Patience

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” -Aristotle

I chose to write on this topic because of the way certain intense failures and progresses have converged at this time of my life. My posts in the past few weeks have touched on failing and continuing to work on those goals. I spoke about having the courage to get back up after those failures. But what is also key, is having the patience and mind-set to do so. Patience has never been a strength of mine. I don’t believe I ever thought I could ever gain patience because I only do things when I am ready to take on the challenge. So when I am ready, I want what I want, when I want it, which means right away. I know that’s not the way things work; I think I’ve always known that, but I was never able to take a look at the bigger picture. But with maturity, I am starting to realize that just as I cannot be rushed, no process can be rushed. Things happen in their due time and I believe it’s life’s lessons that have matured me in this sense. Little by little, in understanding that cliche, “patience is a virtue,” I hope that my character is strengthened and deepened; because even with continued understanding of Faith, learning how to be patient has been a painstaking lesson to learn.

As stated in previous posts (I hope you read them), I have tried and failed with a few goals. But with others, I now see their progress and imminent fruition. When I set these goals I knew that they would take time, but I did not know how long they would take to complete. It has taken over a year just for me to just to see progress. There were times of frustration, but in seeing that my persistence has paid off, I realize now, how important it is to never give up or force-ripen a fruit, a goal. With the honest labor of love for a given desire, all things will be. And even with the failed attempts, I know that I have to continue being patient with achieving them, simply because I still want these things. I know it’s cheesy, but to me, attempting and failing is life speaking to me. It’s another life lesson on patience. I believe I can have anything I want and work for. So I still work on achieving these goals. I will not give up, regardless of how many times I stumble or fail.

Another benefit through having patience and Faith, is that I am able to fully appreciate other progresses made. It makes me realize that life is a journey and though at times I am disappointed or frustrated by a temporary failure, I am restored to a heart full of appreciation and I take what good I can from it. And in being more patient with the situation, I am more patient with myself. I am able to be more appreciative of myself and my gifts, and realize that I cannot force any given situation or my growth. After those moments of anger, frustration, disappointment and sadness I realize that all those feelings do is blur my vision to my current goals and my current blessings; all I see in those moments are failure, and pain in disappointment. If I apply for a job, enter a contest or try to lose a certain amount of pounds, even if I do not accomplish what it is I want when I want it, I will always get what it is I need to get what I ultimately want in due time.

With time, my goals may change as I change, but in being patient I find I am more clear in mind. I am not frustrated with forcing any given result to happen right away. So lately I’ve just been more conscious of waking-up outwardly grateful for the progress I have made. I am more conscious of being grateful for my number one inspiration, LOVE. I work to keep my goals in focus everyday. And for that I feel wiser; I feel stronger; I feel empowered and more ready to try again at those things I didn’t yet accomplish. And I’ve been more content and happier for it. I never really say exactly what my goals are, but I aim to sustain this mind-set; because perpetual happiness is an ultimate goal.