April 20th Blog
“Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience.
Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise,
because of impatience, we can’t return.
-Franz Kafka
Patience n. 1. the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, or anger. 2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay. 3. quiet, steady, perseverance; even-tempered care, diligence.
Acceptance of the way things are has become a necessity for me. The past five and a half months have presented countless and unforeseen challenges for both my body and my mind. Though I would prefer a life in which I did not have sickness and suffering, I know that all of us suffer. All of our experiences are temporary, the good and the bad. I long for the wisdom to confront the things over which I have no control, and to then not label events as good or bad, but as opportunities for growth and change. I recognize that illness and hardship present us with unique learning opportunities. I shun the notion that cancer is a gift, but I understand the gift it has given me: I am learning to welcome uncertainty and live in the present like never before. Mastery is a lifelong endeavor.