Patience Becomes Second Nature

"Patience can become second nature, if taught early enough. It is one of those gifts to your children for which you will be hated first and loved later." - Marlene Dietrich, actor 


Patience is not one of my strongest qualities. There are times when I lose my patience much quicker than I would like. This quote reminds me of those days when my children were teenagers and I had close to no patience left as they lived life the way they thought was in their own best interest.


I remember the days when my children would look at me like I had three heads because I was asking them to do something that was out of line in their opinions. I wanted to teach them right from wrong. I wanted to lead them to a place where they could have a life second to none. I learned a valuable lesson while I was raising two teenagers. I learned that they had to find their own way and that I needed to respect that part of the process. I did my best to discipline them although I believe I probably could have done a better job with that. I felt an overwhelming need to try to control every choice and decision for them in order to make sure they would be okay.


The lesson for me was letting go in order to allow them to live their own lives. I had that opportunity with my parents. There was nothing my parents could say to stop me from pursuing my dreams and making the choices that I made. I was looking for happiness and I thought I knew how to get it. I have achieved happiness but the pursuit took me on a wild ride for awhile. My children deserve the same chance to find their happiness and achieve their goals.


Today I will let my children and my friends live their own lives. I am here to love and support them all. I am grateful.


MORE ARTICLES BY K KERSWIG