Well said, chris.
I remember feeling impatient with my own slow progress, feeling the urge to move forward more quickly, wondering if I was doing everything I could - or should - to keep my momentum, and if there was anything I could do to speed things up a bit. Now there are times when I'd like to put on the brakes.
There are subtle differences between acceptance and patience; while it's possible to be patient while not accepting, the reverse can't be done. I learned that finding acceptance for where I am at the moment has always been an inherent and valuable part of my own growth process, and for good reason: Without acceptance I couldn't have understood the concept, energy and feeling of unconditional love. They go hand in hand.
For me, proceeding along my path from a perspective of unconditional love (to the best of my ability, which oh my does fall short) has made the going ... I can't say less difficult because sometimes it really is a hard road, but I can say it's given me more strength and balance for the journey, and I find I'm much less impatient when my progress slows; these days, I'm grateful for the break.