When someone tells you to hurry up, what do you do? Do you rev up—vroom and go faster?

For me, it depends on the circumstance and who’s making the request or giving the command. If there’s not a fire, medical emergency, or some life-or-death concern, hold up! Maybe the impetus for the request or command is someone else’s impatience.

Don’t let others rush you. Take your time. Think before acting. If someone is performing or operating within the job or authority guidelines, why respond to others’ impatience?

There may be unforeseen pitfalls or safety concerns if you speed up the task.

I hate when drivers honk at me to speed up or get out of their way. When it’s clear, I usually change lanes and let the impatient road hog go about his or her business. And it’s pretty funny when you meet them at the next traffic light. But in this age of road rage, you try to avoid any ‘you’re-going-nowhere-fast’ glances.

You want to tell them: slow down; you’ll get there.

Patience is critical for everything we do.

Remember when our moms told us to chew slowly. They knew if we patiently chewed the burger and fries, we would less likely have a tummy ache later. Moreover, as adults, impatience can lead to many adverse health issues: ulcers, headaches, and stress, to name a few.

I know this pandemic has tested everyone’s patience.

Patience is a part of self-care, which is a part of our essential physical and mental health. Others call us out when they are impatient with us, but we must monitor ourselves to maintain patience. It’s OK to call yourself out.

Get out of the fast lane and slow down! Your health may depend on it. The time is now to smell the roses in the garden of a balanced life between work, family, worship, and recreation.

So how do we obtain or acquire more patience? Practice, practice, practice!

And practice some more! This virtue isn’t easy to obtain or maintain.

To acquire and model patience, one must be present, self-aware, and ready to do the deed.

From presence comes awareness of the circumstance. Acknowledge your impatience and know you have options. You can choose patience. Being accountable for making a choice (patience or impatience) results in better actions.

Sometimes we feel we have a right to be irritated and impatient. Who wants to wait in line, on the phone, in a traffic jam, or wait for a promotion. We blame others for poor planning snafus that inconvenience us.

We can stop feeling like a victim. Keep our attitudes in check. And work on being patient.

Patience is self-discipline.

Patience isn’t an inherent skill.

Ask your mom or look at some of your baby, toddler, and teen pictures.

When it comes to patience, the Now Generation needs patience right now!

‘When I was 20, I thought I was 30 – but I was so far from it. When you’re young, you want everything to happen now. As you mature, you can look back and see all the great things you achieved with time and patience.” Elisha Cuthbert

Patience is the best choice!

Be safe.