Waiting is one of the most difficult things we have to do. Some of us can sit through it patiently without even lifting a finger. But if you're anything like me, you're antsy jumping around waiting for the next stage of life to come bursting through the door. I know how difficult it is. Whether you're waiting for the ideal internship, a wonderful S.O., or the perfect job offer; your anxiety, impatience, and any other emotions you're experiencing are valid. I could write and tell you exactly what to do while you're in the trying stage of waiting, but I wouldn't be able to relate to each and every one of you. We all experience things differently at different times for different reasons. Personally, it took a lot of prayer, distractions (Netflix and books), and honest conversations to push through my waiting stage.
But here's the thing - we're never really done waiting.
If we spend our entire lives looking forward to the next stage of life, how can we enjoy where we are in the present moment? What really makes life wonderful is appreciating the stage of life we're experiencing and the journey along to the next stage. I'm writing this for myself as much as I am for you because even though I know I shouldn't focus on things I can't control, I still do and miss out on things happening in the here and now. The American mindset teaches us to put our focus forward to the bigger and better from a very young age, and that's what contributes to our lack of focus on the present. If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say, "I can do this just for a little bit. The next thing is going to be so much better," I'd be rich. Sure, the next stage of life probably (and hopefully) has something wonderful in store for you, but doesn't the present stage also have something beautiful in it? It takes a truly special person to see the beauty in difficult stages of life such as waiting.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with looking forward to your next steps with eager anticipation. In fact, that's perfectly healthy and normal. The part that becomes debilitating is putting on blinders so you only see the future and not what's going on around you. Next thing you know, you'll be moving on and wondering how in the world you got to where you are. The phrase "time flies" is 100% accurate. If we don't appreciate where we're at, it'll disappear before our eyes.
Being anxious and impatient while waiting is normal. Let me say that again: being anxious and impatient while waiting is normal! It's difficult especially when you truly need something like a new apartment or a job. It's easy for me to sit behind my computer screen and tell you we're always waiting so stop and smell the roses. I know it's much more than that. After completing a stage of waiting that has been over a year in the making, I can empathize with everyone out there waiting for some kind of change in their life or the next stage to come along.
For me, reminding myself to appreciate the stage I'm at right now helped me get through the anxiety that comes with waiting.
Now that I'm on the other side of waiting, I can tell you the wait is absolutely worth it. I may not understand why I'm going to do what I'm doing, but I know it's right. There's a plan in place for my life. I just need to trust, appreciate where I'm at right now, and put my best effort into everything. No, I know it won't always be perfect and sunshine and rainbows. But I know it's where I'm supposed to be. I also know I'm going to be in another waiting stage sooner or later. I'll be waiting again soon. Remembering the feeling of utter relief I have right now when my waiting is "over" will help me through my next waiting stage.
If you're waiting right now (which I'm guessing you probably are), know that you will come out on the other side. Even if you're not right now, you will be okay eventually. Know that your feelings are valid. Be where you are and live in the moment.
