July 20

PATIENCE MONTH: DAY 20: “Patience, more than the ability to bear pains or endure waiting, is to be calm no matter what happens – constantly take action to turn it to positive growth opportunities – and have faith to believe that it will all work out in the end while you are waiting.” ― Roy T. Bennett

There is always something else I can turn my attention to when waiting for an outcome. I always have a few projects going on at the same time.

Like I said, when I know I am going to be waiting in a Dr.’s office, at the DMV, or another setting, I carry my crochet bag with me to do that. Other times, I find some creative pursuit to do. I have walked in circles around the building when I know I am going to be waiting for a length of time, so that I get some cardio in while waiting, instead of sitting on my butt.

The attitude with which I face this is, of course, the part that really matters. If I am rude and entitled and full of self-importance, I am not going to make it pleasant for anyone. Believing that my time is the only thing that matters is going to end badly for everyone.

I have learned this, very slowly, but is has been learned. I can create a good environment during the waiting or not, it is all up to me. I want to always leave a lot of space around things so that this is the way I get to handle it. I am grateful for the learning of this kind of patience, because it is so much nicer than being all flared up over my seeming importance and exasperation with the process of life.

As we all grow older, life has become way more crowded, way busier, way more intense. We need to be as peaceful as possible in order to enjoy it. That is our job, no one else’s. I love this job. I can become as creative as I like in settings where I get to explore new ways of learning to wait peacefully and calmly, rather than acting like a monster.