How to be more patient

Everywhere I go I see people who seem very impatient and frustrated. Some may have developed the habit or behaviour over a period of time, maybe in dealing with arrogant, jealous, selfish and/or unfair people in the workplace and other areas of their life. Some may have seen it in their parents or other family members and have adopted it. It's easy for a person's behaviour to 'rub off' on others. People who are frustrated and impatient are often people who are not happy about a situation in their life and they seem to have little or no control over it.

We live in a fast-paced world where everyone wants everything instantly. Have you ever seen the commercial where a woman pops a package of rice or vegetables in the microwave and within 5 to 10 minutes she has a meal, (which, by the way, is not healthy because when the package is heated it releases a chemical into the food. It's best to heat it on a plate). I realize it is quite convenient, because when you come home from work and you're tired, the last thing you want to do is to stand behind a stove for a long period of time. Your family and you are very hungry, so a frozen bag of vegetables with some chicken strips can make a fast stir fry in a few minutes. Sometimes I wonder how our grandparents and great grandparents got through without all the conveniences that we take for granted.

Another place where you see impatient people are on the road. There are those who are always in a hurry. Quote: Remember, it's not only a car that can be recalled by it's maker. At the same time, there are some people who drive way too slow. They're in no hurry. That's when your patience is really tested. When you're in that situation, turn up the music and sing. :)

In addition to being impatient on the road, here are some other things that can cause a person to be impatient and frustrated:

• telemarketers who continue to phone you even though you tell them you're not interested in their product or service
• too many options when you dial certain phone numbers. Here's a scenario: Machine: "If you're calling about your internet service press 1, phone service press 2" Me: I would press 1 for internet service Machine: "If you're calling about your internet service statement press 1, technical problems press 2" Me: I would press 2 for technical problems Machine: "If you're calling about not being able to sign in press 1, your computer is slow press 2, ..... and it goes on and on. Come on, just give the job to someone and let them direct my call to the appropriate department. I am paying a lot of money for my internet service. You should be able to pay someone to serve me properly.

Machines have replaced human contact and have eliminated many jobs. The world has become very robotic and cold.

Jesus is a good example for us to follow when it comes to practising patience. As christians we should be walking in his footsteps. But then if Jesus had to deal with a situation like that he would skip all those options and go directly to the option he wants. :) Just trying to be funny. Seriously, that's one area where I need more practise, even though some people have told me that I have a lot of patience, that's in certain situations. If I was living in a world where everyone was like Jesus I would be the most patient person.

I've found the following helpful information on "How to Have Patience" by eHow Culture & Society Editor

Life's annoyances and challenges require that we practice patience. But the speed of life often wears our patience thin. Patience is essential because it gives us self-control, helps us be more loving, and achieve what we want. Like a muscle, patience can be strengthened with regular exercise. The right attitude and a little practice captures the power of patience. Read on to learn more.

Study Yourself

Step 1 - Study what triggers your impatience. Notice what happens just before you're ready to blow.

Step 2 - Notice how impatience feels. Identify your own feelings of annoyance or irritation. Find a way to counteract your feelings. For example, breathe slowly or tell yourself, "I have plenty of time."

Step 3 - Discover ways to slow yourself down. Patience comes with a much slower, even pace.

Harness Patience

Step 1 - Laugh at the situation. Find the humor in what is often a ridiculous situation.

Step 2 - Think about all you have accomplished when you are feeling overwhelmed. Don't focus merely on what remains to be done. Ask for help.

Step 3 - Count to ten. If that doesn't work, count to 100.

Step 4 - Put a pebble in your pocket. When you find yourself getting anxious, move the pebble to the other pocket. Continue moving it from one to the other to interrupt the cycle of your anxiety.
Step 5 - Take daydream trips. When you must wait, visualize the most peaceful place you can. See and feel yourself there.

Step 6 - Take a moment to notice three breaths at a stoplight or when the phone rings. Notice how your breath comes and goes without trying to change it.

Step 7 - Reduce or swear off caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make us nervous, edgy,and jittery.

The link below is an article entitled "The Power of Patience" by Mary Southerland.

http://legacy.pastors.com/rwmt/article.asp?ArtID=11753

Quote: Learn the art of patience. Apply discipline to your thoughts when they become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success - Brian Adams