What to do in the waiting
Time and the concept of waiting are powerful experiences in our life.
Time is a funny thing…
It seems to go fast when we’re busy.
It seems to go fast when we’re having fun.
It seems to go slow when we’re uninspired or unmotivated.
It seems to go slow when we’re waiting.
Often we don’t know what to do when time is going slow. Sometimes we reach for something to distract us from the discomfort of waiting, grasping at the hope that the time will go faster, all the while knowing the length of a minute is still 60 seconds.
In this waiting, we can use our energy to be frustrated or to complain about the time going slow… or we can conserve energy by leaning into the discomfort.
Trust me, I don’t particularly like leaning into the discomfort either. I remember so clearly as a kid, trying to think about what I could do so that tomorrow would come sooner when I was excited about playing netball, seeing friends or celebrating Christmas or my birthday. I still catch myself today, trying to trick myself into thinking I can make the time go faster! Sometimes I even pray for God to make the time go faster… (I’m sure I’m not the only one who does that!) 🙂
So what can we do in the waiting?
Here are my 4 suggestions:
- Do something. Do what you can. – It’s not helpful to anyone if you sit around and do literally nothing (unless that’s your goal as a form of self-care). Often when we literally do nothing it makes us feel less motivated and focused.
- Practice Gratitude. – Be grateful for what you do have. If the waiting is waiting for something you want, then spend your time looking for things you already have and are blown away by. This helps to increase our perspective on life and on the importance of the thing we’re waiting for. It may not change our desire for it. It can help us to see the joy, love, grace and hope on the journey instead of missing the lessons we can only learn along the way.
- Spend time with those you love and who build you up. – In the waiting, connection, love and support will be vital. Don’t waste your time with people who pull you down and make you feel worthless. Spend time with people who want what you want as much as you want it. Most of us are waiting for something – sometimes we just don’t share it.
- Practice self-care and self-compassion. – Be kind to yourself. Treat yourself well. Talk to yourself the way you talk to someone you love. It’s easy in the waiting to try and find reasons for why you’re still waiting… that’s not always helpful (at least it’s not helpful to dwell on it).
Waiting can be one of the hardest journey’s you take in life. It’s also one of the best journey’s to learn the most about yourself, those around you, your worldview and how you want to contribute to the world.
Friend, if you’re on the waiting journey, know that you are not alone. Keep on keeping on and try engaging with one of the suggestions above to help keep you motivated and focused.
Take care on your journey of waiting.
