Reflections from Nature: The Power of Time and Patience

Making meaningful changes in life is rarely easy. Sometimes I manage to shift a habit or mindset for a while, only to find myself slipping back into old patterns—even when I know the change is good for me.

Recently, I visited a state park where a river winds its way through massive boulders. In some places, it cascades with energy; in others, it trickles quietly between the rocks. What struck me was how clearly the water had shaped the landscape. The stones were smooth, worn down over time by the steady flow. This river didn’t create its path overnight—it did so slowly, persistently, drop by drop.

That image has stuck with me. It reminds me that real, lasting change doesn’t usually happen all at once. When I try to overhaul everything quickly, I often lose momentum. But when I approach change gradually—step by step—I’m more likely to stay on course.

Like the river, slow and steady progress can lead to deep transformation. It might not feel dramatic in the moment, but over time, those small efforts add up. The water doesn’t force its way through the rock; it simply keeps showing up, carving a new path through patience and consistency.

It’s tempting to want everything to be different right away, especially when we’re trying to grow or heal. But nature teaches us that transformation often takes time. It’s not hopeless—it just requires a long view and a willingness to keep going, even when the process feels slow or unclear.

There’s also something comforting in the idea that lasting change doesn’t require constant intensity—it just requires consistency. A small shift practiced regularly can be more powerful than a burst of motivation that fades after a few days. The river isn’t rushing to meet a deadline; it just moves, day after day, and over time, its presence makes a lasting impact.

So I’m learning to be more patient with myself. To trust that progress doesn’t always look dramatic. To remember that even when I can’t see immediate results, something is still shifting below the surface.

In the end, the most meaningful changes often unfold gradually. And as with the river, the journey itself shapes us—gently, persistently, into something new.

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Jon Wisdom, LCSW received his Master of Social Work degree, specializing in Trauma and Violence, from Boston University in a dual-degree program where he also received a Master of Divinity. Previously he worked as an interfaith hospital chaplain and holds a masters degree in Spiritual Care. Jon has pursued this integrated learning with the hope of working with queer individuals with religious trauma. As a queer man, he knows this is a complex issue that requires a lot of existential exploration which can be personally challenging.

In practice, Jon prioritizes affirming and patient-centered care. He uses modalities such as Phase Oriented Trauma Treatment, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), narrative approaches, psychodynamics and operates with an anti-oppression framework. His goal as a therapist is to provide space for his clients to come as they are and for them to know that they have inherent worth and value.

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