Eliza Hartley
Patience is an art that seems to improve with age, especially among women.
It’s not just magic or coincidence, but about adopting certain habits that nurture this virtue. When women grow older, they often tend to develop more patience.
But how do they do it?
Well, there are seven habits that most patient women seem to adopt as they age.
Let’s dive into these habits and see what we can learn from them in the following article.
1) Embracing slow living
In the hustle and bustle of life, patience can run thin. But as women age, they often begin to appreciate a slower pace.
This doesn’t mean they become less active or productive. Instead, it’s about understanding that not everything needs to be rushed.
Welcome to the world of slow living.
Slow living is a lifestyle that emphasizes a slower approach to aspects of everyday life. It’s about taking the time to enjoy life’s moments and not rushing through them.
Think about it.
It’s the idea behind leisurely Sunday drives, enjoying a cup of coffee on a quiet morning, or taking time out of your day to read a book.
When faced with the pressures of modern living, adopting a slow living approach allows women to nurture patience in their lives.
It encourages them to take a step back, breathe, and truly savour their experiences.
So if you’re aiming to become more patient as you age, consider slowing down and really appreciating the world around you.
Remember, slow living isn’t about laziness but rather about mindfulness and intentionality in our actions.
2) Practicing mindfulness
Let me tell you about my own personal journey with patience.
There was a time when I found myself constantly rushing, always worrying about the next thing on my to-do list. I was always on edge, my patience wearing thin.
Then, I discovered mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It’s about acknowledging your feelings and thoughts without judgment.
I started with just five minutes of mindfulness meditation each day, gradually increasing the time as I got more comfortable.
Soon, I noticed a change in myself – I wasn’t as quick to snap, and I found it easier to wait for things without getting antsy.
Incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine has been a game-changer for my patience levels.
It has helped me realize that getting worked up over small inconveniences or delays doesn’t serve any purpose other than causing stress.
If you’re striving to become more patient as you get older, I would definitely recommend giving mindfulness a shot. It’s not always easy, but the benefits are worth it.
3) Cultivating gratitude
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you”. It’s about recognizing the value in every situation, even the difficult ones.
Studies have shown that cultivating gratitude can actually increase patience.
In one experiment, participants who felt grateful were more willing to wait for a larger reward, rather than taking a smaller immediate reward.
How does this work?
Well, when we feel grateful, we focus on the positive aspects of our life. This positive focus helps us to stay patient, even when things don’t go as planned.
The next time you find your patience running thin, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. You might be surprised at how it can shift your perspective and boost your patience.
4) Embracing imperfections
Perfection is an illusion. As we age, we come to understand that life is full of imperfections and that’s perfectly okay.
Women who grow more patient as they get older often learn to embrace these imperfections – both in themselves and in others.
Instead of getting frustrated with things not going as planned or people not behaving as expected, they learn to accept and even appreciate these flaws.
Embracing imperfections can be a liberating experience. It frees us from the stress of constantly striving for perfection and helps us stay patient when faced with life’s inevitable hiccups.
So next time you’re faced with an imperfect situation or person, try to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a cause for frustration.
You may find that this shift in perspective can significantly improve your patience.
5) Learning to let go
I’ve always been a bit of a control freak. I liked things done a certain way and I wanted them done now. But this constant need for control was exhausting and left me with very little patience.
Over time, I’ve learned that not everything is within my control. And that’s okay.
Letting go of the need to control everything has been one of the most freeing experiences of my life.
It’s allowed me to be more patient with myself and others, and it’s reduced the amount of unnecessary stress in my life.
Learning to let go doesn’t mean giving up or not caring. It means understanding that there are some things we can’t change, and learning to be okay with that.
If you’re looking to become more patient as you get older, try letting go of the things you can’t control.
You might find it brings more peace and patience into your life than you ever thought possible.
6) Investing in self-care
Self-care isn’t just about spa days and indulgent treats, it’s about taking time to tend to your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
It’s hard to be patient when you’re feeling run down or stressed out. That’s why women who become more patient as they get older often prioritize self-care.
They understand that in order to have patience with others, they first need to take care of themselves.
This might mean setting aside time each day for exercise, meditation, or simply doing something they enjoy.
If you find your patience wearing thin, consider whether you’re taking enough time for self-care. You might find that investing in your own wellbeing can significantly boost your patience levels.
7) Practicing empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a powerful tool that can significantly increase patience.
As women age, they often become more empathetic. They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles and that sometimes, people need a little extra patience and understanding.
By practicing empathy, you can put yourself in someone else’s shoes and see things from their perspective. This can help you be more patient with them, even when they’re testing your limits.
If there’s one habit you should cultivate to become more patient as you get older, it’s empathy.
It’s a game-changer that can transform your relationships and make you a more patient, understanding person.
Final thoughts: It’s a journey
Developing patience is not an overnight process – it’s a journey that requires persistence, self-awareness, and compassion.
The beauty of the journey lies in the fact that it’s deeply personal and unique to each individual. What works for one might not work for another.
However, the seven habits we’ve covered provide a good starting point for anyone who wishes to become more patient as they age.
As we grow older, we begin to understand that patience is much more than merely waiting. It’s about embracing the moment, understanding others, and most importantly, understanding ourselves.
As the famed philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.”
This can serve as a powerful reminder for all of us striving for more patience in our lives. It’s okay to slow down, to breathe, and to simply be.
So as you embark on your journey towards patience, remember to be patient with yourself too. After all, every step forward, no matter how small it may seem, is progress.
