Patience is a Virtue.

Patience. One of the Seven Heavenly Virtues (the slightly lesser famous list to its counterpart: the Seven Deadly Sins) and one the rarest qualities to be found in people today.

Think about it. Everything in modern society is about finding the easiest, quickest and cheapest way from Point A to Point B. It’s all about shortcuts and “getting rich quick” because, let’s face it, “time is money…” Everyone is in such a hurry in fear that they will miss the opportunity so to speak… But how much are we missing when don’t slow down to notice?

Whatever happened to investing in something – whether it be with your time, your money, your efforts, your intention – the whole point of investing is to receive a profitable return. That profit may benefit your wallet, your career, or even just your mood. A tree doesn’t magically appear in five minutes after you plant the seed into the ground. It needs time and nourishment to grow and mature. It’s roots need to bury down and develop deep beneath it so it can withstand all that tries to knock it down.

Wikipedia defines the meaning of this virtue as follows:

Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. Accepting the grace to forgive; to show mercy to sinners. Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism.

That extra 30 seconds you gain from pushing everyone out of the elevator, yelling at that drunk girl that spilled her drink on you at the bar, or racing around that slower car up to the red light… probably not gonna make or break your day. In fact, it’s probably going to cause you to get in an get in a fight, accident, have a stroke, etc… none of which are not ideal. Show a little more compassion for another person, place or thing at the expense of your time and effort. Let karma (or whatever you believe in) do it’s thing and reward you when the time is right.

Try to find a point in your day to slow it down. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the moment. Then see if you can take it further than just a day and find more time in your life. Invest in something. Let your roots solidify beneath you. Otherwise the first gust of wind that comes your way is just gonna push you right over.