One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm.

Staying unruffled while facing tumultuous circumstances is: huge.

It’s tricky and it varies. It’s so personal. 

Let’s be fair; remaining calm during lengthy daily events is also challenging.

It’s life.

I’m quite sensitive and primarily; not so patient.

I’ve been practicing patience and reservation for quite some time now.  I’ve become better at it; although it’s always a conscious effort and requires a good amount of my energy.

Hence, I recognize the benefits and all in, it’s a good investment; I know.

I remember vividly how and when this lesson was acquired for me. 

About ten years ago, I recall a specific August day.

At this time; my loving, endearing, sweet and generous grand-mother lived in the same city as I did.

Quite often, I would accompany to her needed professional visits.

It was a warm and humid summer day.

Late afternoon, she had an important medical appointment scheduled.

Scorching sun rays, hot city streets, burning climate: it’s summer in the city.

So calm, so cool, so smooth: with Snow.

 

Snow was my grand-mother’s name. 

She was just as honorable and white.

Before lunch, I stopped by her house for a cup of coffee and a sandwich.

Chilled chit-chat and poise vibes.

About an hour before her scheduled visit, we pushed the outside doors from her air conditioned building. 

We both instantly felt the heat wave.

 

We had planned to take a quick stroll to the metro station, take a fifteen minute ride in the subway and walk the rest; maybe like half a kilometer.

I remember walking a block or two and observing her discomfort. 

-”Nevermind Grandma, have a seat on this bus bench. Let me get us a ride.”

I quickly called a cab.

 

She waited patiently while I waited anxiously.

I knew that our travel time would now be much longer by car.

-”Girl, have a seat, why are you pacing in this heat?” she said.

So I sat and boy was I right.

Public transit during traffic hours is optimal.

Car transport is often quite difficult.

Construction, road blocks, one way streets, traffic jams: all too long.

But we got there right on time. 

 

I’m exhausted but proud.

I got her here; comfortably.

We see the receptionist to confirm our attendance and we sit down. We wait.

 

One quick magazine flip.

A few instants/bathroom trip.

A third look up – at the waiting room clock.

 

What the.?

I feel my blood flowing, my head pounding and my patience running. 

Low.

 

I inhale and exhale.

I look at Snow.

She’s sitting calmly: observing the room.

I respond to a text message and call to get a manicure appointment for that Friday.

By now, I’m thirsty and vividly bothered.

 

– ”Grandma, this is ridiculous! Why have an appointment time? This office doesn’t care! We rush, we sit, we wait, it’s been almost 45 minutes! Let’s go talk with the reception lady!” I articulate.

I remember her looking at the desk area and shrugging her shoulders.

-“Alexa, what for? Sure, it’s long. If we get up and complain, we will have to explain to one person; and probably repeat it to another. We might meet with some rude attitudes and that won’t be pleasant. Plus, our impatience will not make my appointment come any faster. It’s probably not even in the receptionist’s control. So in the end, it’s us two who will have to deal with the aftermath feelings of it all. I’m not trying to get angry. It’s better to stay seated here. Let’s breathe and relax.“

Right then and there. 

#Patience/Calm flash

It stroked my awareness in the good way. 

You can get it from a cookie, but I got it from Snow.

 

This daily circumstance was

Snow’s.Chrystal.Clear.Life.Lesson.Gifted.To.Me.