Perhaps you’ve noticed the odd house in your neighbourhood with multicoloured lights strung up already. Maybe you’ve heard a carol or two on the overhead speakers as you shop at the mall. It’s almost certain you’ve been abruptly greeted with an excess of flyers, magazines and catalogues along with your daily mail advertising all sorts of toys, gifts, treats, gadgets, and what’s-its for purchase. Although it’s still much too early for some, it’s safe to say…The Holidays are upon us!
The Holidays bring many things to many people. But, no matter how you celebrate it, (or choose not to), one thing we will all share in common. As December 25th looms closer, and thereafter, we will all, in increasing measure, be forced to…
WAIT
Lines will get bigger. Traffic will get more congested. Although we’ve been spoiled this year with a very mild autumn, eventually the temperature will drop and we will have to deal with a nasty bit of… (I won’t say it, but it starts with “s” and rhymes with snow.) That means having to get up earlier in the morning and waiting while the ice on the vehicle thaws, and taking time to shovel a path from your front door to the car. Those of us (myself included) who must rely on public transit, will have to wait sometimes even longer for the bus to arrive as the snow slows traffic down, sometimes to a snails pace.
There’s just no avoiding it, people! When we’re in the midst of our waiting, it is so very easy to become irritable, frustrated, anxious, dare I say, self-righteous? As though our time is most valuable, perhaps? It’s natural to think that way, I know I certainly have! But allow me to get to the point of my light-hearted lecture: What’s the best way to learn patience? Wait!
Patience must be practiced. Since we have to do it anyway, why not try waiting with style! Here are some humble suggestions:
- Talk to your neighbour! Ok, this may seem a little too friendly in an age where so many text or tweet, but you’d be amazed at how friendly people can be when a “Hello!” is shared and, you know, actual eye contact is made Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
- Read a book! It can be a book on your phone, or the old school paperback in your purse. This is my personal favourite, as my bus travels take usually more than 20 minutes. It’s also great while waiting for an appointment at your doctor’s office.
- Not enough time to read? Too shy to chat? Why not just breathe. We can sometimes be so rushed that we forget to just enjoy a moment breathing in fresh, crisp outside air. Or watching the people around us. You know, when you witness two people share a laugh and see their huge smiles, then all of a sudden, you realize you’re smiling, too? Or catch an elderly couple holding hands? Take time to catch up on the feel-good moments of just being in this big old world with the people around you.
- Ok, this is may be just a by-product of cleaning houses for a living, but sometimes I tidy as I wait in line at the check-out. I straighten a magazine, push a cart into place, pick up a left-over coffee cup and put it in the nearest garbage. Don’t judge me! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. If it means remaining sane while waiting, I say do whatever works! - Sing your favourite song in your head
- Whistle a tune
- Blare the radio and have a family sing-a-long in the car at that red light
- Say a prayer for someone you haven’t thought of in a long time
- Take those moments to talk to your kids about whatever they want to talk about, or see who can make the goofiest face
Waiting, especially in this boisterous environment of the Holiday season can be right down panicky for some people. Anxiously anticipating the front of the line for that rare item before it’s sold out can be uber stressful. Don’t even get me started on the near upon freak out of waiting to get into the ladies room after too many peppermint hot chocolates! All I mean to say is we can all learn a thing or two about patience, and in so doing, actually enjoy the moments when we’re forced to linger. Not sure you can do it?
Just you wait! Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
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