by Jean Tate
I have always known that patience is not natural for me. Early on I realized it at every turn, feeling twitchy when I had to wait for anything to happen. I wanted to get on with things and do whatever I could do to make things evolve.
I learned to sew and make clothes from my mother but what I began to realize is that I did not want to turn a project into a several day event. Whatever I began had to be finished, or near completion, that same day. Sometimes it evolved into late night but I didn’t care……it was going to be done! If I was tasked with weeding a flower bed, I did not stop until the entire section was done.
When I was pregnant with my first child, as the story goes, and I had been given a bassinet as a shower gift from my coworkers upon retirement, I insisted my husband help me trade it in for a larger 6 month crib that very night. No waiting for tomorrow or the weekend for me!
As everyone knows pregnancy cannot be hurried or rushed. It has a set timeline and one never knows what it may be. I remember the last few months of each of my four pregnancies pushed at my patience without a doubt but as I found out each one was well worth it, hands down! As a result I have three daughters and a son that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
I have tackled many craft projects over the years which fuels my creative side and I get a sense of fulfillment from it. However, again they have to be completed in one setting if I have anything to say about it. Whether it was macrame many years ago, patchwork quilting, ruffled tablecloths, Christmas socks for my family or baking cutout cookies…..yup……one setting at a time!
I have this drive within me to make a difference in almost any situation and continually find myself with this urgency to have my actions contribute and experience the results as soon as possible. I do not want to be the one who procrastinates and chases my tail in a circle. I discovered my love for writing along the way and usually get all my thoughts organized in one sitting…..maybe with a little tweaking before finalizing. I have written regular informative newsletters as well as contribute to this blog whenever I get the urge. I began writing customized poems for special occasions, not only for my loved ones, but for others as well when asked……and now have a large collection of topics to draw upon, including motivational themes and subjects that I was faced with during my career.
Things have tempered a little over the years as my life has meandered this way and that, learning that some things demand time to evolve. I continue my commitment to making things memorable and enjoyable but not with the frenzy I had in my youth. I have recently taken up beadwork, making wrap and stretch bracelets, but again each one is completed in one sitting. I have enjoyed the creativity and it continues to feed me as I look back at each finished product with a sense of pride.
At this particular point in time, I am awaiting a surgical knee replacement and realize my patience is challenged once again. I want it over and done with as I wait for the doctors and insurance to get me scheduled. What should have been a month or two journey has resulted in 6 months and still going. Shall I say I am frustrated at the least? This has tested me more than anything that has come before as I want to get back to my routine. BUT, I have learned over the years that some things are beyond one’s control and you must just live with it. Keeping my mind busy and getting on with what feeds me helps. I continue my love of composition and writing, creating beautiful jewelry and making a difference to those in need. Positioning my thought process is key…..and being thankful every day for what God has given me and the experiences I have had and the extraordinary people I have met. Needless to say, I am more than blessed! …………just get on with it already!