I have a confession: I actually like waiting.

Not all waiting, this is true. For instance, I do not like to wait when I have ordered new clothes, and the package is taking forever to arrive. Or when I’m interviewing for that perfect job (like my current gig), but it takes them several weeks to call me back. I also don’t like waiting once I’ve made a decision to do something big. For example, change my hairstyle, get a new car, or make over a room. Once I’ve made the decision, I’m ready to go.

But when it feels like the world is moving at the pace of the Indy 500, a little waiting seems like a good idea.

But when it feels like the world is moving at the pace of the Indy 500, a little waiting seems like a good idea.

My husband hates to wait – absolutely hates it. If there’s a line at the drive-through, I know we’re immediately in for Hangry Husband. Don’t get between that man and his food. Or wherever else he needs to be.

When I’m out running errands and there’s a long drive-through line? I practically rejoice.  This is time to turn up my music, pull my book out of my purse, and put my car in park while I wait to get to the speaker.

I know a lot of parents would hate to wait around for their kids. But for me, that’s time I can sit and read. It’s time I can sit and think. Most importantly, it’s time I don’t have to be doing.

That’s the crux of it for me – I enjoy waiting because it is a pause from all the expectation that I must do with my time. As long as I have the time to do it, I will always enjoy a few minutes of waiting time to slow myself down. This is a chance for me to let go of what little control I have over my life, pause, and just be in that moment.

I enjoy waiting because it is a pause from all the expectation that I must do with my time.

Depending on how hectic my life is, the waiting might look different. Sometimes I pull out a meditation app and breathe along. I’ll even take the occasional nap. But usually it’s a reading break for me, a chance to get out of my head for a few minutes. If the book is particularly good, it might even make me forget where I’m at.

Here’s my second confession: sometimes I even leave a few minutes early just so I have a few minutes to wait. Because who couldn’t use more pausing in their life these days?