Today I found myself waiting on others.

I had a big project due and my colleagues, were all delivering their work last minute: work I had to have to complete my assignment.

Even though I had contacted each person numerous times over the last several months… many of them chose to procrastinate until the very end.

Luckily, I learned something over the years that has helped me in the midst of just this type of last minute chaos: Accept that their will be delays and plan accordingly.

Having experienced delays with many of my colleagues before…. I made sure to give them a “final” deadline that was really a week ahead of my “own” true final deadline.

In that way, I was able to protect my sanity, give myself time to finish my project and review it calmly, before finalizing it and turning it in.

When I find myself in a situation where I must depend on someone that has proven at times to be unreliable, I must expect delays and set up parameters to take care of my own emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. No matter what type of relationship, professional or romantic… I must expect delays and create boundaries that keep me from chaos.

–

“Dear God, help me to find patience when all patience seems to have failed me.”