Practicing the Art of Patience

Hello Friends,

Today I want to talk about the dreaded “P” word: patience. Yes, yes, I know it can feel awful and I can hear all the sighing and grumbling at the mere mention of the word. What I’ve learned, and have to keep reminding myself of, is that patience is about how you wait until your desired goal manifests.

Patient
1 : bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; 2 : manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain; 3 : not hasty or impetuous; 4 : steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; 5 : able or willing to bear —used with of

As you know, I’ve recently embarked on my journey as an entrepreneur and I am being given the opportunity to master patience. Every time I feel like screaming, crying or throwing a tantrum, I calmly remind myself of my commitment to achieving the goals I have set, why I started this journey in the first place, and then I practice extreme self care. I eat well, get plenty of rest, spend time with people I love who love me back and accept me as I am; I feed my mind positive and encouraging messages; I laugh as much as possible and I am of service to others whenever the opportunity arises. I still meet my responsibilities and continue to take inspired action, but I make sure that I feel good. As long as I feel good by doing things I enjoy, then the “wait” doesn’t seem so bad or too long.

I’ve decided to follow the example of the tortoise, you know, from Aesop’s fable: The Tortoise and the Hare. Slow and easy, with temperance and perseverance, and keeping my eye on the prize. Is it easy? Heck no! It’s a conscious effort on my part to discipline my mind and body. I knowingly and deliberately choose how I will behave and what I will focus on to ensure that I stay peaceful, hopeful, joyful and resolute. It is an art form that requires much practice but renders huge rewards.

Mel’s Two Cents: I invite you to create your strategy for practicing patience and then start practicing diligently. Remember: take very good care of yourself, laugh as often as possible, keep busy by meeting your responsibilities and bringing value to the lives of others, and always keep your end goal in mind. AND when you do finally reach your goal, take some time to thoroughly enjoy it and celebrate heartily. Then start the entire process again. Yes folks – that’s life – just as you reach one goal, you’re already off on the next adventure.

Until next time.

Mel