I’m currently playing the not so fun game of waiting. Yes, right now as I type this blog post I’m waiting. Lady in waiting right here! And it’s not romantic or time-period-esque in the least. It’s more like grouchy, grumbling, girl-in-yoga-pants waiting than Pride and Prejudice style. I actually don’t have the slightest clue how waiting is worth it, but I’m hoping by the end of this rant I will have some perspective to share.

What is it with waiting that is so agonizing. Is it the anticipation? The build up? We can see the outcome or result in our mind, now if we could just make that a reality and like NOW, please and thank you!

At times I want to blame our technological advances and my fellow millennials. Cue crotchety old man voice. 

We live in an era where everything is NOW, instant, wham. If I want $40 mascara I can order a tube off Amazon with a next day delivery guarantee. Who am I kidding, I love that (wait, are you focusing on the fact that I spend $40 on mascara? It’s my one cosmetic splurge and it’s so worth it). But perhaps that convenience has made me a little lazy or impatient. Probably both.

Remember when you used to have to rewind your VHS tapes? Oh goodness, some of you don’t remember this? You’re too young, go play outside! Just kidding. But seriously, at a young age we learned to have the patience to hold down on that blasted button until Aladdin was rewound to the opening scene. And maybe A Whole New World sounded just a little better after having to sit through the entire rewind process. Maybe the film was viewed with just a pinch more appreciation and awe as our little eyes took in the moving images before us. Because, after all, we had to work for it.

Yes, nowadays everything is microwave fast. Press a button and instant results!

Look at the dating world. You can literally swipe your finger and be matched with someone based on mutual attraction within a second. So no, I don’t think waiting comes as easily for our generation.

But can we find redeemable aspects in waiting amidst the roar instantaneous?

Let’s talk about delayed gratification and why it’s the best thing in the world (or why it’s the best gift you can give yourself, according to my father). When we have to wait for something it produces longing and anticipation. If you buy the pricey new top in a knee jerk reaction of clicking “submit” in the online check out page, you haven’t developed a true want or appreciation for the item. You may have lusted after it for a few moments, but are you just being reactionary? Heck, you may wake up the next day and not even think of the item. With the instantaneous buy there is no room to:

A) Build appreciation and desire for where your money is about to go

OR

B) Examine if this is truly something you want and will wait to have

The art of waiting has a surprising way of revealing our true affection and devotion towards things. After all, doesn’t the long distance relationship’s first reunited kiss taste all the more sweet after those months of pining and waiting?

Doesn’t the cheesy pizza with a side of ranch satisfy you all the more after a week of being good eating gross veggies and working out? Oh my gosh, ranch dressing. I’m totally longing for cheese pizza and ranch dressing in an appreciative way right now.

I think I’m on to something. Waiting isn’t really all that agonizing, it’s actually pretty great.

What are your thoughts on waiting?  Do I need to take off my old man suspenders and mesh with instantaneous 2016? I would love, love to hear your feedback in the comments below.

Hair and Makeup by:

Iliamar Palacios 

Photography by:

d.a. studios

Danielle’s Instagram

Romper from For Love and Lemons

Boots from Anthropologie