The Key to Happiness: Patience

Today, I feel like I’m losing patience. With a job that is emotionally draining, it becomes hard to reset yourself the next day. Because those verbally abusive people you left there yesterday, will be calling you again tomorrow. The same complaints, the same screaming, the same disrespect.

Recently, my grandfather told me that the ground will never refuse your feet. As I sat confused, he explained that in the times of struggle, the sand will mold to your feet and you must be patient as you move forward. This is your path.

He’s lived through a lot in his lifetime and will continue to see more iA. For anyone who knows him, knows he’s a fun and happy individual. He’s one to make the most of what he’s got. He’s the grandpa that will get up and dance at parties and weddings, even with a cane in one hand.

On a recent United flight, I sat in a seat next to my mom which was a couple rows behind my grandpa. He had the whole row of seats to himself, so I decided to go keep him company. He immediately began telling me stories of his past and things he’s been through.

Eventually, he told me the physical pain in his feet went away for the moment because I was sitting there with him and talking to him. He didn’t even realize that 3 hours had passed. Pure happiness was radiating from his smile. I knew that these rare moments have significant meaning to him. Especially, the moments he spends with his grandchildren. I hugged him attempting to show how much love I have for him.

I have always had a special bond with my grandpa and I grew closer to him on that airplane ride. I could feel his joy and happiness just because of my presence. A type of happiness, I did not know even existed. And his happiness means the world to me.

He’s the one that taught me how to ride a bike, he’s the one I used to drink tea with, he’s the one who taught me how to make pancakes, and he’s the one that took me to Circle K for candy. My sweet Dadoo has done so much for me and I will never take that for granted. I am glad to be a part of his most precious memories as iA he will continue to be a part of mine.

As I sit here today stressing and losing my patience, I am thinking of him and his wisdom. He may be across the country in California, but his words are now cemented in my brain. My grandpa says if you are patient, you will be happy.

Thinking of his smile and laughter, I know I can be happy if I am patient like him.

With love,

A

The Man on the Beach

Sometimes, it’s hard to find inspiration or even comfort. In today’s global society, it’s hard to even tell yourself everything will be okay. Scary things happen, people are rude, you may even be miserable in your current situation.

And now the bad things are the sparkly and shiny diamonds that everyone notices immediately. That is what society likes to point out, that’s what is on the news everyday. The bad is gossip that spreads like wildfire. The good just hides behind closed doors like it never existed. And sometimes you have to go out of your way to prove to others you’re worth the struggle or you’re one of the good ones.

And trust me, it’s not easy. You struggle within yourself and try to hide your ‘flaws’ from yourself by staying behind that closed door.

One day you may randomly meet someone or see something that portrays the goodness in people. Or even just hope for humanity.

This weekend, I witnessed a man who gave me that hope. A man who appeared to have no worries in the world. A man who loves to read. A man who sees the joy from smiling and happy humans. A man who was alone. He spoke to himself, observed mother nature, and stated “Wow, it’s beautiful.”

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My friends and I were amazed by his character, by his joy, by his appreciation. Though I don’t know the man on the beach, I was inspired and appreciative of his demeanor towards humanity.

May the world be full of peace and let there be hope for humanity.

-A