#70 The Power of Patience: A Creative Shift Toward Joy and Transformation

When we find ourselves in a period of transition—whether it’s a career shift, an empty nest, or

a desire to finally live more authentically—it’s natural to feel both excited and unsettled. We want change, and often, we want it fast. But transformation rarely arrives overnight. Instead, it unfolds through patience. Patience is more than just waiting; it’s an act of trust, creativity, and self-discovery. When cultivated, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for navigating change and finding joy along the way.

Why We Need Patience

Without patience, the journey toward change becomes filled with frustration and doubt.

Think about it:

• A dream or goal gives us something to move toward.

• The gap between where we are and where we want to be creates tension.

• The process—a plan or practice we can rely on—carries us across that gap.

Without the gap, patience isn’t required. Without the process, patience collapses into restlessness. True patience is born when our burning desire for something new is balanced with trust that the process will eventually carry us there. This balance may feel contradictory—you deeply long for change but also accept where you are right now. And yet, it’s within this very paradox that creative energy begins to thrive.

What Patience Requires

Patience, like creativity, is a practice. It requires three things:

1. A Goal or Dream – Something meaningful you want to experience or create.

2. Awareness of the Present – An honest look at where you are right now, without judgment.

3. A Reliable Process – Consistent steps that, over time, move you closer to your vision.

When these three elements work together, patience transforms from passive waiting into an active, creative force. It becomes less about enduring time and more about expanding into the moment.

Developing Patience Through Creativity

Creativity is one of the best ways to practice patience because it requires us to show up, try, fail, adjust, and try again. When you cook, paint, write, dance, or build something, you practice accepting where your skills are today while still reaching for growth.

In my own journey, I began creating simply for the sake of creating—to express my emotions without the weight of external judgment. That shift was transformative. Instead of focusing on a perfect outcome, I explored new styles and themes. I learned to be patient with myself, and in doing so, I opened up to joy. As we develop patience within our creative pursuits, we gain the power to follow through—not only in art but in life.

Steps to Cultivate Patience

Here are some ways to bring patience into your daily life and your creative process:

1. Name Your Goal – Be clear about what you want, whether it’s writing a book, starting a new chapter in life, or simply feeling more joy.

2. Acknowledge the Gap – Accept where you are now. This isn’t a sign of failure; it’s the foundation of growth.

3. Create a Process You Can Trust – Choose small, repeatable actions you can commit to: daily journaling, mindful movement, or 20 minutes of creative play.

4. Notice the Shenpa (the Hook) – When impatience arises, pause. Tibetan teacher Pema Chödrön calls this the moment of being hijacked by old reactivity. Awareness gives you the power to choose a new response.

5. Celebrate Progress – Instead of fixating on the finish line, honor every step you take. This builds momentum and reinforces trust in your process.

The Creative Power of Patience

Patience isn’t about passively waiting for life to shift—it’s about cultivating inner spaciousness and resilience. It’s learning to hold both desire and acceptance at the same time.  When we weave patience into our creative lives, transformation becomes less about rushing toward the next thing and more about discovering who we are in the process. With patience, we not only reach our goals—we also uncover joy, meaning, and creative freedom along the way.

✨ Invitation: If you’re in a season of transition, lean into patience as your creative companion. Allow yourself to be in the space between what was and what will be. Trust that the process is working, even when you can’t see the full picture yet. Your transformation is already underway.

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