Courtney E. Ackerman - 250 Ways to a More Patient You

The Book of Patience

250 Ways to a More Patient You

Courtney E. Ackerman

Adams Media

An Imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

100 Technology Center Drive

Stoughton, Massachusetts 02072

www.SimonandSchuster.com

Copyright 2021 by Simon & Schuster, Inc.

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever. For information address Adams Media Subsidiary Rights Department, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.

First Adams Media trade paperback edition August 2021

ADAMS MEDIA and colophon are trademarks of Simon & Schuster.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Simon & Schuster Special Sales at 1-866-506-1949 or .

The Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau can bring authors to your live event. For more information or to book an event contact the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau at 1-866-248-3049 or visit our website at www.simonspeakers.com.

Cover design by Victor Watch

Images 123RF/Jozef Polc

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data has been applied for.

ISBN 978-1-5072-1659-0

ISBN 978-1-5072-1660-6 (ebook)

Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where those designations appear in this book and Simon & Schuster, Inc., was aware of a trademark claim, the designations have been printed with initial capital letters.

This book is intended as general information only, and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition. In light of the complex, individual, and specific nature of health problems, this book is not intended to replace professional medical advice. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions in this book are intended to supplement, not replace, the advice of a trained medical professional. Consult your physician before adopting any of the suggestions in this book, as well as about any condition that may require diagnosis or medical attention. The author and publisher disclaim any liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of this book.

Patience is more than just a virtueits the ability to stay mindful, calm, and collected through any circumstance. Its the intentional choice to stay in control of your mindset, and its a well of strength that you can draw upon each day when you need it the most. Though its not always easy to be patient when personal struggles and modern lifes daily challenges leave you feeling frustrated and burnt out, The Book of Patience provides what you need to restore your sense of inner calm, whatever life throws your way.

Throughout the book, youll find 250 unique ways to practice and build your peace, strength, and patience, including:

• Mindfulness exercises
• Daily habits
• Inspirational quotes
• Enlightening mantras
• Empowering affirmations
• Reflective questions
• And more

No matter how you prefer to learn, build on, and practice skills, youll find things that work for you in this book. From developing patience for yourself and your loved ones to truly cultivating a patient mind, body, and spirit, The Book of Patience teaches you what you need to know to overcome challengesas well as spark inspiration, resilience, and joy in your lifeanytime you need it.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

LAO TZU

Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism

When working on your goals, whether it be for a short-term project or a long-term endeavor, it can be tough to make yourself be patient. This is because youre so focused on the next step that you lose sight of the big picture and instead feel drawn into the tensionor even anxietyof waiting.

In this exercise, you will remind yourself of the end result or the state you will get to eventually.

1. Grab a pen and a piece of paper.
2. Write down what youre feeling impatient about now. For example, you might write, I want to get my LSAT test results back right away. The waiting is killing me!
3. Now, write down the end result of the situation; be as forward-thinking as you can. For example, you might write, The end result of this situation is that I will become a successful lawyer. One day I will be happily practicing law, far away from this moment of impatience.
4. Take a minute or two to think about the end result. Visualize it in detail.
5. Now write a reminder to yourself to be patient. For the example here, you might write, Ill get them when I get them. Worrying wont make my test results arrive any sooner.

Youll get to the end result either way, but you can make it a smoother and more positive experience by choosing to practice patience.

This is a handy habit you can build into your daily life to enhance your patience. Practicing it regularly will help you become more patient with barely any effort!

Heres all you need to do:

Before each meal you eat, take a few seconds to look at and appreciate the food you have. Simply sit with your utensils on the plate or table in front of you, and look down at your food.

Thats it! By simply taking a moment to see and appreciate your food, you are getting your brain used to waiting for something it wants. The more you do it, the less hasty your brain will be in all situations when it wants something now!

However, keep in mind:

• Taking pictures of your food doesnt count toward this time (sorryyoull have to take a picture then wait a few seconds)!
• If you pray before a meal, add a few seconds of silence with your eyes open after you finish your prayer.

One of the best ways to create the traits you want in yourself is to use a mantra. Mantras are handy ways to insert the things you want into your everyday life, by keeping your goal or vision in sight through repetition and mindfulness. Mantras for patience are especially effective because they encourage waiting through the sheer practice of taking time to say them.

Heres a great mantra for becoming more patient:

Peace. Patience. Calm.

This mantra is short and sweet, but it can have a huge impact. Repeat this mantra while you meditate, when you practice yoga, when you engage in mindfulness, or just in quiet moments throughout your day. Over time, youll find that you really feel more peace, more patience, and calmer in your day-to-day life.

A man who is a master of patience is a master of everything else.

GEORGE SAVILE

English writer and politician

This is a simple question, but it can have a powerful impact. When your mind starts overthinking at what feels like a million miles per minute, its easy to forget that you have a choice in how you direct your thoughts.

If youre feeling anxious, tense, or rushed, ask yourself this question: What would happen if I chose to be patient?

Think about how the experience would change if you chose to be patient. What would your situation be like right now? What would your situation be like in the future? How would you feel looking back, when whatever you were feeling impatient about has come and gone?