*deep breaths*

The post office lady. My patient. The airport traffic lady. Holiday highway drivers.
It’s been a day of tense interactions.
In real time, I think to myself, ‘Be kind. Be open, curious, empathetic, generous–walk the talk, omg.’
And then all I can muster is to not snark, snide, and agress back, to wave politely, say thank you, and move on. Couldn’t quite muster the more loving me.
Some days we are not our best selves. It’s okay. We’re doing our best.
We keep practicing patience with ourselves and others. We are enough.

1. Our world tells us to expect everything now. Our perspective narrows in ways that jeopardize connection and peace. Beware.

2. Something feels off here, and I cannot put my finger on it all the way. Some may say I overthink. I think I just need to understand. Gimme a minute, please.

3. Deep breaths, my love. You’re doing your best. So am I. May we approach each other gently.

4. Thank you so much for your patience with me. Sleep deprivation, menopause, stress, and the state of the world all erode my mind today. Thank you for not throwing me away.

5. Your patience is such a gift to me. Thank you for seeing my efforts to keep up and also do a good (great) job. Please know I do my best for you.

6. You know your truth… You may just not trust it all the way yet. It will become clear over time – let it rise and show itself to the whole of you.

7. Breathe in Hold Breathe out Hold Repeat. It’s okay to feel any emotion. And we can regulate while we wait it out.

8. Consistency over intensity. Small, sustainable change. The results will come. Stick with the program. It will take time. You’ got this.

9. Sometimes it’s most disappointing when we don’t live up to or own standards. We are all works in progress. Every ‘failure’ can help us grow. Keep going.

10. To those who show us patience and forbearance, thank you. May we pay it forward whenever possible. We can all help each other out this way.

11. When you feel harried and anxious, may an infinitely patient soul cross your path, touch your arm, look into your eyes, and share their calm. It will all get done. It’s okay.

12. Their emergency is not necessarily your emergency. There is often time to breathe and approach thoughtfully. Try not to rush, love.