The Practice of Patience

Stoic Reflection on cultivating endurance in a world that promises everything instantly.

"No great thing is created suddenly." — Epictetus

This is part of the Stoic Reflection series. You can browse all reflections here

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You refresh your email again.

Check your phone for the third time in two minutes.

Tap your foot while the coffee brews.

Curse the slow elevator.

Honk at the car ahead that's taking too long to turn.

We live in the age of instant everything.

Two-day shipping feels like an eternity. Buffering videos make us irrationally angry.

Waiting thirty seconds for anything feels like cruel punishment.

We've trained ourselves to expect immediate results, instant gratification, and rapid solutions to every problem.

But some things refuse to be rushed.

Healing takes time.

Trust builds slowly.

Wisdom grows gradually.

Character develops through years, not days.

And here we are, drumming our fingers at life's pace, wondering why everything feels so frustrating.