A peaceful outlook

I recently read a poem by Australian writer Tahlia Hunter that moved me. And in this season of celebration and reflection, I’d like to share a few lines with you.

Patience visited me
And it reminded me
That good things take time to come to fruition
And grow slowly with stability
Peace visited me
And it reminded me
That I may remain calm through the storms of life
Regardless of the chaos surrounding me
Hope visited me
And it reminded me
That better times lay ahead
And it would always be there to guide and uplift me
Humility visited me
And it reminded me
That I may achieve it
Not by trying to shrink myself and make myself less
But by focusing on serving the world and uplifting those around me
Kindness visited me
And it reminded me
To be more gentle, forgiving and compassionate toward myself
And those surrounding me

I work hard to combat the anger and fear I encounter from others with peace, hope and kindness. But I sometimes fail. After cogitating on her words, I felt a tinge of conviction about patience. That’s my biggest obstacle. I’m not much on New Year’s resolutions, but it’s vital that I work on practicing patience with family, coworkers, friends and strangers. I will celebrate the small victories, whether it’s being patient with Roxie, my chocolate lab who thinks being under my feet will get her fed faster, or stifling that dirty look to the driver who just HAS to dart in front of me, or using kind words instead of snapping when my teenager rolls her eyes at me.

May patience, peace, hope, humility and kindness visit each one of you. May you share these virtues with your employees, customers, vendors, friends and family. And may they spread like wildfire among us.

Blessings to you and yours,