Patience and acceptance are lessons I thought I’d learned. Life doesn’t seem to agree with me. That or I need more practice. Situations involving both virtues keep entering my life. Accepting what life gives me is easy when I get what I want. When something happens that I don’t desire, patience and acceptance are more challenging. My most recent opportunity to practice these skills came to me as a double tear in my calf muscle. Add in the fact that it’s my right leg, meaning I can’t drive, is the cherry on top. My plans for hiking, biking, and paddle boarding this summer are no longer going to happen. I’m injured, in a boot, and unable to drive for now. I accept that. There’s no good time for this kind of thing to happen, so what else can I do but be patient? Healing takes time, but I’m not known for being a patient person.
Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’ve had to change my perspective and find aspects for which to be grateful. When I apply an attitude of gratitude, a domino effect takes place. Gratitude triggers acceptance, which jump-starts patience. I believe there’s a bright side to every situation, a reason for things happening, and a lesson to be learned. I don’t know what I’m supposed to learn from the experience, but I’ll try to be patient until the message is clear. Situations that challenge me will continue to occur. Each challenge is an opportunity to work on skills I need more practice at honing.
Someday I hope to have mastered the virtues of patience and acceptance, lessons I thought I’d learned. Until then, I will continue to remind myself to change the way I look at a situation and to find the blessings surrounding it.
