I think that my level of patience has increased as I've gotten older. My parents used to tell me that I was impatient about everything when I was a kid. I stayed in that mode for many years. I wanted what I wanted when I wanted it. Looking back, it seemed like an incredibly selfish attitude.
I've found that waiting for something or someone has it's own rewards. I may think that I want something but now I ask myself whether I need it. If I don't need it, then I can wait for it. And maybe in the future, I might actually get it. It is rare that we have all the planets, stars, and forces in alignment in this life. I have learned with the program and with living life in general that those things that I want to do, have, be or accomplish won't happen immediately. In fact, they may never happen. So, I accept the limitations that I have and tend to work within the sphere that is reality.
For instance, I think some days that I may want a bigger boat. And then I think that having a bigger boat might bring bigger problems, more upkeep, etc. So I don't feel an urge to rush out and act on my thoughts but have learned to appreciate the boat that I currently have. I am grateful just to have Compass Rose and accept that there might be a time in the future when I'll seriously consider a bigger boat, but it doesn't have to be today.
The same thing is true about other aspects of living. I can wish and want until I'm lost in that, or I can learn how to wait. I like the Rolling Stone lyrics, "You can't always get what you want but if you try sometime you find you get what you need. "
Congratulations on getting your certificate !!
ReplyDeleteAs to your recent post...over the years I've yearned for so many things that, when I got them, meant nothing to me. Now I am trying to be content with what I have and I find that I am happier than ever. This life of sobriety is awesome.
Congrats!! yeh, i agree, once I wanted everything now, and nothing was enough.
ReplyDeleteNow I agree with you and the U2 lyrics
"What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day
http://www.lyrics007.com/U2%20Lyrics/Beautiful%20Day%20Lyrics.html
I heard someone say in a meeting once, "I want what I want, and I want it delivered." Weird how we could be once so self-centered that nothing filled the hole.
ReplyDeleteThis post rings true for me. I think one of the problems in America right now is many people want, want, want. I'm not sure many of them really stop to wonder if they really need something like you do. My 2 kids are caught up in it as well, especially with grandma living here who tends to cave into their every whim. I have been trying to teach them patience now so hopefully it will one day stick.
ReplyDeleteSimplicity--in living, with possessions, with desires--isin't it amazing that less is more.
ReplyDeleteAmericans are snowed with marketing that is contrary to a simple, spiritual life.
another good lesson
ReplyDeleteYes, patience... it's a tough one I am struggling with too. I am all 'hurry up and relax' and it's not working so well.
ReplyDeleteduring my stink with the illness, i found out how nice it is to just be, not chase. and for the past coupla days, since i've been feeling better, i've actively tried remaining in that 'non-chasing' peaceful state. and to an extent it's been working. and how? by being patient! by taking things easy. by not forcing an issue. all of which are only possible with patience. well said!
ReplyDelete