Who doesn’t become impatient on occasion? Some in recovery from an addiction, can be wound up tightly with anxiety and perfectionism, making it even harder to be patient. There are many signs of an impatient person from waiting for your computer to boot up, for the cookies in the oven to be done, tapping your foot in line at the bank, or screaming at the person in the car ahead of you at the stoplight when they don’t put the pedal to the metal the second the light turns green.
If you are impatient at every little thing, then you’ll surely benefit from practicing patience. When you feel impatient, you can begin by asking yourself, What is the hurry? If you are late for an engagement or meeting, try not to beat yourself up and just accept the fact that you didn’t allow enough time. Make a mental note for your next meeting, to allow more time—less stress, less impatience.
Some people in recovery might have a history of abuse. Survivors of abuse can be triggered when something gets in their way from performing a task on time. Take the example of a child, who at every turn got yelled at. He didn’t set the table on time, she didn’t get home for dinner on time. In their parent’s eyes, they couldn’t do anything right. When the child grows up he or she may have become a perfectionist, subconsciously trying to avoid any dissention in their life. When stuck in a situation that triggers the fear of being yelled at, they can become impatient.
Practicing patience involves remembering to take a deep breath before reacting. Make a decision to continue, but with a goal that helps your outcome, rather than ramps up frustration or escalates it. People who are impatience can act out in ways they later regret, (perhaps triggered by the past) like slamming down the lid of their computer and breaking it. Remember that impatience doesn’t serve you well.
Practice being aware of when impatience starts rising in you. Consider your options. Can you do something to effectively change the outcome, or would it be better to accept the fact that you are going to be late? Practice getting to a meeting on time, instead of 10 minutes early. Watch people’s reaction. Do they even notice? Address that child part of you and tell her or him, that just because you’re late, doesn’t mean anything catastrophic is going to happen. Lastly, create a mantra to repeat to yourself when you experience impatience. I am a loving, patient person accepting and embracing all that I am.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started:(310) 881-9151