I hate waiting. I’m absolutely not impatient, I just hate waiting. And yes, there’s a difference. But at the moment, life seems to be a pretty big waiting game. Waiting for my house sale to complete. Waiting to collect my new car. Waiting for the bus because my car isn’t ready yet. Waiting to find out if I get coronavirus. Waiting for an idea to come to me for my column, but it didn’t, so I’m writing about waiting. Because I couldn’t wait any longer. Sigh.
I mean, I don’t think I’m alone in having such a strong dislike for the process of watching the clock tick by. In fact, I don’t know anyone who specifically enjoys sitting around watching paint dry. But it’s bothering me enough at the moment for it to warrant being the centerpiece of my column.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
I hear this
phrase often. Maybe because everyone knows I’m so impatient disinterested
in waiting, and they’re all trying to inspire me into embracing the passing of
time. Ain’t gonna happen. I’m one of those people that can’t sit still – ask
anyone who knows me and you find out that I have enough plans on a weekly basis
to fill eight days.
I perform in musicals that require regular rehearsals, attend weekly dance classes, spend time with my two-year-old son, visit friends and family, take care of the standard daily ‘admin’ required of a 30-something year old, and even attempt to fit in the odd date here and there. To add to the mix, I’ve also just signed for a new mortgage on a house and bought a new car. So I clearly manage my hatred of waiting by spending money I don’t have. Then guess what? I wait for payday. Yawn.
Don’t get me wrong – I do appreciate the value in waiting patiently. We all love having a little countdown on our phones telling us how many days are left before our long-awaited holiday to Italy (although, ironically, I’d wait a few more months for that at the moment); and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of embracing a loved one that you haven’t seen in a really long time (just wash your hands afterwards).
Additionally, time actually passes pretty quickly doesn’t it? We all get so hyped up about things – such as Christmas – and it always feels so far away… but then bam. Been and gone before you know it. Feels long now, but in the blink of an eye I’ll be curled up on the sofa of my new property, looking out the window at my new car, coughing into my elbow quarantined with coronavirus while zombies ravage the streets. Maybe not the last bit.
DON’T WISH IT AWAY
One thing I
have to constantly remind myself is that every day is a gift. I know,
impeccably cheesy. But true. I’m often extremely guilty of being so impatient
desperate for my eagerly awaited events to take place that I forget about the
days in between. For example, I’m really looking forward to seeing the
sensational Will Downing in concert, and I’m counting down the days. But that
doesn’t mean I should give my meal out with my friend on Saturday less
attention because I’m too busy thinking about the dulcet tones of Mr Downing.
We’re all guilty of things like this. When coronavirus gets us all we’ll regret
the lack of attention we gave our colleagues because we were too busy longing
for the weekend.
We’re all waiting for something here in York. Whether that’s the arrival of the new LNER Community Stadium (seriously WHEN); the new York Festival with Lionel Richie, Westlife and Madness (seriously TAKE ME THERE); or for York City to get back into the Football League (just… seriously…), time often keeps us on our toes.
So, now
that I’ve confessed to being impatient hard-of-waiting, it’s your turn.
I wanna know what you’re looking forward to this year. Got a big birthday
coming up? Seeing a relative you haven’t seen in FOREVER? Or are you just as
excited as me for things like York Festival? Drop me a line and give me
something to do while I wait…
Call Claire on 01904 735226 or email her at claire.pulpher@yourlocallink.co.uk.
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