Soon

I’ve decided that the word “Soon” is going to be my next tattoo. Why? Well, We go way back to childhood. It was something my dad would always say to me whenever I asked him specific questions. It would annoy the hell out of me because I’d always think to myself, “That’s not really an answer.”

“Dad? When can we go to McDonald’s?”

“Soon, son.”

“Dad? When are we going to live in a bigger house?”

“Soon, son.”

“Dad, you and mom haven’t been to Antigua in a long time. When are you going to come with us?”

“Soon, son.”

It was the same. Every. Single. Time. But what I didn’t know was that each time he told me “soon,” he was slowly preparing me for life ahead.

The Bigger Picture

When you’re younger, time feels like it’s dragging. You see how much “fun” adults are having and want a piece of the action. But it’s taking so long to get there. I know for me, the ages 13-18 seemed like they were long. For the most part, it was the same thing every day; wake up early, go to school, have basketball practice, come home and do homework (or wait to do it on the bus the following day).

I wanted to get a college scholarship so my family wouldn’t have to pay for anything, but I was getting bored of that monotonous routine. Yes, I was doing well and getting accolades here and there, but it wasn’t translating into scholarship offers, which left me pissed.

Most of my AAU teammates had interest from high major schools and some offers, but I barely had any interest. And as an athlete, I wanted to be able to show off to others too. But when I’d speak to my dad about it, I would get more frustrated.

“Dad? When do you think I’m going to get a scholarship offer?”

And then here he came with his favorite response: “Soon, son.”

Why would he say that? I’m a teenager that’s going through it and need support. But what is telling me “soon” going to do? How is that going to help me?

Oh, young Conroy was so oblivious, he really didn’t understand the message behind the word “soon.”

Patience Is a Virtue

I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “Patience is a virtue” at some point and have either rolled our eyes or nodded in agreement. But it is true. We all need to be patient in our lives for something, whether it’s payday, visiting family, getting better at a new job, or trying to lose weight.

But that waiting can lead to immense frustration and inaction on your behalf. Instead, tell yourself you’ll achieve that goal “Soon” or something like it. Humans are naturally wired to worry whenever we’re faced with a challenging situation. So we may choose to resist instead of pushing through the discomfort. However, you’d be surprised at how much words can change your brain.

The purpose of the word isn’t for you to put the situation on the back burner and forget about it. Rather, you’ll put your head down and subconsciously create steps to work towards getting past it. Before you know it, “soon” will be here.

My dad chose a weird way to teach me that lesson. Nonetheless, I’m grateful because it’s a guiding force in my life today. No matter how hard it gets, I know I’ll get through it because I’m going to continue to do what’s necessary to make myself a better human.

So, whatever you do, don’t quit. You’ll be there “soon.”

Peace and blessings.

CB