There are times when, despite our best intentions, we are less than patient. Whether we direct this impatience at ourselves, others, or our circumstances, it can cause us to react irritably or hastily, which will possibly create a volatile situation, where we end up making bad decisions which leads to stress and regrets.
“One moment of patience may ward off great disaster. One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.”
Chinese Proverb
Patience is necessary for most of our interactions in life; yet practicing patience is usually not easy. When we let feelings of disappointment, frustration, or self-judgment overwhelm us, we need to remember that we are just as deserving of kindness and compassion as everyone else, and we must treat ourselves with the same gentleness and understanding we would give to a small child who is learning something new.
When we interact with others, we need to keep in mind that if we are tempted to react with impatience, more than likely it will make things more unpleasant and just create more negative feelings. If we can take a moment to calm ourselves before speaking harshly or doing something impulsively, then we will put ourselves in a better position to respond more rationally and peacefully.
“Nature never rushes, yet everything gets done.”
Lao Tzu
When life has handed us unexpected circumstances, and we worry incessantly about something, it is time to step back and reflect on the fact that being upset about it doesn’t serve us in the best way. Things take time, and by trying to rush the process, all we are doing is creating more discontent. We need to stop finding faults and placing blame and find a way to accept that patience is required for growth. Just as when we plant a seed, it does not immediately transform fully mature; it takes time.
In any given moment, we are all just doing the best we can. So, it is imperative that we release our fears and worries and the desire to try to push things along before they are ready. Therefore, if we can master the art of patience and trust that things are working out in the best way, even if we may not see it just yet, then we will discover that the possibilities and opportunities for development and growth are exponential.
“Patience is the calm acceptance that things can happen in a different order than the one you have in mind.”
David G. Allen
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