We’re all familiar with the little, rotating circle in the center of our screens, which signifies a device is processing. Our patience gets tested when the command isn’t completed on demand. Often, we’re tempted to speed up the process by pushing buttons. The more buttons we push as the icon spins, the more of a mess we make of the situation. Trying to rush or cancel the request results in having to start over. Worse yet, we discover things we didn’t mean to do at all need to be undone. The best thing we can do is wait and let the machine work out what needs to be done behind the scenes.
My mind spins much the same way when working through emotions. I’m learning there’s no such thing as placing a timeline on emotional processing. Processing takes as long as it takes. Rushing to a solution, sidestepping emotions, or halting the process doesn’t get me any closer to closure. On the contrary, tampering with the appropriate steps ensures I stay where I am or slide backward in life. To move forward, I have to deal with what’s before me. Addressing feelings as they arise is the wisest approach. This idea isn’t second nature to me. I have to remind myself to be patient as the little, rotating circle in my mind takes the time it needs to spin. Then, and only then, can I move forward.
Everyone has their own methods of dealing with emotional challenges. Granting ourselves time and space to work through emotions internally is a crucial part of the process. Whatever comes next in life will be there, regardless of how fast we get there. Allow your mind to mull over what your heart is feeling. Time is the most essential part of processing.
