The Core of Impatience
Al: Some days it seems that I am in the wrong place, with the wrong person, doing the wrong and my timing is off, I'm late or everyone else is. What a waste of time and energy, so who wouldn't be impatient.
Lou-is: For many years impatience was one my major defects and for sure part of the condition and causes for my turning to alcohol as a fix. This defect did not just go away when I stopped drinking.
Years ago I was visiting with a guy that I had sponsored for about three years and that day I had gotten impatient with him. He had Ph. D. Degree in Philosophy and a Master's degree in Business. When I asked a simple question, like how many meetings are you going to a week? He studied the question, it seems like ten minutes before he would answer. That day was a little too much for me, and I told him I felt like a detective when I tried to share with him. He responded with, ------------------------"Yes, ----------------------- I know everyone tells me that."
I did what I am now in a habit of doing, I turn to our Boss seeking guidance. I said something like, I don't know what I am supposed to get out of this, or what I am to share, I just don't get it. I asked for an understanding, and it clearly came to me. Whenever I am impatient I have one thing in common, I see no value in it. My impatience may come in many forms under all types of circumstances but I see no value in it.
I changed the way I view my impatience. I now believe that everyone and everything come into my consciousness for a purpose. I have made a habit of the realization that everyone that I am aware of has brought me a gift, and I have a gift to share with others. If I do not pay attention, I will miss the lesson and have to repeat it. To help me remember I tell everyone I know about my old habit of thought and feelings about my impatience turning into an opportunity. At the first sign of impatience, I turn once again to our Boss for correction.
QUESTION
What are the defects that impatience reveals?
How costly has your impatience been?
What are the most effective tools you have to deal with impatience?