Patience is often the most confusing of virtues. For one thing, many people don’t realize that patience is learned! It doesn’t come naturally for most of us. Here are three areas in life in which patience is required:
1. Goal setting
You’ve heard the saying that anything good is worth waiting for. This doesn’t mean simply sitting and doing nothing, waiting for great things to happen to you. You have to make them happen! When you sit down and write out your goals, give yourself a realistic time frame. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Set mini-goals within larger goals so you can get a better visual of your progress. You’ll feel motivated by your accomplishments when you see your plan developing.
2. Learning new skills
As we get older, it’s not as easy to learn new skills. We can become discouraged, and feel like giving up. People who have been out of the workforce for many years are completely out of the technology loop, and it can be challenging to get up to speed. With further study, research or practice you can accomplish anything in life if you put your mind to it. It may feel awkward at first but with practice suddenly you will feel like a pro at a newly acquired life skill. Never be afraid to try something new. Continue to be inspired and build further confidence.
3. Tolerance
Sometimes patience can mean enduring or persevering in a difficult situation. We’ve all had issues with bad drivers or demanding bosses – even dial-up Internet or waiting on the phone can make our blood pressure go up. But we can use these as opportunities to grow our patience. Instead of screaming at your kids when they’re not ready for school, think of all the times they’ve had to wait on you. Impatience can make people lose their temper and say something they really don’t mean. By contrast, patience promotes peace.
In this age of instant gratification, it is increasingly difficult to accept what is out of our power. Learning patience is truly an art. But it is an art worth learning for your own health, happiness, and healing.
