What is the meaning of patience?
-
about the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.“you can find bargains if you have the patience to sift through the dross.”
-
BRITISHany of various forms of card game for one player, the object of which is to use up all one’s cards by forming particular arrangements and sequences; solitaire.”
There are countless situations in our daily lives that require patience. We’ve found that when traveling the world, a number of circumstances tap into our ability to be patient. Why exercise this aspect of life?
For us, it all boils down to avoiding negative emotions that result in stress. Yes, stress is good for us to some degree when we have a variety of tasks to accomplish. It can motivate us to get a “job done,” let alone a “job well done” or, in other cases, a task accomplished with finesse and dedication.
But patience is often the barometer of how we feel when we don’t have total control of a situation’s timing…and we must wait patiently.
Right now, we need to be incredibly patient when our lives are up in the air. If we had a permanent home, the current state of being might be easier. We could go about our daily lives and responsibilities, only waiting for an appointment, a result, or a change in situation.
For us, waiting for the upcoming appointment is an event that can greatly impact our lives, which is prevalent in our minds now as we wait to hear when our appointment at the Cleveland Clinic will be. It has entirely put our lives on hold in the following manner:
- We can’t book a hotel in California when we leave here in 23 days to visit my sister.
- We can’t confirm our visit to Utah to see friends Gary and Marylin on our way to Minnesota.
- We can’t confirm our arrival date to Minnesota and Wisconsin to visit family when we may end up in Cleveland during that previously planned visit.
- When we hear from Cleveland Clinic, we may have to leave here right away before the end of the one-month rental, in the event of an early arranged appointment (less likely).
- We can’t book prepaid cars now for better pricing while we’re unsure of dates.
I am more inclined to plan things, so my patience is being tested. Tom is okay, not knowing what’s next until the last minute. That’s more of a “guy thing” (not intended to stereotype all males as possessing this quality). But, I am taking lots of deep breaths and continuing to exercise to control any potential stress that this experience may precipitate.
Is patience a virtue? I found this little morsel online that sums it up quite nicely:
“Patience is a virtue in many religions and moral traditions. It is defined as the ability to wait without complaint and to respond to minor irritations with kindness and gentleness. Patience is also considered a moral virtue that can contribute to happiness and living well.”
So true! I am working on it, staying busy, cheerful, and without complaint. We’ll see how that goes.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, April 7, 2014:
