Patience: It’s difficult to have and preserve.
Don’t even get me started on traffic, or the lines at Starbucks. We all deal with the art of waiting the best we can. What I do notice is that I find myself getting used to the pace of things, when I have been around it a while. Call it “selective” patience. For instance, I have no trouble embracing people, who need help with exercise, or holding a door open for a senior, who is struggling. I have even been known to help my husband practice lines for his auditions.
When we prepared to leave the country for Cuba on a missionary trip, I knew that not only I needed to prepare physically, but also mentally. We were given specific instruction on how to dress and the handling of our travel documents. We were also told that our ATMs and credit cards would be of no use; that open food was not allowed into the country (thank goodness my bulk nuts and power bars were sealed!); We’d even have to be patient when dining, because nothing moves fast in Cuba; and we could just forget about non-smoking rules. We also could not expect Internet service to be easily accessible, if at all!
Travelling from the U.S. to a foreign (communist) country can be nerve-racking. I am not thrilled with flying in general, so after leaving the states I was very nervous and lacked the patience to get through security on one end (in the states) and customs in Cuba on the other. Lack of control came to mind. Going home, it was worse! Our plane was late and I feared not making the connection home. We were able to catch a later flight and used the time to our advantage…. What a concept!!!
When I moved to LA in 1980, Iknew I had no choice but to slow down. I was used to the accelerated pace of NYC and I thrived in that environment. For instance, when I went to the supermarket in LA for the first time, it made me crazy. The checkers would say, “How are you today?” My response was cordial, but what I thought was: “Do they really care?” This was not a social call, just marketing! All I wanted to do was pack my own groceries and get out. I was an expert in packing, since my first job during college was a cashier at Waldbaums (similar to LA’s Ralph’s market) on Long Island. To this day, I can still pack a mean grocery bag and FAST.
Patience is a virtue, and I am tested every day. With time and maturity (I am six months away from my 60th birthday), I am reminded daily how lowering my stress level begins with slowing down my mind. My grandfather had it all figured out. He was one of the most patient men I ever knew, and a role model for many in my family and others, who knew and loved him. No wonder he lived to be almost 100.
So, for now, consider how patience affects your life, whether you want to master a new skill, be a caregiver or improve your overall well-being and health. Treat every day as if it were Monday, if you want to make changes.
If you need that extra motivation for someone you love or to kick start your own healthy lifestyle, consider:
- Sweating out the effects of menopause, including minimizing that belly you never had before
- Losing those last 20 pounds that you no longer have patience for
- Challenging yourself, without the risk of injury
- Improving your self confidence, posture and balance
If you are a hardcore fitness buff, who prefers high intensity and wild music, Lori Michiel Fitness (LMF) is not for you. Rather LMF offers a non-intimidating workout, designed for midlife adults and seniors, yet it is anything BUT routine! For more information, go to our website or contact us for a private consultation. Our Lori Michiel Fitness team specializes in helping you gain confidence with the challenges you face in starting or returning to a fitness program.