The Reward of Patience

 

 

Have you ever wondered what the reward of patience is?
When we exercise patience, do we receive what we are hoping for? What do we have in mind? What are our expectations?

During my childhood in France, there was not a lot of patience. In this family of seven, sometimes even eight or nine, we would live in chaos. One of the two leading members had no patience and the other one, very little.  They were too busy, too conflicted and had too many responsibilities that were not well distributed.

Two others got along like oil and water. Lot’s of sparks, but not the fun kind. Another one was constantly expressing anger.

Periodically, it took at least six arms and six hands to drag this one under a cold shower. I could hear the screaming. Because I was used to it, I just kept on doing whatever I was doing, which was to stay out of everybody’s way. Always.

I can say, I lived in a constant state of uncertainty and fear when I was growing up. One can’t be an empath and clairvoyant and feel good or normal when living in such an intense environment.
So, how and where did I learn patience? Definitely not in my French family, I learned patience on my own as a parent.

Children are teachers. On the days I was going with the flow, my kids were listening, loving and fun. We experienced easefulness and laughter. On the days I was conflicted, they were like cats and dogs and saying NO to anything and everything. I was losing my patience.

My goal when exercising patience was not to have exemplary kids but, rather to have easier days with them.

I learned to dance with the commitments, the obligations and the unexpected. As I went with the flow, I learned patience.

I learned that the reward of patience was patience. Yes, just more of it.
I printed off the computer a long banner. Printed in large letters was this quote: The Reward of Patience is Patience. I pinned it to the wall as a reminder. It helped me. I was reminded to let go of my expectations, of the outcomes. All I needed was to trust. By being patient I would acquire more patience. I did. It was a fine balance.

When we need a little more patience in our busy life, when we need some help, we can take Impatiens from Dr. Bach’s line of flower essences.

Impatiens helps with time constraints, impatience with one’s self or with others.
When we exercise patience, others around us feel safe.