When I was in New York City two summers ago visiting my mother, I picked up this book called The Power of Patience by MJ Ryan, a witty little anecdotal book about understanding and finding patience within ourselves. I guess you can say it’s a self-help book for people like me, since I’m not a patient person to begin with. This has been a learned skill for me all these years.

I bought that book at a time when I was at my lowest point (not exactly bottom, but low) and I thought that each book could provide me with answers. In some cases, a self-help book can only supplement part of the personal journey.

After joining a spiritual workshop using the late Yemima Avital’s independent thinking method, I realized that the answers were within me and I had a lot of work to do to reconnect the child with the adult in me.

Finding patience is a skill we all need.

The Internet and email will always make a person’s search and communication faster, faster and more efficient. When we register the who, where and what of waiting for an answer, we almost always need to find the patience to know the difference between learning from the experience and learning about ourselves.

I can only say for sure that in the end, things have their own way of working out. Here are some of the things that have helped me during this not so easy period of time.

1. Try to see the big picture. Usually, the small act of waiting and thinking anxiously puts us in a frozen moment. Note that this is just one step to get to the final girl and there are many steps. Each step is actually a milestone.

2. Put your faith where your mouth is. While some things weren’t meant to be, others are. Never lose sight of your faith.

3. Keep a little journal to stay in touch with what’s bothering you right now and why you feel like you’re losing control, patience. This will help you stay in touch with your dreams. You will find security in your own words.

4. Being in control is something we simply cannot control. The more I realize that, the easier it is to deal with bureaucratic situations.

5. Nelson Mandela spent twenty-seven years testing patience in a South African prison. That says everything. He is the hero of patience.

And you? Do you find self-help books a source of inspiration and help for your immediate daily needs? (how to find patience)