The Power of Patience
By Mary Skobieranda
“Patience is a virtue.” I’m sure you’ve heard that saying more than once in your lifetime. I certainly feel like it's been ingrained into my memory over the years. At first, it’s usually when you’re young and need to learn to wait your turn and share with others. While it’s never the most comfortable or ideal to wait around for what you want or are hoping for, patience is a vital quality to have to function effectively in many situations. But it becomes just as crucial as we get older and more closely acquainted with our overwhelming culture of productivity to show that same virtue of patience to ourselves.
This year is different. Sometimes it’s hard to acknowledge, but a significant percentage of the routine and activities that would bring joy and variability to life aren’t feasible at the moment. Personally, I’ve felt that these situational factors make it much easier to slip into self-criticism just because of the lack of coincidental interaction and excitement. So be patient with yourself for the sole reason that enduring a period of unprecedented change isn’t easy.
Furthermore, the idea that every day is going to be the perfect pinnacle of productivity is unfortunately unattainable, and it feeds into an unhealthy mindset that will inevitably burn you out. When less gets done than expected, remember that it ends up being more productive for your overall health to give yourself grace than get frustrated at simply being human. If something doesn’t work in your favor, allow it to pave new paths rather than harping on what could have been different. It’s easier said than done, but it can free you of a multitude of unnecessary pain. It is more important that you commit time and effort to what makes you feel holistically well than run yourself into the ground chasing unhealthy perfection.
Change your mindset this semester to encompass patience, and let off at least a little of the pressure you put on yourself! Caring for yourself on all levels is productive, even if that means indulging in much needed rest. Be patient with yourself as you strive toward goals and in your relationships with other people. You’ll probably find that this improves the quality of these endeavors in the long run anyway. This patience will bring you back to the present in a way that ultimately prioritizes gratitude for the present rather than constantly striving for an unfulfilling more. It is infinitely more rewarding to find joy in healthy balance while pursuing goals. It ultimately allows you to be a more grateful, genuine person. Next time you are ready to fall into that negative mindset, remind yourself that you deserve the virtue of patience that you also give to others.
