Patience has never been my forte.

It’s too bad impatience isn’t a virtue; then I’d really be ahead of the game. I’m an “I want it and I want it now” kind of woman.

This quality is not always a bad thing—at times it has served me well. When I decide I want something, I’m usually quick to dive into trying to make it happen.

The issue, the drawback to this trait, is that I tend to become disheartened and disillusioned when what I want—be it a dream, an opportunity, a thing, or even a lover—doesn’t just fall into my lap right away.

I never really noticed, until recently, that when something doesn’t come together in a timely manner, a self-deprecating voice rears its ugly head. Statements such as, “I must not be worthy,” or, “I guess it wasn’t meant for me,” start to play on repeat in my head.

Sometimes, I see something come together for someone else, and I get anxious and wonder what I must be doing wrong.

But the truth is that just because things weave together quickly for someone else doesn’t mean that’s how it will work for me, for us, for all, regardless of what these “quick manifesters” might have to say. No two situations or people are the same, and that’s a beautiful thing—it’s what makes us, and everything, unique.

If something doesn’t work out when I think it should or how I think it should, it doesn’t mean that it won’t, or that it’s not meant to, or that I’m unworthy, or even that I’m doing something wrong.

Sometimes, there are events, steps, or lessons that need to happen—ones that maybe we can’t foresee or understand.

I’ve had to learn how to hold fast in my desires, regardless of how long it takes to bring them to fruition, to banish the self-deprecating voice and self-doubt, to take more risks, to be less attached to outcomes, to ignore nay-sayers and disbelievers, and to never settle for less than I deserve.

And honestly, not everything has to do with me, or with us. There will be times when we don’t need to “learn a lesson” at all.

Maybe that camera we want is going to go on sale in a few months, and we’ll be able to get it for far less than we had imagined, or that washing machine we need will be given to us for free in a few weeks when a friend decides to upgrade.

Maybe someone needs to decide to change careers, which in turn leaves our dream job wide open. Maybe a potential business partner needs to branch out on their own before we can cross paths.

Maybe our future lover needs to walk away from an unhealthy relationship, move somewhere new, heal old emotional wounds, or make the choice to open their heart and life to a serious union.

There’s no way for us to know for sure what needs to happen, when, or how—the universe works in mysterious ways.

The best thing we can do is to work on that which we can control—we can keep taking steps toward our goals and persevering no matter what obstacles we may face along the way. We shouldn’t throw in the towel just because we don’t get what we want instantly.

We can have faith that the universe wants the best for us, and that although we can’t see into the future, what we want wants us just the same. And we will get there, eventually.

What we’re hoping for may not happen today, this week, this month, or even this year, but when it does—not if—we will be able to appreciate the sh*t out of it. When we have to wait for something, work for something, it means so much more to us when we finally get it.

The greatest things in life take work, time, and dedication.

We can choose to focus on faith instead of doubt, and we can override self-deprecating inner voices with gentle, loving ones.

At any moment, exactly what we’ve been hoping for may knock on our doors, and if we’ve abandoned our posts, we won’t be there to receive it with open arms. Because when we least expect it, maybe even when we’re ready to give up, the most miraculous of blessings can occur.

Dream big and hold onto those dreams. Take steps to move forward when and where possible—be slow, meticulous, and steady. And most importantly, have faith that it will all work out.

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“Good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who wait, and the best things come to those who don’t give up.” ~ Unknown

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Author: Amanda Dobby
Image: Kristopher Roller/Unsplash
Editor: Nicole Cameron
Copy Editor: Catherine Monkman
Social Editor: Callie Rushton