Dreamscape Jewelry Design

July 16, 2023: The Practice of Patience and Perseverance

In modern times, where instant gratification can be achieved with a simple click of a keyboard, the values of patience and perseverance can seem old fashioned and not relevant to our fast paced society. Yet in any endeavor, the will to continue, despite adverse situation or failures, can determine our ability to achieve our dreams, goals and ultimately success. Both Nature and history, have shown us that perseverance and patience are key and necessary attributes for achievement, growth and even survival, Whether it’s a toddler learning to walk for the first time, a monarch’s solitude during transformation, or an athlete, artist or musician’s dedication to practice and training, the stubbornness and will to continue on a determined path is essential.

I was reminded of these values early this week, while out birding. I have been working on designing my native bird calendars for 2024 (Songfest, Sheer Loonacy, The Wonder of Warblers), and was delighted when the Merlin app (bird identifier) on my phone, told me that a Magnolia warbler was singing in the forest surrounding us. I had never seen one before and was excited about the possibility of capturing it with my camera, knowing from experience that warblers can be notoriously hard to photograph. They flit from branch to branch, usually high up in the foliage, rarely sitting still. By the time my camera focuses, the tiny songbirds have usually moved again.

But fortunately the Merlin app (https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org) also gives the option of playing back songs, achieving a musical “call and response”. For over twenty minutes, I stood there, playing the songs, camera in hand, head tilted back, swiveling back and forth in fruitless attempts to photograph this elusive little bird. My husband, after patiently waiting with me, decided to continue on the trail with our golden retrievers, but I decided to try a little longer. This was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. Another ten minutes went by, the warbler was still singing and flitting, and I was still persevering. After many blurry and failed attempts, I finally captured one image of this beautiful little bird, but it was enough.

While it was frustrating to have had so many failed attempts, I was delighted with the result and filled with a sense of both joy and satisfaction. This experience inspired reflections on how often in our lives, the obstacles to success can seem daunting. When success doesn’t come immediately or soon enough, it can be an incentive to give-up and quit. Yet in both nature and in the lives of others, we have witnessed again and again, throughout history, how a determination (and stubbornness) to continue against challenges ultimately led to success and senses of well-being.

What challenges have you made it through, or goals achieved through patience and perseverance?

Thank you for taking the time to read this blogpost and welcome your thoughts. I’ve included some favorite quotes to inspire you on your own personal journey, whether’s its health, personal dreams, a new skill, relationship or work.

Best regards,

Wendy Oellers-Fulmer

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES ON PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE

Imagination allows you to think of the journey worth making. Motivation gets you started. But, it’s patience and perseverance that get you there.“

– Ernie J Zelinski

“Patience and fortitude conquer all things.“

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.“

– Confucius

“It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.“

– Albert Einstein

“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.“

– John D. Rockefeller

“Each life is made up of mistakes and learning, waiting and growing, practicing patience and being persistent.”

– Billy Graham

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.”– John Quincy Adams

– John Quincy Adams

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them – every day begin the task anew.”‘

– Saint Francis de Sales

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.“

–Babe Ruth

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach of the stars to change the world.”

– Harriet Tubman

“Patience attracts happiness; it brings near that which is far.”

Swahili Proverb

“With love and patience, nothing is impossible.”

Daisaku Ikeda