11 Comments
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Natasha | Honeyed Heart Reiki's avatar

I resonated with this piece so much. Perpetually impatient. You didn't extend the essay to time wasted in meetings but that could be a topic all on its own

Amy L Bernstein's avatar

Oh, I did, though! Near the beginning of the piece...Time wasted in meetings is one of my biggest pet peeves!

The World According to Grace's avatar

My husband is always waiting on me to leave, and by the way, I'm on time! He gets ready early and then wants to leave early. LOL. Patience is something I was graced with and he was not. But, he has other gifts, so there you go. :)

Amy L Bernstein's avatar

It's always somethin'! :)

Dianne Moritz's avatar

Patience is a virtue I never had. Once at an interview for a teaching job in Chinatown, LA, the principal made endless small talk. Finally I said, "Do you have any questions?" I got the job, but didn't take it.

Unfortunately, the writing game moves at a snail's pace, which I hate, but have accepted now. Perhaps because I am more invested in the outcome. Who knows?

Still, people who don't do what they say they will, ones who keep me waiting, those who don't arrive on time irritate the hell out of me. And editors who don't respond?? Don't get me started on their rudeness.

Amy L Bernstein's avatar

Oh, yes, Diane. And the endless, aimless small talk....? I know people are being friendly, or covering their own nervousness, but when I'm not my best (radically empathetic) self, the small talk drives me nuts. Get to the point, already, will ya??

Dianne Moritz's avatar

Especially during interviews and other "important" instances......YES, yes, yes!

Vincent O'Keefe's avatar

Loved this! And congrats on the novel. I especially like your mantra about learning "to value the marathon over the sprint." The older I get, the more those words resonate.

Amy L Bernstein's avatar

If advancing age teaches us anything, it's learning how to go the distance...without racing through it all. Thanks for reading!

Stephen Turnbull's avatar

This speaks to me - and I have to confess I have has less success at assuaging my impatience.

Amy L Bernstein's avatar

Yeah, well, I'm still trying...!!! Some days I'm more patient than others.