Be Patient. Good things come to those who wait.

Be Patient. Good things come to those who wait.

As part of our New Years resolution my husband Mike and I have decided that once a month we'll put a word on our kitchen chalkboard to guide us through the month.

I let Mike choose the word for February. He chose PATIENCE. I wasn't sure what to say when I saw the word PATIENCE in my kitchen in black and white. This is a word I struggle with as Mom, Wife, Business Owner, Neighbor, Shopper at Target, etc. At times my patience is limited, short or just non-existent. Each day I rush through my to do list to start the next project, clean the next room, get the next mailing out or bill paid. With two spunky toddlers my patience is tested daily, sometimes hourly, sometimes by the minute, depending on the day. And don't get me started on the dog.

I have a feeling Mike realizes all of this and PATIENCE is my word this month. This might have been a good idea. (Don't tell him that.)

In a world of instant gratification with smart phones, tablets, microwaves, car starters, On Demand TV and so many other gadgets and short cuts, "waiting is hard" as my daughter says, because we never wait for anything or anyone. So it's no wonder that our patience runs thin with our little ones or with other people when our life runs on overdrive most days.

Our patience also runs thin within ourselves when we try to lose weight or drop a size or the results of our hard work and exercise aren't immediate. Recovering from pregnancy and delivery takes time. Losing the "baby weight" takes time. Getting stronger takes time. Learning a new way to manage life with a baby or toddler takes time.

So as February begins, we'll (more like I'll) work on having more PATIENCE.

- I'll try to be patient with my family and put my phone and ipad down. Maybe a little less gadget and a little more listening and patience with the kids will lessen the stress.

- I'm going to wake up early a few days a week to take some time for myself and be patient with my thoughts and plans for the day, the week, the month.

- I'll try to be patient as I wait for spring, because winter is a beautiful season. What's better than stopping the rush of life, getting a good book or a movie, a hot chocolate and a cozy blanket with your little ones for even a short time?

- I'll be patient as I work toward my goals...my fitness goals, my family goals, my business goals. Good things come to those who wait.

So maybe Mike was right to put PATIENCE on the wall. But don't tell him that ; )