How’s that for an oxymoron? As a terminally impatient person constantly challenged to wait, I stopped asking for opportunities to develop patience a long time ago. Nevertheless, they’re just a part of being human.
I imagine that, like me, you normally think of waiting in more negative terms.
- Why don’t they call me back? Don’t they know how important this is (to me)?
- Thanks to my husband’s surgery, we disappointingly postponed our annual trip to Cape May.
- Wait a minute – you made a promise to deliver that by yesterday, and I need it now.
- He didn’t even try to hold my hand; he must not like me (thinking with my grandma hat on).
- I submitted that request for proposal early; why is it taking so long for them to make a decision?
I often forget about the sweetness there can be while we’re waiting sometimes…the anticipation we often forget to savor.
- I’m sorry it took me so long to call you back, but I became aware of a great business opportunity for you and I waited to call you until I got more details.
- Now we can really enjoy that postponed trip, because my husband is now cancer-free. And we’re going during the holidays, so we can see The Queen Victoria (and the rest of Cape May) all dressed up for Christmas!
- Because you waited longer than we anticipated, my company is fulfilling this order for you at a significantly discounted price today.
- Waiting for that kiss was worth it; the anticipation made it twice as sweet.
- I’ve used this extra time to get better acquainted with the potential client; I think I’ve found a way we can meaningfully connect with them that will help secure this contract.
I’m learning to be better at waiting, concentrate on the end goal, and slow down a little bit. As I get older, I’m learning to savor more of those moments.
Where can you invest your time and emotion today that will increase your joy in waiting?