The Art of Waiting - Constructively

I've observed about 7 different types:
1. Parents with small children who are usually very occupied with childcare.
2. Patients who pace - and drive all the rest of us nuts!!!
3. People who depend on the reading materials in the waiting room and read - or sit with a glazed look staring at the wall when they run out of reading material.
4. Those who complain loudly about how long they have been waiting, how sick they are, how they need to be someplace else, etc., etc., . . . .
5. People who come in with a companion and quietly talk while waiting.
6. Those who seem to be constantly on their cell phones and share all of their business loudly with the rest of the room.
7. A few who are prepared to use their time constructively, peacefully and creatively.

It is sad that more people don't prepare for their visit and come with something to do that puts them into the constructive and peaceful waiting group. I've found the personal benefits to be enormous to use this time in some fashion rather than pacing and complaining.

Here are a few things that I've done and the benefits I've discovered:
1. Knitting or crocheting. This type of handwork is relaxing for me and I stay focused on it which makes the wait seem shorter. The trick here is to have a small, simple project so that the pattern isn't difficult to follow. The added benefit is the finished product that you wouldn't have as soon if you didn't work while waiting.
2. Reading. If you bring fiction, you are relaxing and being entertained. Non-fiction has extra bang for the time spent as you are exercising your mind as well as hopefully learning something new. I find having a 'sticky note' to use as a bookmark very useful since it doesn't fall out.
3. Puzzle books - Crossword, sudoku, word search - stimulates your brain and helps improve your memory. These all come in very small sizes so are easy to tuck into a pocket or purse.
4. Meditation - I had a friend who commuted by bus each day and used the time to meditate. She arrived refreshed, centered and ready for the day or evening.
5. Notepad - plan your next week's menus, a party, write a letter, write a poem, draw, brainstorm a problem - this will help you be better organized, creative or at least not as frustrated.

The greatest benefits of keeping yourself occupied while waiting are that you remain calm which keeps your blood pressure down, your mood pleasant and stimulates your mind.

The secret to being prepared with your 'waiting kit' is to keep the book, knitting, notebook or whatever you chose in your car, in a bag or place where you can pick it up easily and quickly and then make it a habit to always have it with you.

If you forget your project then use the time and make a new friend by talking to the person next to you. Usually a smile and a quick hello while making eye contact will get the conversation rolling. I've met some very interesting people that way.

The other day we took a road trip and hit construction. It took us an hour to go 5 miles. Since my husband was driving, I took out the knitting and managed to accomplish a lot while we crept along. NOTE: I use short circular needles so that I'm not in danger in the car or annoying the person next to me.

Waiting is a large part of our way of life so we may as well make it constructive and thus productive. Personally, I refuse to give others the power to ruin my day by frustrating me when I have to wait.