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Waiting-Turn a negative into a positive

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance

 Sometimes the best gift can be nothing at all.



backyard oasis

I hear people complain that the thing they like least about their doctor, is that he or she always makes them wait, often up to 45 minutes.

It made me reflect back to my perspective on visiting my doctor or dentist, and the wonderful experience I usually have in their waiting room.

In this fast-paced and busy world, where each minute of our day is often “double-booked,” I find the doctor’s waiting room one of the few sanctuaries left in daily life.

I use that gift of time in a very special way. When I go to the doctor or dentist, I take along a great book, something that I haven’t taken time to read but know I would really love to read.

So, I check in, grab a beverage if available, and turn off my cell phone as to not disturb the quiet environment. And then I sit and gaze at my book.

I open to the first page. What a great feeling. No obligation to phone calls or emails or doing any one other thing than just being completely present in the moment. Mmmm, delicious!

I actually find myself hoping that the doctor is delayed! What a wonderful feeling, the luxury of time & attention. Being present, and getting lost in the moment. What makes it even sweeter is the feeling that I was able to convert the frequent delay from a negative to a positive experience.

It’s great knowing I turned a potential irritation into a feeling of peace. When my name is finally called, I even find myself tempted to suggest someone else go ahead of me! Now when I visit the doctor, I find myself actually hoping they are delayed at least 45 mins.

Posted by

Sharon Lee

Comments (20)

Ellie Shorb
Compass Real Estate - Chevy Chase, MD
Realtor DC, MD & VA Luxury Home Expert

We live in a world of instant gratification... I am one of those people who is working on --patience. It will help me be a more "patient" patient at the doc's if I follow your advice- next time, good book it is- I will plan on it.

Feb 03, 2011 01:11 AM
Retired from ActiveRain
Baker, OR

There's usually always a way to make lemonade out of lemons.  You may not be able to change the circumstances, but you can change your reactions to them.  You probably have excellent blood pressure with the attitude that you have!

Feb 03, 2011 01:33 AM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Love your post again. . .have a great day!

Feb 03, 2011 02:15 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Thank you Ellie and Rick.

Fernando-Thank you. I appreciate your support very much.

Feb 03, 2011 02:43 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Hi Sweetie!  Good to be back on AR after not being able to be the last couple days!  I always love your accompanying artwork to your posts....attitude is everything you are right!!!!!!!

Feb 03, 2011 08:06 AM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Sharon, I don't go anywhere without a book!!!! It makes the wait go so much faster and you are right.. sometimes you get so caught up, you hope the doctor will be a while!!

Feb 03, 2011 10:10 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Sharon, it is a matter of shifting our thinking with time, making it fly by or go slow and be aggravated with the wait. Great technique idea with the reading. A Kindle book reader is also a fun alternative to the paper copies and you can browse the web or subscribe for FREE to things like the NY Times.

Feb 03, 2011 11:34 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Kristin-It is indeed. I am a huge fan of pics and of course birds. I thought it went well together.

Susan-A book is like a best friend. You never want the visit to end. I can not imagine not reading.

Gary-time seems to go faster when I am doing something I love. I am thinking about getting one of those kindle reader sometime this year. Maybe I will buy one with my birthday money from Mom. You will have to help in the techy and knowledge area there.

Feb 03, 2011 12:06 PM
JL Boney, III
Coldwell Banker - Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC Real Estate

I have cut out going to the doctor altogether, just so I am not tempted to become frustrated in the waiting room.

Feb 03, 2011 01:34 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

JL-It is so nice to see you my friend. Now JL we all have to go to the doctors SOMETIME. I know men aren't big on going to the doctors. Enjoy your Friday.

Feb 03, 2011 01:41 PM
Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®
Lewisburg, WV
Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate

Sharon I always take a book to the doctors/dentist's office....and like you at times I hope they don't call me as the book is too good to put down.

Feb 04, 2011 04:53 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Kindles from watching others use and read with them Sharon are a great complement to normal reading of books, magazines, and newspapers in print. I would like to get the color screen version of one.

Feb 04, 2011 07:08 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Hi Rebecca-Reading is such a relaxing exercise.

Gary-Some books can be heavy to hold so with a kindle reader it would be much lighter. Just have to get stronger reading glasses. I want color. B/W wouldn't cut it. Too dull.

Feb 04, 2011 08:11 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Hi Sharon, this is a great idea, if I don't have a book I enjoy reading their magazines. Nice to have a little down time- once in awhile :-)

Feb 04, 2011 02:55 PM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

I do as well Mary and a little down time is such a stress reliever. Thanks for stopping by.

Feb 04, 2011 04:27 PM
Candy Miles-Crocker
Online Real Estate Agent Training - Chevy Chase, DC
Realtor - Real-Life Real Estate Training

Sharon, sometimes it's just nice to be "still".

Feb 08, 2011 11:40 AM
Mary Douglas
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado - Red Feather Lakes, CO
REALTOR, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado

Speaking of WAITING... I keep coming back to see a new post! Shoulda brought a book! LOL  I'm just kidding, I know you're busy.  Just wanted to wish you a good week ahead!

Feb 13, 2011 09:59 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Mary-You are so funny. You have a good week too. I will dedicate that post to you. Smile

Feb 13, 2011 11:10 PM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

We want new posts.

We want new posts.

We want new posts.

We want new posts.

Mary has a good idea and I am not the patient kind.

Happy Valentine's Day Sharon!!!

Feb 14, 2011 11:50 AM
Lottie Kendall
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Helping make your real estate dreams a reality

You have a marvelous outlook, Sharon. Waiting gives me time to check in with Facebook, or read like you suggest. Precious time.

Feb 27, 2011 03:33 AM