Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Learning Patience

I am not a very patient person, and I never have been.  I sometimes get exasperated easily, and I definitely give up easily, rather than wait and be persistent.

Over the years, I have learned to deal with my impatience in various ways.  One includes that if I think I am going to be in a situation in which serious waiting will be required, I have an activity planned: a book, puzzles, knitting, for example. That helps me to wait.

When I went to work at the prison, my patience was tried: I was at the mercy of correctional officers who had tasks other than getting patients from their cells so I could interview them. I had to deal with meal time, count, work and school, too.  It was one of the most difficult adjustments I had when I went to work in the prison. But, I am the better person for learning that patience.

In the last few weeks, I have worked on several computer installation projects that require patience: installing and uninstalling software is a slow process, and the technician doing it has to be patient while the process is occurring. Clicking too quickly to proceed ruins the process.

I have spent a great deal of time dealing with this activity recently. I have learned to sit and just wait, and watch a screen. I did not get impatient, and I was able to get through the process. 

A good life lesson.

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