The Art of Waiting: 7 Things I Learned To Do.

I think this is something we don’t stop learning. Waiting is hard and sometimes we can get lost in the knowledge of where we aren’t. It’s so easy to look at the life of your mates and begin to compare, so easy to build up resentment from envy. However, the fact that your mates are ahead of you doesn’t mean you have failed. Everything is time.

I and someone were talking about this. The waiting period. He was sharing with me how he made his first million this year despite the whole difficulties. That’s worth celebrating and I was so happy for him. I have learned that when what I want is in my corner, it means it’s getting close. There’s no need to be anxious or wonder why my life isn’t moving how I want it to. All I need to do is appreciate that my person is doing what he set to and that’s amazing.

While we got talking, I was noting down a few things I put to practice this year that really helped me. See, this year has been a waiting period for me. With this knowledge, I highlighted some things I learned and put in practice.

Do not Decay

When I wait, I don’t let myself go. The fact that things are awry and my circumstances are blue doesn’t mean life stops moving. In this season of less, it is the time to accumulate more. What I mean is I continue to equip myself. I am only of value when I’m useful and I can’t be useful without knowledge. As I wait, I learned a new skill, tried something new, and stepped out of my comfort zone.

Perfecting my Craft

Doomscrolling was something I nearly fell prey to because nothing seemed to be working. I was hardly getting any gigs and my applications always faced rejections. This was hard. I had to constantly remind myself that rejections don’t define me and I am not a failure. It is easier said than done honestly. I got tired just from the weight of the mental state alone.

This is where I had to enforce discipline on myself. I would with all my strength, against how I felt, drop my phone and read a book. I would work on a few videos for free! I would just focus on strengthening my skill and frankly, I have no idea how I actually ate. I made less than I used to. Discipline is not relevant to my feelings. I have to do it even when I don’t feel like it, but by the time I do, it’s always worth it.

Changing Environment

Frankly, one of the things that got me through this year was how often I left my house. Even when I didn’t feel like it, I would dress up and go out - mostly to the ‘office’ or a friend’s place. Sometimes I’ll just stroll. The goal was to leave my house. Staying cooped up for long can be suffocating. It dries up my creativity juice. I needed to meet new people, see and engage in new things.

I attended seminars, workshops and meetings. Not that many but just enough for me to see what I have been depriving myself by constantly staying indoors. I met and spoke with people who challenged my mentality, restructured my thinking, and inspired me to be the best I can be. Many of them are either my age mates or way older. I have learned a lot just from observing them.

Watering MY Garden

You are your best investment. Take care of yourself. I used to feel guilty at how much my toiletries costs until I realised I am my best investment. One of the things that sets me in the right mood is basic hygiene and habits. I like smelling good, so I invested in that. The texture of my skin is what it is because it’s how I desire it. I take nights to put on charcoal and silk masks because I enjoy it. I spend at least 15 minutes exercising because I care about my health. I try to eat right because I understand that my body is not a dump.

If my mind is not in the right place, there’s a high possibility I’d slip away from focus. I can’t handle depression on top of everything else.

Celebrating Myself

This can’t be left unsaid. I have learned to accept compliments and give myself some. I clap at those seemingly small moments of joy and I dance too. After a successful day, I unwind with a Manhwa or Anime. I thank God for His loving kindness and tender mercies. I brush my teeth, take my time in the shower and then lights off. I have learned to be my biggest fan.

Making Plans

I learned to pen down my next step even before the other is complete. I used to be afraid of this because, ‘what if I failed to see it through?’. I have quite the history with that but still, second chances and new beginnings.

Just Start

I learned that the hardest part in doing anything is starting. Once you just start, the rest most likely becomes easy. So, when I have that new idea, I just do it. I try it. Like what I’m doing right now, although people folks won’t notice and I don’t plan on announcing it here or anywhere. I also learned to let results speak.