The Power of Patience and the Art of Asking the Right Questions: A Lesson in Self-Development

On May 7th, 2022, I embarked on a journey back to Australia after tying the knot in Pakistan. Little did I know that the local airport regulations had undergone a dramatic transformation during my absence, as I could not travel as a result of the two-year closure of the Australian borders due to the global pandemic. I was promptly stopped at the security checkpoint at Lahore International Airport. My entourage comprised of three powerful women - my newly-wedded wife, my elder sister, and my mother - who had come to bid me farewell.

The security officer cast a sceptical gaze upon us and enquired, "How many individuals are flying today?" To which I replied, "Just one - myself." He stated that only one person was allowed to accompany me to the airport, with the other two needing to be dropped off immediately. In a state of panic, I implored the officer to exhibit some leniency, as I was unaware of the altered regulations. He relented and directed me to speak with his superior.

I approached his boss, who was lounging on a chair by the road and twirling his imperial moustache. I humbly requested for his understanding, only to be met with a lengthy lecture on civic duties. I listened intently and nodded in agreement, before employing my trump card. I asked a well-framed question, *I concur with your stance.

However, may I kindly request your assistance in determining which of these three women - my newly-wedded wife, my elder sister, or my mother - should accompany me to the airport, and who should be left behind?" This left the superior dumbfounded. He regarded me with a defeated expression and simply stated, "Take all three with you."

Through this experience, I learned the importance of patience and the power of asking the right questions. Over the years, I have developed these skills and have come to understand that patience is a virtue that imbues us with calmness, allowing us to think strategically and create mutually beneficial outcomes.

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