Waiting

It’s a funny thing to write ‘what would Sally say’ because in truth I can’t know what will resonate.

I write about what I see and feel, hopefully spread some curiosity and a new perspective on life and work.

And then every so often I get an email which simply says ‘thanks, I needed to hear that today’. It’s a little boost, and I remember to write again.

I’ve been reflecting on the feeling of waiting.

I’m waiting for the school term to start, for my youngest to start a new school and a new routine to begin. I don’t want to wish it away but the summer can feel like treading water!

A client described how she keeps waiting for her friend to realise she’s not happy.

‘She cancels by text when she gets a better offer, tells me all about her problems with her latest project and doesn’t ask about my work’.

How are you playing a part in this?

A long pause.

‘I’ve been letting it happen for years. I keep waiting for her to realise that I’m not happy’.

Have you told her this?

‘I haven’t. Can I do that?’

We put ourselves in the land of waiting.

In the land of waiting we don’t say how we feel, we accept behaviours that make us feel bad, we get increasingly frustrated by others and begrudge it when they get in touch.

Sometimes we need reminding that there is another perspective. That doing nothing is also a choice.

My coach would urge me to enjoy this time, to consider reframing ‘waiting’ to something more empowering. To find joy in the topsy-turvy, knowing that the routine will be here soon enough.

What are you waiting for?