Today All Groan Up is honored to welcome Kristen Leigh Evensen — a life coach, singer/songwriter, blogger, and all-around creative communicator. She authors The Identity Project, a women’s forum centered on faith, identity and community. Follow her on Twitter @kristenlevensen.
The only constant is change.
We have all heard that phrase at some point or another during our twenty-or-thirtysomething lifespan. However, when it comes to waiting, the above phrase seems a tease.
Personally, I feel teased right now. And taunted. Relocation to my home city, after spending one year on the East Coast, has me energized…and yet, confused. I find myself, a very capable, confident individual, not sure of the next step—taunted by the current atmosphere of waiting.
But does it have to be this way?
Photo by Tom Magliery – Creative Commons
Waiting can be tough because waiting masks itself as stagnancy. Our creative Millennial Generation does not fare well with stagnancy–especially when we have a song in our hearts and a vision coming to life deep within us. Waiting seems incongruent with success and forward movement…but is it really?
I would like to propose that truly, there is no such thing as waiting. Since time is constantly in motion, as is the world and everything in it, I believe that we are also ever in movement. When used wisely, periods of waiting can be active, rewarding and revitalizing.
Four ways to transform “waiting” into forward movement
1. Waiting is RESTORATIVE.
In a culture full of fast-paced competition and addictions to instant gratification, a return to a state of rest is a most fulfilling (and needed) act. We are mere human beings with limitations, so allowing ourselves to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate will prove humbly worthwhile in the long run. Consider a waiting season as an opportunity for whole-self restoration, be it involving prayer, exercise, connecting with people, reading for pleasure, or journaling. Find what restores you and seek it out.
2. Waiting is PREPARATORY.
I’d argue that one of the best ways to use periods of waiting is in learning and growing. Expanding one’s mind through reading books, watching films, taking classes, or learning a new craft or skill is priceless…and can be used in the long-run. What have you been itching to learn about, but have not had the time to until now? Pursue that and prepare your mind for the future.
3. Waiting is RECONNECTING.
During all-consuming times when life moves like rapid-fire, it is easy to lose sight of what is most important. When was the last time you reflected upon your most closely held values? Times of waiting are perfect opportunities to slow down, remember the past, and reconnect to what matters the most. Is it family? Learning? Creativity? Revisiting what is most vital to your well-being now, as opposed to later, will serve as a guide when the going gets crazy again.
4. Waiting is REVEALING.
Perhaps you have never stopped to consider what is most important to you, what makes you you. You are unique–now is the time! Waiting periods prove an ideal chance to discover your values, passions, goals, and motivations.
When it comes to waiting, what choice will you make?
I’ve got to say that was beautifully simplistic. This past summer I had the opportunity to research ‘wait’ as it appeared in the Bible – I found over 40 Greek and Hebrew words which had the dominant translation of wait.
But really they all folded into some sort of action – which is exactly what you pointed out – there is no such thing as waiting. Simply – a wait does not have to be a void of activity.
Very well said Dave! Thank you. I love this idea of active waiting. Great article for sure