and support one another.
Andrew Rose: That’s inspiring. Rache, any final thoughts on how we can begin integrating Kairos into our daily lives?
Rache Brand: Start small. Create moments of stillness and presence in your day. Look for opportunities to connect deeply with others, even in mundane moments. And remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about intention. If we all take even small steps toward embracing Kairos, the ripple effects could be profound.
Andrew Rose: Thank you both for such an enriching conversation. Donna, Rache, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you. Let’s continue this dialogue and keep exploring what it means to live in Kairos time.
Donna Duffy: Thank you, Andrew. And thank you, Rache. This has been such a meaningful discussion.
Rache Brand: Absolutely. Thank you both. Let’s keep building toward a more connected and intentional way of living.
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