Travel Tales: Revealing My Impatience and Embracing the Rhythms of Life
3 min read
One thing I love about traveling is the opportunity to leave behind the familiar and immerse myself in a world of new experiences. My recent trip to Tuscany, Marrakech, and Paris was no exception. Amidst picturesque landscapes, vibrant cultures, and delectable cuisines, I discovered something unexpected.
Traveling with a close friend revealed our different morning paces. At home, I would often find it tempting to stay nestled in bed indefinitely under my cozy blanket. When the alarm blared, I'd reluctantly reach out to fumble with the snooze button, clinging to the last precious minutes of slumber. However, when I travel, I'm energized and ready to go first thing in the morning. In contrast, my friend prefers a leisurely start to the day.
As the days passed, our differing tempos sometimes frustrated me. I yearned for my friend to match my pace, failing to realize that we each move to our own rhythm in life. My anxious mind would whisper, "We are going to be late," as my fear of missing out on scheduled activities gnawed at me. Oddly enough, despite my apprehensions, we always managed to arrive on time and enjoy the moment.
One morning in Marrakech, I decided to make peace with our differences. While my friend slept, I retreated to the tranquil lobby of the riad, indulging in a cup of freshly brewed Moroccan tea and listening to the wisdom of an audiobook. At some point, I excused myself to use the restroom. Upon my return from the restroom, I found my friend seated on the plush emerald bench with a calm expression on their face. For a moment, it seemed they had been patiently waiting for me all along, reversing our usual roles. This sight shifted my perspective.
I realized that my impatience wasn't just about morning routines; it reflected my struggles with wanting things to happen quickly in life and on my time. I longed for certain dreams to come true, praying and working relentlessly to bring them closer. But in my haste, I had forgotten to embrace the rhythm of life and accept that some things take time. As the mystics say, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape."
For the remainder of the trip, I carried the virtue of patience with me. As we explored each destination, I practiced letting go and enjoying the present, trusting that things would align in their own time.
Through sharing this tale of self-realization, I hope it encourages you to delve deeper into your daily encounters because self-awareness blooms amidst moments of anxiety, conflict, frustration, fear, and even pure bliss. In the wise words of an Uber driver I met while in Paris, "Someone can lie to you, but you cannot lie to yourself." So, I invite you to reflect on your impatience and underlying fears. Reflect upon the moments you find impatience lingering in your heart. Leaning into this discomfort, you may discover a newfound calm and fulfillment in life's dance of uncertainty.
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