They say patience is a virtue, but waiting can feel more like art in progress, layered with unexpected textures and colors. In the bustling swirl of our increasingly fast-paced world, marked by the relentless tick of social media notifications and the instant gratification culture of swipe-right decisions, waiting for 'the rest of it' tests our endurance and resilience. Everyone, at some point or another, experiences a period where they feel like they’re on the cusp of 'something.' This 'something' could be a promotion, the results of a pivotal exam, or even waiting to hear back from a friend. But in an age where fast is the only accepted speed, what happens when you’re expected to hit pause?
In our society, particularly in the Western world, the emphasis is often placed on speed, efficiency, and immediate results. We pride ourselves on how fast we can respond to an email or how quickly we can process information. However, this has bred a culture notoriously impatient with the slow and gradual. When faced with waiting, it’s more common to see people whip out their phones, drowning in a sea of digital distraction, rather than embrace the quiet of the moment.
The truth though is that waiting is an inherent part of life. Whether it’s the natural world taking its time to bring forth the blossoms of spring or the cooking of a perfect slow-roasted meal, there is beauty and value in the moments that demand our patience. In these periods, we are compelled to learn and re-learn the art of empathy, as it teaches us to shift from an egocentric mindset towards one that appreciates a broader, often interconnected understanding of the world.
The struggle with waiting does not solely belong to one belief or ideology. Both the liberal and conservative corners, often polarizing points on social topics, have individuals who proclaim the need to return to a simpler time when patience was more of a common practice and less a SOFT skill on resumes. For liberals, there's often a focus on systemic change and social justice initiatives that can take decades to bear fruit. This requires the patience to withstand setbacks and the disappointment of seeing changes unfold slowly or sometimes regress entirely.
Conversely, those from a more conservative stance may also appreciate the concept of waiting, but often through the lens of preservation - preserving traditional ways, thus taking the time to carefully consider before allowing new advancements to alter their well-trod paths. While historically, these perspectives appear to clash, they both reveal an underlying truth: transformation, whether cultural or personal, takes time, and waiting is an integral part of this universal equation.
Understanding and embracing waiting as an active process rather than a passive one can shift our perspective. It's about harnessing the in-betweens, the quiet spaces we often overlook but are crucial bridges between where we are and where we want to be. This mindset might be likened to mindfulness, a practice gaining popularity and often associated with relaxation and zen, but its core reveals a more profound lesson: living in the moment means truly appreciating the moment.
A silver lining of waiting is its capacity to build resilience. It’s no secret that waiting can stir up frustration and anxiety. However, patience nurtures a kind of mental toughness. Trusting the process involves faith—a belief in our own efforts and in the timing of our circumstances. This trust is the bedrock upon which innovation, creativity, and growth are built, fundamentally challenging the fear of the unknown which often accompanies restorative pauses.
Waiting also offers an opportunity for reflection. It’s a chance to sit with one’s thoughts, uninterrupted by the noise of what’s next. Reflection allows for greater self-awareness, essential for personal and professional growth. It aids in making informed decisions and, often, in igniting creative breakthroughs we might have overlooked if fixated solely on immediate outcomes.
There's also a sweet hint of irony in how waiting can prepare us for the unexpected twists and turns life might surprise us with. Much like exercise conditions our bodies, waiting conditions our ability to cope with unpredictability. It encourages adaptability—a trait indispensable in our rapidly shifting socio-political and economic landscapes.
For Gen Z, who are navigating adulthood in a world drastically different from the one experienced by previous generations, understanding and appreciating the process of waiting can be empowerment. As a digital-first generation, waiting might not often be a top priority, but when framed as a strategic pause rather than an indefinite idle, it can be a powerful ally. Especially, in advocacy for social causes where patience meets passion, progress can be visible when allowed to unfold over time.
While the challenges and frustrations of waiting will never entirely dissolve, viewing them through a lens of patience and potential can transform an otherwise obligatory lull into an enriching segment of life’s trajectory. What lies in waiting isn't just the rest of it but a deeper capacity to thrive in its midst, with patience as our guide.