Dear Patience

You're one of those feelings that people actually use to name their fellow humans. Strange.

I would never do that. Probably because I don't know you that well, nor do I really like you. Let’s face it, there are some basic things I don’t understand about you. Like what exactly are you waiting for? If you’re all about tolerating a delay … that means something is coming. What is coming in your life? And how do you know when it will actually come? How do you know when the waiting is worth it? And what if the waiting involves suffering? How do you discern how long to suffer before you change course?

"Patience" Line drawing by Jackie Schuld

Seems to me you must be pretty wise to navigate all that. Or you don’t know what the fuck you’re doing and that’s your actual secret.

Ok, I know I started this letter off pretty brusk. You and I have never been particularly close though.

When something tough is coming my way, I’d rather hang out with Clarity or Understanding. I’m sorry, but I hardly ever think of you. In fact, when I’m getting frustrated by how long something is taking, I usually invite Trust over. Self-Trust. Or Trust that things will work out.

I never think to invite you. I guess that’s because I feel like I’m just going to sit on my hands when you come over. I just have to sit and stare at the problem and do nothing. I would prefer to accept the problem and move on. If you’re there, it’s like I have to remember the problem is looming over my head.

Now that I say all of this, I realize I may be making false assumptions about you. I guess I’ve never really taken the time to get to know you. That doesn’t feel good. Would you like to come over? Maybe for tea? That sounds like something you would drink. Though I would love the irony if you came over with a can of RedBull in your hand.

Either way, let’s set a date. I think we need to get to know each other better.

Warmly,

Jackie

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