I’m always on the go. This isn’t something that I try to hide anyways, so it’s a pretty well-known fact about myself. I’m always on the go, and the thought of pausing for long periods of time seems too foreign to me. Needless to say that patience is not really my strongest suit. Although, this is something that I tried to work on as we all found way too much time this 2020.
When I arrived back home, I thought that I’d only be here for about three months maximum. I was already planning my great escape as I unpacked my bags. I couldn’t wait to get out there again. Obviously, I lacked patience. However, as the months progressed, I had a better grasp of how long we’re all actually going to be stuck in our own homes. It was torture for me…or so I thought?
To be quite fair, 2020 wasn’t all bad. There were things that I’ve discovered about myself that I didn’t even know were there in the first place. I’ve discovered how much of a workaholic I really am and I’ve discovered how passionate I really am about the things that I’m trying to be good at. Although, the most important revelation that came upon me was the fact that home wasn’t all too dreadful after all.
Every single time that I visit home, I try to only stay for two months maximum. I had this notion that being at home or returning to one’s hometown is a sign of defeat. What if I wasn’t good enough? What if this is the end of the line and I have to move back home again? These were just some of the thoughts that lingered on my mind whenever I’m back home. Well, it’s typically the more Western mindset, I’d say, because living at home even though you’re an adult is a normal thing to do in Asia. So, what was I really afraid of?
What was I afraid of?
Honestly, I was afraid that I was going to love being home that I’d never want to leave. I knew that my love for the outdoors and travelling was inherent and there was no way that it was just going to disappear…but what if it suddenly did?
I know, these are all just anxious thoughts that I shouldn’t even be feeding in my head. Although, anxiety was also something that sort of became constant in my life this quarantine season. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not unbearable. I’d be lying if I said that it was. It was just, annoying, to say the least. Because I knew that if I were somewhere on the road, I wouldn’t even be thinking about these things. But then again, I’m not on the road…I’m at home.
I guess the thing with being in constant stillness over the past year is the consciousness that we all get to discover. There were things about myself that I knew were there, but I wasn’t really conscious of whether it’s showing or not. This quarantine season, I’ve learned to handle myself quite properly and I knew how to be patient with everything that’s been happening in my life. I mean, I couldn’t have done it alone. I had my family to support me, I had a great set of friends, and I had God. Quite cliché, really, but it’s true.
Patience was the main trait that I really wanted to work on this year and I’ve got a feeling that I’ve somehow succeeded. It wasn’t easy, to tell you the truth—but it sure was worth it!
I’d love for you to truly discover the things that matter in your lives. Let’s all end this challenging year on a good note by being grateful, by being positive and by simply being patient. I know, it’s always easier said than done, but believe me when I tell you that you’re going to love yourself more when you try. Obviously, not everything that worked for me will work for every single one of us, but here are the things that helped me out during this quarantine season:
- Writing in my journal every single day.
- Listening to my favourite podcasts whenever I have the time.
- Going out for a quick bike trip to my favourite spot in my town.
- Drinking loads of coffee each morning.
- Practicing yoga and trying to work-out more.
- Being mindful of everything that I’m eating.
- Listening to a sermon every Sunday.
As I’ve previously mentioned, not everything that worked for me might work for all of us. However, these are my two cents. These are also the things that really helped me discover who I really am and what I really want to become.
Sometimes, stillness can be way too much to bear. Although, stillness can also be our friend if we knew how to treat it the right way. So simply sit down and think things through. What’s your goal this year and what’ve you been working towards? If you’re a restless soul like me, then the thought of travelling being more doable in the next year is a great thing to look forward to. So really think about the things that make your world go ’round. Then simply strive towards it.
I get that finding patience in the time of stillness is always easier said than done, but we should all try.
Lest I forget, here’s a worship song that I think might be really apt for this blog post. I’ve loved listening to this song and it actually somehow became my anthem for when I was travelling through Latin America. So please give it a listen and let me know what you think by commenting down below!
I’d love to know how all of you are coping in this ridiculously challenging time. Always bear in mind that things might not go back to normal as quick as we’d like it to, but we can all treat this season as a gift. We’ve got time to spend with the people that we love and we’ve got the time to discover what we’re really like as persons. So always look for the silver lining, and all will be well!
For now, patience. That’s all. Blessings, my friends, and just hang in there. The new year is on its way, so just be patient.
“I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Corinthians 1:4 NIV
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