Patience is apparently something you can learn and develop over time. It would be so much easier if it was something you could buy. But unfortunately wishing so, won’t make it so.

I can say that I’ve learned to be more patient over time, but I can’t say that I’m a patient person despite how much I value it when others are patient with me. But then again, I’ve grown up thinking of patience as a trait, not a skill.

As a caregiver, there are days when patience, trait or skill, may be in short supply. That’s to be expected given the demands of caregiving. Know when to step back or take a time out.  And try not to judge yourself too harshly. We all have days when we are less than impressed with our own behavior. Good news – there are lots of different things you can try to acquire more patience. I feel comforted knowing it's not a character flaw afterall, it's just that nobody taught me how. No excuses now.