72 January 2015 www.womanthismonth.com she says Seeing the Light When times are bad, we forget to acknowledge all the good that is happening. Behnaz Sanjana muses over surviving the storm and being grateful for the smallest of things in the New Year. Adversities are those unwelcomed guests who are impossible to evade. From what I’ve recently experienced, they tend to drop by in troupes. What’s more, they sometimes have a long-stay visit on their agenda. My ever-burgeoning to-do lists devour the last ounces of my energy. The deadlines hang precariously overhead. My sanity is at stake. The hurdles that hit us at the worst of times are complete bugbears, making you want to tear your hair out (but then you think of that pricey hair spa you just splurged on and back out). Sometimes the hurdles are so close, you’ve barely caught your breath after jumping one when another, maybe even a bigger one, is already at your toes. Just when you need to get somewhere quick, the car goes kaput; the computer conks out on the weekend before a deadline and you’re locked out of the house because the keys decided to play havoc. However catastrophic your disasters might be, it helps to remember how small they are compared to the trials of the unemployed who worry where their next meal will come from, or the mother nurturing a premature baby, or the family whose dear one fights for life, or those unfortunate souls piecing their lives back together after a natural calamity. What sets you apart is how you manage to navigate yourself through choppy waters. Do you come out of the storm battered and bitter? Or do you emerge stronger, brighter and with far more wisdom to know better next time? No matter what hand life deals you, I believe one must always carry one’s cards with an attitude of gratitude. A leaky roof means you have a bed to sleep in; a fridge that you think is too small means you are unfamiliar with hunger, and the will you muster to keep away from that mega sale means you have enough clothes in your wardrobe - luxuries that millions around the world are not blessed with. When you find yourself in ‘complain mode’ more times than you should, complete the sentence: “I am grateful for ...” After realising the myriad ways you can fill in the blanks, you’ll be less harrowed, more humble and happier. I am grateful for having had the opportunity to voice my opinions and plant my thoughts in your mind. As all good things come to end, this one does too. May 2015 bless you with more goodies, good luck and boundless gratitude. Happy New Year to you and yours! g
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==