If you ask the Universe for patience, it does not give you patience. It gives you the tests necessary to develop patience on your own. ~Morgan Freeman, I think… Life’s tests will develop the person you want to be.
Whatever you believe in, God, the Universe, a higher power, whatever, when you ask for the ability to improve, you will be tested, not simply handed the ability. If you desire the patience to manage rude customers, you won’t immediately gain patience tomorrow. Wishing for the strength to be there for a friend in need doesn’t come automatically. The hope of a healthier lifestyle doesn’t happen just because you hope.
Any improvement comes from facing the obstacles that prevent the improvement from happening. Healthy choices don’t become easy overnight, they take time to develop. You’ll be put to the test every day and it’s up to you to choose that which helps you progress. Patience doesn’t form haphazardly, it comes from interacting with those people who elicit your feelings of impatience and your choice to stay present.
Any habit is formed with time and tests. If it came easily, everyone would do it. But, since you’re aware enough to know you’re doing something less than adequately, you have the ability to not resent, but wish for life’s tests. You’re able to wish for a skill and recognize when it’s put to the test, then make the choice to train the muscle.
It would be nice to develop these habits overnight, but that’s not how it works. So when you wish to be better, be prepared to be challenged. Be grateful for each opportunity to break old ways and try new methods. Be thankful because these moments create the person you want to become.
February 7, 2023
