Thought for the Week

Timothy D. Stein, MFT, CSAT

January 16, 2017

“How long does it take for bamboo to grow?”

If you plant a Chinese bamboo seed, it will sit in the ground for five years and appear to not be making any changes.  Then, over a six-week period, it will grow 90 feet.  So, how long does it take bamboo to grow?  5 years or 6 weeks?  My answer is 5 years.  Change in us happens much the same way.  We take in information.  Mull the information over in our heads.  Try out a few new behaviors, choices, or responses.  Start putting new routines in place.  And, to the outside observer, not a lot seems to be changing.  Then, suddenly, the pieces fall into place.  New, positive choices and behaviors are suddenly easier and more consistent.  Outside observers start to notice changes but none of these changes are possible without the previous, unnoticed work.  We must lay the foundation to allow for change.

When have I become frustrated with slow progress?  When have I given up due to others not noticing or acknowledging my work?  What gifts await me if I patiently and consistently work on my issues and choices and trust that change will come and be noticed when it is time?