Wednesday Whims.

If you are not aware, or don't remember, the ages of 19-25 (give or take a few years) can be a very stressful time. It's like you've started figuring out the world and yourself, but you still have no idea what you're doing. And if that doesn't apply to you, please come find me. As soon as possible, if you will.

We've already discussed a little bit about living simply. Or at least I've mentioned that I try to nowadays. One of the things that I feel goes hand in hand with simplicity is finding patience. Oh Lord, is that one ever hard for me. I do try though.

There's this quote about patience that goes something like this: "Patience is not the ability to wait, but how you act while you're waiting."

No one is perfect, and I am absolutely no exception. Patience is a hard one for all of us- I don't believe I'll ever stop working to be patient. But what I've realized is that the times where I am patient, I feel much more calm and at peace. (Duh.)

This time of the year is especially hard to instill patience within yourself- it's hot, it's busy, it's stressful. For myself, moving to a new building with broken A/C in a new area with two roommates has been trying enough. My goal this week is to practice patience and it could be your goal as well. Not only will others in your life be thankful for it, but so will you.

Three Ways To Inculcate Patience In Your Life

1. Meditation

This one always makes people wary because they don't always undersand what it means. Meditation is not just sitting cross legged on the floor making an "ohm" sound... although if that's what clears your mind then you are most certainly welcome to it. Meditation can be praying, it can be journaling, laying in your bed just staring at the wall... However you relax and calm your anxious mind is how you can meditate. Focus on your breathing, set all your troubles aside. Ground yourself in the present, not in the problems of the past or worries of the future. Hint: if you think meditation just makes you more anxious, you are not doing it right.

2. Understand WHY.

Before you scoff at this one, just wait. Determine why you feel impatient. Are you actually frustrated by the situation or is there something else going on in your life that is impacting your attitude towards everything else? When you understand where your impatience is coming from, it is easier to let go of your negative feelings and put your energy towards something more positive.

3. Fake It Till You Make It.

Oh boy, this is a hard one. Honest to goodness though, it works. This one is pretty self explanatory.

Here's to hoping your week is full of positive vibes, something exciting, and of course, lots of patience! Until next time, dear readers!

#wednesdaywhims