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Wikipedia defines patience as the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on negative annoyance.

It has been stated by many that patience is a virtue that everyone doesn’t necessarily possess. However, those who possess the virtue of patience have the ability to wait without rushing around trying to resolve situations that lead to frustration and stress.

Having the capacity to be patient and restrain from getting angry and upset requires a person to have the following awareness and resistance:

  • Not accepting or being mindful of the natural occurrences associated with day to day living can generate chronic stress. “Chronic stress may lead to major depression in susceptible people.” For example, stress associated with meeting deadlines as in property inspections or budget requests may lead to unacceptable levels of stress.
  • Be ready to tolerate delays of nonconsequential. Have you ever become angry when traffic has stopped or slowed down on the interstate? Your patience is tested to the point that you became angry with truck drivers, other drivers, home problems, work problems and whatever comes to mind that is troubling you at the time. Then you realize the reason for the traffic problem was due to an accident. Your anger subsides because now you have a legitimate excuse for being late.
  • Avoid making a decision when you are troubled. Robert H. Schuller said, “…never make a negative decision in the low time and never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come.”
  • Suffering without getting angry or upset. A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where you are and live the situation out to the fullest in the belief that something hidden will show itself to you.

So, when you rush around, you lose patience and the enjoyment of the moment. You also miss out on experiences, feelings, and connections with others. Slow down and be patient so that you can enjoy the beauty surrounding you and you will be less stressful.

Esther Sternberg, MD, a leading stress researcher and the chief on neuroendocrine immunology and behavior at the National Institute of Mental Health, said “Like email and email spam, a little stress is good but too much is bad; you’ll need to shut down and reboot.” If you discover today that your stress level is off the chain, I suggest that you reboot by taking a much needed vacation.

Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!

By Chaplain Ghosten

chaplain@lhp.net