See the silver lining

…Introspection Time with JBM

MY recent constant interactions with many of my students on how COVID-19 has impacted on them academically and beyond, reveals that the struggle is real. Truth be told, the pandemic has brought about a certain gloomy perception of life leading to so much uncertainty and fear.

Life has become so ‘cloudy’ leading to moments of desperation for many. The reality of the matter is that Covid 19 as a scourge has brought so much pain and suffering, and it is anticipated that most likely for the coming months and years the media will continue to host many related reports.  

This article is one that focuses on perceptions of negative experiences in life generally and the attitude worth embracing in order to bounce back even stronger.

There is a common and famous saying that around every seemingly negative experience there lies a silver lining. Or to every cloud is a silver lining, meaning that there’s hope or something good to be found in every bad situation.

For instance, have you ever thought of what has changed in your habits, behaviour and in some traditional practices as a result of the prevention measures against Covid 19? What lessons have you picked from the experience that has had a positive impact on your perception of life and how you value quality of life and other aspects taken for granted?

While Covid 19 has been used to describe a negative experience, generally our lives have so many episodes that could be cloudy or stormy and yet behind such experiences there lies that silver lining sent to fortify your resilience or train your mind to adapt to another realm.

It is worth mentioning that pain if handled with positive gloves of attitude, it has power to cutter put one to levels untold. Sometimes what influences us to resist change and remain sulky when in negative experience could be fear of the unknown, yet beyond this lies a spring board for you, a silver lining bringing forth hope and expectation.

As can be attested by many, when you have been used to a comfort zone, change often is resisted. However from experience, if you embrace change when something has shifted in your life, and see your experience with a lens of gratitude, a silver lining shines even brighter.

That silver lining can be seen in the form of a life’s lesson, an enlightenment, a revelation, a mind opener or an opportunity among others.

Listen, the mystery behind every experience is that God has it all figured out and will often turn negativity to work out for your good. However the attitude one exerts during life’s storms to a large extent determines the altitude of how much opportunity, healing and elevation can be encountered.

When you decide to take a deeper analysis of whatever situation you are faced with, a silver lining is always there. Sometimes not very vivid, but it is right there.

While direct benefits may not be identified from your life’s experiences, it is worth remembering that there would always be something to appreciate whether in the immediate or long term.

‘Nothing is Predestined: The Obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings’.  Ralph Blum.

A supported truth is in Romans 8:28  which states, ‘ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose’. ( NIV)

For the next version of introspection Time with JBM, check Kalemba every Wednesday.

Author: Joan Beulah Mute, is a Lecturer in Research Methods, Sociology and Law and Ethics in Public Health at the University of Lusaka.

For feedback or reactions, email joanbeulah@yahoo.com or follow on Facebook @Joan Mwanza Mute and Twitter @JoanMute