When we try to cultivate patience to gain self-control it can be a difficult task. To cultivate means to prepare or nurture something, more so in a way of practicing. Putting forth continuous effort with your mind equips you with the ability to wait for something valuable as a result. Patience isn’t patience without the presence of other major characteristic developments such as endurance, contentment, self-control, and resisting instant gratification. When coupled together, the end result is what’s most rewarding.

Choosing to Change By Cultivating Patience

I decided to plant and care for avocado seeds because I love to eat avocados for their health perks. Also, I am deeply intrigued by time-lapse videos of plants growing from seeds. I was so excited and curious to see first-hand how this process would go. But I also was unaware of the change that was looming within myself. I gently pressed toothpicks through each seed to balance them on the rims of water-filled vases to soak.

Weeks went by as I watched them in the window bathing in sunlight while taking in considerable amounts of water. As crazy as it may seem, I noticed something about myself as I stalked these seeds. Surprisingly, I found that I didn’t possess the patience I believed myself to have, especially as a mother of three. I quickly became impatient and was ready to get rid of the fruit seeds. All of this because I wasn’t seeing changes based on what I perceived as plenty of time to change.

The Benefits of Endurance, Contentment, and Self-Control

Endurance helps people to stand firm against struggles and trials knowing that there is good at the end. In my case, the desire for instant gratification or the sense of urgency of the need and want to see change or have something right now at this moment. Endurance trains you to look ahead to what you know to be the real reward in the end. When I began this seed planting journey I knew exactly what I wanted to see. I wanted to see what kind of leaves were going to emerge from these massive round seeds.

So, I changed my thoughts and I endured with my mind’s eye set to the future. Once I began to enjoy the process, the avocado seeds each changed by slowly splitting open down the middle, sprouting roots first, and lastly came the huge green leaves. This whole process took over 8 months for some and one year for others. As the seeds were allowed to go through their change I felt myself changing with them. This process gave me a better view of myself and life. Endurance gave me space to experience contentment, resulting in stronger self-control.

5 Lessons I’ve Learned From Avocado Seeds

1. A person’s lack of patience with those around them can hinder a necessary process from fully taking place. I chose to give things a chance by slowing down. Soaking yourself into the things that you need most will help you to grow.

2. Practicing endurance is the start of patience and the beginning of strength.

3. During this change I became content. As a result, this enabled me to be happy and satisfied with where I was in my process of growth. Watching the leaves bloom was an extra bonus to witness another life bloom.

4. I learned that self-control is a strength that has to be built up every day and instant gratification has no place where beauty and value are the results of long, hard work.

5. It is important to know that everyone and everything grows in its own time and we just have to supply love and kindness to cultivate patience.

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