Stop and smell the roses. Does this saying have any meaning to you? As college students our busy schedules keep us moving all the time. We are constantly transporting from one place to the next and crossing off items from our list of errands that we run every day. Our westernized culture thrives off of a sense of urgency because we can feel like there is never enough time in the day. This way of living keeps us focused on the frustrations of life, such as waiting, rather than practicing our patience and dreaming of the rewards that come with it.
Getting in touch with our patience can improve our wellbeing. In Sarah A. Schnitker’s scholarly article The Examination of Patience and Wellbeing, she illustrates patience as a virtue that overlooks a hedonistic and eudemonistic wellbeing. Hedonism is a practice that maximizes one’s happiness while minimizing negativity. “Patience directly influences hedonistic wellbeing as it buffers against emotions in stressful situations,” says Schnitker. “It allows the person to cope more adaptively with frustrations and facilitates positive interpersonal interactions.” The eudemonic perspective goes hand-in-hand, for Eudaimonia can be achieved through human potential, so when we are motivated we can accomplish our goals no matter how long the time frame. The connection between happiness and goal achievement strengthens our understanding of patience with all situations of life.
The best way to practice patience is to ask yourself what this virtue truly means to you and how you can benefit from changing your mindset. Find your stillness. Be aware of your surroundings and look not only into your intuition but listen to others and what they have to say.
Patience leave no room for hurry. Have no fear to pause, for there is always time to stop and smell the roses.