Living Outside The Lines: P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E. #getsome

According to the 1966 Dionne Warwick song, “What the world needs now is love”. I’m sorry Ms. Warwick, but I must disagree.  What the world needs is P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E….

Becky J Miller | Exclusive to Corridor News

According to the 1966 Dionne Warwick song, “What the world needs now is love”. I’m sorry Ms. Warwick, but I must disagree. What the world needs is P.A.T.I.E.N.C.E.

My research indicates three viable definitions;

1) The quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like

2) An ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay

3) Quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence

While number three is my favorite, number two: “willingness to suppress restless or annoyance when confronted with delay,” seems a great source of contention when much of the world does not practice this aspect of the virtue.

Patience does not come easily for me. However, I have learned, with much practice, the art of being patient. But there are days….

Recently someone called to ask me for information I did not have. I promised to discover the answer and call them back. Within less than thirty minutes this person called five other people with the same question. Big surprise, none of them knew the answer either. I spoke to the person a second time reminding them of my promise to provide them a response. I did secure the requested information, but not before the person also sent an email inquiry.  #areyoukiddingme

I must confess, by the time the round robin of calls and email had concluded, my patience had completely eroded. The situation so exasperated me that I was left with a headache caused by my teeth gritting annoyance.

Had twenty-four hours elapsed, a follow up inquiry would certainly have been merited, but the litany of calls accomplished only the theft of time for five people. Why is patience so difficult?  Maybe the lack of patience stems from a trust deficiency? I like to think of myself as trustworthy but perhaps I am delusional?

Our world is fast-paced with constant distractions and interruptions. Practicing patience in the face of all the commotion only makes life just a bit easier for us all.

So, next time you find yourself in an urgent state of “need it yesterday”, try this exercise; breathe deeply to suppress the restlessness. Who knows, you may surprised with the results.

Until Next Time,
Becky J Miller
“Warrior Princess”

Becky J Miller is a contributor and is exclusive to SM Corridor News. You can read more of Becky’s columns in Lifestyle.