Get out of my way! It’s my turn!

Take your turn.  This is a phrase that we heard so often growing up.  On the playground, waiting to skip, take a turn at bat or walk up to the front of the classroom for spelling bee.  It was ingrained in our games and in the rhythm of the classroom.  It was an expected code of conduct, and for the most part, followed.

In high school, there were fewer opportunities to wait your turn.  Not as many games, lines to get into or classroom protocols to observe.  As we entered into adulthood, it was almost every man for himself! 

I sense an undercurrent of impatience among so many, when required to wait their turn.  How many times have you waited in a long line at the grocery store, and when the counter next to you opens up, people at the back of the line, who have not waited as long….screech ahead with their cart, just so they can get out faster than you?  Aggressive drivers virtually push you out of the way….God forbid you are following the speed limit.  Or, for a stop light they approach it quickly then suddenly stop, inches away from your back bumper. It is a gesture that implies haste and irritation.  A desire to move beyond where you are right at that moment.  To jump the queue so to speak.

A number of Indian religions speak of karma that simply addresses the fact that actions/deeds produce or cause the effect.  It is part of their meditative practice to honour the present, wait your turn.

I believe that hard work produces an effect that most people are too anxious to commit to.  Determination, discipline and patience the foundation.

Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. Patience is the level of endurance one’s character can take before negativity. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast. Antonyms include hastiness and impetuousness.

I would add, for many religions, a virtue.

It is with great pleasure, excitement and joy when we are informed that it’s your turn!  Today, I am sending a big shout out to my friend Heather who was selected as only 1 of 40 teachers across the country to participate in a think tank, with the focus on technology in the classroom.  I send another shout out to my brother Richard who, is the only Canadian that is qualified to instruct internationally for the Specialty Coffee Association of America; and who has recently agreed to a teaching stint in Hong Kong to share his knowledge with the Asian market.

You see, it’s their turn.

Whatever the goal or dream; be it financial success or love, sometimes you are required to wait…most often required to wait…until its your turn.  When it’s your turn, soak it all up.  Every note of congratulations and accolade.  Bask in the glow of yourself.