You know how it is when you are waiting for that phone to ring?  Perhaps it's that time after the first date when he/she said - "I'll call you" or a potential employer says "we'll ring you if you are successful" - and then time does a slow motion freeze-frame, wind down.

 

Minutes feel like hours, days drift by with dread dragginess as we play out our worst fears in the hollow and leaden silence of nothingness.

 

Waiting is something that demands nerve, trust and a "letting go" that is both uncomfortable and fraught with fear.  The results of a medical test, hearing from a loved one far away or the poignant agony of the investment of dreams; it may seem frustrating and painful but there really is power in patience.  Waiting is not inaction.

 

In an age where all the accumulated knowledge of the world can be accessed in seconds with a click of a computer mouse, when meals that once took careful cooking and preparation can be microwaved and served in minutes and "24 hour service" has been meta-shrunk to "same day" and then to "one hour" and now "instant" service  - not surprisingly waiting is a concept many struggle with.

 

I have worked with clients who would love to take up absorbing pastimes but because there is no instant mastery of a musical instrument, a new language, sport or cultural pastime don't want to embark on the journey.  They want to leap from A-Z.   

 

But the learning and time invested is the journey isn't it?
The unknown outcome is all we have so isn't it time to let go of the struggle and embraced acceptance? You can't rush the process, you can't get to the end goal instantly, you can't see what the future will deliver - the summation of your dreams, a happy ending or whether or not you'll be keeping all of your own teeth (!) - the not-knowing creates our desire for certainty when there can't be any.

 

We all want things to happen right now.  But think about it.  How many times have you wanted things and if they were delivered immediately you would have missed out on meeting new people and learning new skills along with the thrill of expectation and the sense of something worth waiting for?

 

 

 

But how can you gain real perspective before it is time?  That will drive us mad.

Let go of trying to control what you have no real power over - the unknown.  Let go of needing perfection.   We do not know what will happen for sure, nobody does.   Life is a big splurgy abstract mess we can only take a reasoned punt on.

There's no point in trying to lasso it into place or squeeze that giant muffin spare tire that is Life into a size 0 pair of jeans - it's just not gonna work.

We might even feel victimized by our impatience - why do I need to wait? Why can't I know now?  Why is it taking so long? What is the meaning? What am I supposed to do? What if I never get what I want even though I am patiently waiting/working so hard?

So many fearful thoughts.  Perspective comes in retrospect.  You know that from past experiences, don't you?

Here are some  soothing thoughts if you are agonized by waiting which might help ease your situation from being marooned in the Waiting Room of Life to enjoying the magic carpet ride of the journey. 

• Our present circumstances become part of a larger picture. The answer will come. Let time do its work.
• We can let go of our need to control and figure out everything.
• Now is the time to be.  To feel.  Relish the moment. To go through this and to have lived it is key.
• Allow things to happen.  Learn.
• What is it costing you to always have to know? To have assurance?
• Let whatever is being learnt in us to take its course.
• It will all become clear one day. For today being in the present is enough.  
• All things will work out in the end.  They always do. Trust this will happen.  Even if you can't see it now.
• Put simple trust that all will be well and work out for the good.
• Practice urgent patience.
• Have peace for even this will pass.
• Just as spring follows winter, know the wait is for a reason.

 

I am currently working with some amazing people - CEO's, folk in the financial services sector, photographers, crafts people, support staff, musicians and mums at home - all making real and powerful changes in their lives.

Why not book a 30 minute free telephone coaching session with me?  Email caroleann@realcoachingco.com  

 

Today's flower photos were provided by the talented Rosie Bray www.rosiebray.com