PATIENCE IS BITTER BUT ITS FRUIT IS SWEET

Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. Aristotle

Now is a good time to reflect upon our patience as another year ends. With the new year approaching, most likely we are thinking about goals and things we would like to accomplish this coming year, as well as reflecting on our accomplishments and shortcomings of the past year. Often times, however, there seems to be a sense of urgency to achieve our New Year's resolutions and to make the changes in our lives that we wish to see. We must remember though, that no one changes in a day... it often takes a lifetime. If we wish to partake in the "sweet fruits" of our labor, as Aristotle puts it, we must patiently endure the time it takes to season, grow, and flourish. In all honesty, nearly every meaningful change I have made in my life that has had lasting value has taken time. And although I have not always been as patient as I know I should have been, I have slowly come to understand the important roles that patience plays in my life. This new year, be patient with yourself. Come up with a plan that lays the foundation and groundwork upon which you will build, and then take each step in stride as you place your trust within. You will not be a completely different person next week, but if you make a resolution to begin the process of change, and adhere to it with patience and diligence, in time you will begin to experience the positive changes that you desire happening in your life. Today's Challenge: Reflect on some of the positive changes that have occurred in your life and how they have helped your grow.

What are some of the changes you would like to make in your life? Do they have to happen by tomorrow? What are some of the processes you will need to go through to make those changes? How can you start the processes necessary to begin on your journey?

Two things define you: Your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.