patience

A friend of mine taught me this saying: patience is a virtue, possess it if you can, seldom in a woman but never in a man. I don't like being sexist, whether there is truth in this or not.

I have strong feelings about patience. Everyone possesses some amount of it. We have different amounts for different activities. As a teacher, I had a lot of patience for my students who were struggling with various learning disabilities. I did not have much for my body when my MS symptoms arrived. It is one of the concepts I have learned a lot about over the 20 years since my diagnosis.

I believe patience is a skill that can be practiced. Like yoga or meditation the more you practice the better you get. It is important to remember though that patience is not something you acquire and you are done. It needs to be practiced every day. Some days it comes easier than others. Some days require it more than others. When facing a difficulty, we need more patience, but it is often harder to summon. That is when you get the most practice.

Here are some lyrics I sing to myself when I'm trying to be patient: 1– by the Beatles, "Nowhere Man don't worry, take your time, don't hurry"… 2– by Simon and Garfunkel, "slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make the morning (moment) last." I am still practicing, but I have got techniques that help.

Wishing you patience when you need it!

just the way you are

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you remember the infinite possibilities born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

This is a slightly altered version of a blessing that I've seen a lot through e-mail but don't know where it originated. I made a copy of this to sit where I see it every day. It makes me feel better, though I don't always feel content.

As strong as my self-esteem is, I have been having trouble being content “just the way I am.” My mind and spirit are happy, but my body struggles. I have been trying to remember this blessing when I'm having a difficult moment. A slight physical difficulty does not have to unravel my happiness. I just have to remember that.

So, I want to encourage you to look beyond the things that feel as if they are keeping you from being content. Remember the things that you are grateful for and remember they should outweigh the negatives. We are each amazing beings and should treat ourselves accordingly.

That last blessing might be the key to achieving peace. If each of us are content, we would likely get along with our neighbors!