This quote is a philosophical musing on the concept of time and our relationship with it. It’s a play on the common saying about lost objects: “It’s always in the last place you look.” When we lose physical objects, we stop searching once we’ve found them, hence they’re always in the last place we look. However, time isn’t a physical object that can be found or lost in a literal sense. It’s an abstract concept, a measurement of existence and events.

When Gaiman says, “I lost some time once,” he’s likely referring to a period in his life that he feels was wasted or not used to its full potential. The “last place you look for it” could be interpreted in a couple of ways. It could mean that we only realize the value of the time we’ve wasted when we’ve run out of it, or when we’re looking back at it from a future point. It could also suggest that we often find the value of time in unexpected places, in moments of reflection and introspection.

Applying this to today’s world or personal development, it emphasizes the importance of valuing our time and using it wisely. In our fast-paced, productivity-obsessed society, it’s easy to “lose” time to mindless scrolling on social media, pointless meetings, or activities that don’t contribute to our growth or happiness. This quote is a reminder to be mindful of where and how we’re spending our time.

Furthermore, it suggests that the realization of wasted time often comes too late, when the opportunity to use it more effectively has passed. This can be a powerful motivator to prioritize our time better, focusing on activities and people that truly matter to us.

Lastly, finding time in the “last place you look for it” can be a call to slow down and appreciate the present moment. Often, we’re so focused on the future or the past that we overlook the value of the time we have right now. This quote can inspire us to practice mindfulness, live in the present, and find joy and fulfillment in the here and now.