The Art of Patience – How Mindfulness Has Improved My Wellbeing
Moments of Happiness in October
Why I Love Speed – And Why It's Not Everything
For a long time, I saw myself as someone who is always on the go. I often make decisions based on gut feelings, and I love jumping into things quickly. Whether it's in training or in daily life, I always wanted to move forward as fast as possible and keep the next goal in sight. This pace often gave me the feeling that I was on the right track. But this year, I realized that speed alone isn’t enough, and that sometimes, I was standing in my own way.
Maybe you've experienced this too: that inner restlessness that drives us to constantly work toward the next goal without truly pausing to enjoy the moment. I noticed that I often became impatient when things didn’t go as I had imagined. Especially in a time when everything is focused on efficiency and speed, I found it hard to slow down.
How Patience Changed My Perspective
I began to understand that patience could play an important role in my life. Studies support what I had personally experienced: people who are more patient tend to be more balanced and satisfied. Psychologist Sarah A. Schnitker found that patient people have less stress and a higher quality of life. This piqued my curiosity – could patience be the key for me to find calm and enhance my wellbeing?
Over time, I’ve realized that patience doesn’t just mean waiting. It’s about embracing the moment and trusting that things will unfold at their own pace. I found this inner peace through small mindful moments in everyday life, which helped me manage stress better and approach situations with more composure.
This idea is also supported by a study by Brown and Ryan from 2003. The study shows that regular mindfulness practice reduces stress and strengthens emotional resilience. People who live more mindfully are better able to handle difficult situations and report increased life satisfaction. This research emphasizes how valuable patience and mindfulness can be for your mental and emotional health.
Letting Go and Developing Trust
For me, it was a challenge to let go of control and embrace the fact that not everything will go according to plan. Developing patience also meant gaining trust – in myself and in the course of events. It’s still difficult for me, but I’ve realized that calmness is not a weakness; rather, it helps me to be more balanced.
“The only journey is the one within.”
I had to learn that letting go of control is not a sign of giving up but a step toward trust. It has helped me calm my thoughts and handle challenges better. Over time, I discovered that patience is a skill that grows and gives me strength.
Learning to Appreciate the Small Things
I’ve made a habit of being more conscious of what’s happening around me in everyday life. It’s not about making big changes, but about appreciating small moments. For example, when I’m sitting with a good cup of coffee or taking a walk, I try to simply be present without planning the next step.
Through these moments of mindfulness, I no longer feel as driven, but instead find peace in the here and now. This makes it easier for me to be patient and accept things as they are.
Patience as a Gift to Myself
Looking back, this year has shown me that patience is a gift I give to myself. It allows me to find peace and approach things at my own pace. I’ve learned to appreciate not just the destination, but also the journey along the way. Perhaps you’ve had similar experiences or find yourself resonating with these thoughts – and maybe it helps you, just as it did for me, to see patience as an ally.
