The Wait Isn’t Punishment…
“The wait wasn’t punishment; it was preparation for what was already written for my life.”
When Teyana Taylor said those words while receiving her Essence award, I froze, nodded in agreement. And then, I let it consume me. I had to pause. Let it sink in. Because baybeeeee, she was absolutely right. She said, let her cook, and whew—she served us a whole meal!
So often, we see delays as setbacks, as life telling us *no* when really, it’s just a *not yet*. We think waiting means we’re being overlooked or held back, but what if it’s actually positioning us for something greater? What if the time in between is where we’re being sharpened, strengthened, and molded into the version of ourselves who can handle what’s coming?
The WAIT—the time between setting a goal and achieving it often feels like an uphill battle. It’s frustrating, uncertain, and filled with moments that make you question everything. But what if the wait isn’t punishment? What if it’s actually preparation?
We live in what people call the "microwave era"—where everything happens fast, just like the amazing cup of coffee I’m sipping while typing this. We’re used to getting what we want instantly, so when life makes us wait, it can feel unbearable. We set goals, put in the work, and expect results on our timeline. But sometimes, things take longer than we anticipate; not because we aren’t worthy, but because we aren’t ready.
The pause is where we grow. It’s where we develop the discipline, resilience, and wisdom needed to sustain the success we’re working toward. If everything came the moment we asked for it, would we even appreciate it? Would we even know how to handle it?
Looking back, I realize that every delay in my life wasn’t a detour—it was a divine redirection. Because the truth is, what’s meant for you won’t miss you but that doesn’t mean it’ll come on your timeline. The waiting season isn’t wasted. It’s where the work happens. It’s where we grow. The times I didn’t get what I wanted, when I wanted it, I was unknowingly being set up for something better.
The job I didn’t land? It made room for the career that aligns with my passion. The relationship that didn’t work out? It led me to deeper self-discovery and clarity on what and who I truly needed. The opportunities that seemed out of reach? They were waiting for me to become the version of myself who could handle them.
When you’re in the middle of the wait, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. It’s easy to feel forgotten, overlooked, or even punished. But what if instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we started asking, “What is this preparing me for?”
Teyana’s words are a reminder that we are never stagnant. Even when we feel stuck, life is still moving, shaping, and molding us into who we’re meant to be. The wait isn’t wasted time, it’s where the transformation happens.
So, if you’re in a season of waiting, take heart. The delay isn’t a denial. It’s a refining process, an invitation to become the person who can fully receive what’s coming next. Keep showing up. Keep believing. Keep preparing.
Because when the moment finally arrives, you’ll realize—the wait wasn’t punishment. It was preparation.
Here’s the clip from her speech that moved me.