Life Lesson from Travel #8: Patience is a Virtue

There are many instances in life where this lesson is highlighted, but here are two examples that illustrate it well. The first is rather trivial but is a solid illustration of the importance of patience with both the small and large things in life.

When I returned from my European Train Trip, I had no cell phone. Until I found a replacement, I had to use an old flip phone. It was such a struggle to use that old flip phone. Every time I missed a call or text, wanted to post on Facebook or do other things most millennials take for granted, I became more and more frustrated. It made me almost ready to pay any price for a new phone. But, being someone who likes to make deals, I focused on finding the perfect phone at the lowest price.

I knew I wanted an iPhone 6s because of its superior camera. At the time they were selling for $600 new and around $350 used. Unfortunately, I could only spend about $200 for a phone (Remember that I was also in the process of replacing my computer, passport, ID, video camera, clothes and bowties). I still held out for the iPhone 6s.

This led to three more weeks without a smartphone, which felt like an eternity. But with some patience, and a little pride, I guess, I finally found what I was looking for, a brand-new iPhone 6s for only $200. This great deal, coupled with the fact that I had survived what felt like an eternity without a smartphone, drove home the importance of having patience. I now believe, through experience, that good things come to those who wait.

The second example of the importance of patience is more of a compilation of stories. Much of my US and European trips were about doing more with less and spending as little money as possible. This meant that when I wanted to try new things, visit museums, or do any paid activities, I had to be very decisive and aware of all my spending.

In the US, it was easy to use my travel-advice-sharing spiel (which you can find on YouTube under: “The BowtieGuyMD Spiel for Free Stuff!”) to earn things like free food from fast food restaurants and farmers markets, and entry to smaller attractions, but some things were much harder. These were usually the bigger-ticket items, such as National Park and amusement park admission fees. On top of that, there were things on my bucket list that fell into this category. I wanted to ride an ATV for the first time, go to a shooting range, ride in a dune buggy, learn to surf, and go sky diving, among other things.

On the trip, I managed to do 80% of the big-ticket items on my list, much of which I did for free. Along the way, there were many times when I could have paid to do an activity, but I said no and waited patiently for the right opportunity. I tried my pitch out on even the most expensive things. I did not have much faith in my big-ticket attempts, but I soon realized that I should have.

Here are some examples of the incredible experiences I would have missed if I hadn’t exercised patience.

In Oregon, I met the Snuggards family. They were the key contributors to my dune buggy and ATV experience. I walked into Sand Lake Sand Dunes Campground and started introducing myself. Not long after, I met this awesome family and had the experience of a lifetime. Riding dune buggies is a hobby of theirs, and they appeared to have invested large amounts of their time and money into it. After befriending them and asking, I got to ride in a dune buggy several times, including at night (You can also find a video of this on YouTube under: “What it is Like to Ride a Dune Buggy for the First Time.” The Snuggards invited me to spend the night with them. The next day, I got to drive my own ATV. I even rode on the back of a dirt bike, which was quite the experience. I thought I was going to fall off the entire time, but it was tons of fun. It was an epic two days!

All along the West Coast, I had numerous opportunities to take surf lessons. Let me tell you, it was very tempting, but also very costly. I told myself I would wait until I found what I thought was a reasonable price, and if that did not happen, then I would simply wait for a future trip to learn to surf. Luckily, I did not have to wait that long, thanks to Surf Ed in Santa Cruz, who worked out a fabulous deal. I totally recommend learning to surf with them if you are in Santa Cruz!

I do not know why, but I have always dreamed of shooting a gun. My uncle lives in Phoenix, Arizona and so I of course wanted to stop by for a couple days to say hi. He is also a former cop and current FBI agent. You might think there is not much to do in Phoenix, and that it would be too hot to do anything outdoors, but you would be very wrong. There is so much to do, including going to an outdoor shooting range. Yes, I said outdoors. My uncle took me skeet shooting and we spent an hour and a half outside in the 109° F sunshine. It was awesome! I barely even thought about the heat, and I did not even know how hot it was until after we finished.

These are just some examples of how I “earned” my way across the country whether it was through a service I provided, such as writing a review and creating publicity, or by being brave enough to ask. However, what was even more significant to me was the following:

·I gained tremendous amounts of self-confidence and maturity.

·I learned how to accept rejection in a healthy manner.

·I saved money, gained valuable skills and learned many important lessons.

·I was pleasantly shocked and am forever grateful for all those who helped me along my trip, as well as for those who did not. Both were crucial to my personal development.

I now believe, because of these experiences, that good thing … no, wait … GREAT things come to those who wait.