WE are going through challenging times in our lives now due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the economy in disarray.
The uncertainty of the prolonged crisis and the restrictions on movement have robbed us of our happiness.
The current difficult period has forced us to adjust our routines and lifestyle and make some drastic changes, thus affecting our comfort and peace of mind.
Well, this situation is unavoidable. Trials and tribulations are an inescapable fact of life but it is vital that we recognise the issues early and handle them bravely.
We should understand that everything in life happens for a reason, and that going through unhappiness helps us re-examine ourselves, grow wiser, and move on and progress in life.
Although staying motivated during this trying time can be a struggle, we must not give up hope; instead, we must move forward and remain steadfast.
Our life hinges on hope and being hopeful is crucial here because we must believe that a positive outcome lies ahead.
Writing about hope, I would like to share a story of a blind couple in Klang whom I have known for many years, who lived in a house named Pondok Harapan (Hut of Hope) and raised their three children independently.
I’m truly moved and inspired by the couple because, despite their disability, they lived like able-bodied people.
According to them, the driving force in their lives was the power of hope.
Hope gives powerful strength to our body, mind and spirit and builds confidence.
One need not worry whether hope will materialise, because the moment we focus on any subject with hope, a transformation takes place in our lives.
Whether we are aware or not, hope plays a key function in every individual’s life from birth, and all of us carry out our duties daily with hope of being healthier, happier, richer, smarter, and so on.
It is during pressing times that our hope gets shattered because we are constantly influenced by negative thoughts, uncertainty, fear, and worry.
Such concerns are life’s test and we should develop acceptance to face them positively.
Don’t forget that even if we try to resolve the problems, they will continue to resurface because that is life and the only way to beat it is to stay ahead instead of being pulled into a crisis.
A lot of this has to do with our state of mind and the thoughts we generate.
This is because our thoughts are the key to our emotions.
One way to stay focused and motivated is to keep a list of our goals and display them prominently to remind us that they are achievable.
The aspirations should be hung on the walls of our bedroom, work area, kitchen, and places where we spend most of our time.
Such reminders are very effective because they will tend to gear us towards the task of attaining such objectives.
We should also surround our lives with positive experiences because the success stories of others will help us achieve our purpose.
Remember, we can’t change what’s going around us until we start changing what’s going on within us.
Tips on building hope
● Feel good about yourself.
● Be positive and focus on positive aspects.
● Avoid seeking self-pity and sympathy.
● Display a brave front and don’t slouch.
● Groom yourself decently and love yourself.
● Identify your successes and celebrate them.
● Start each day with hope and self-assurance.
● Be in the company of successful and positive people.
● Believe in yourself and your confidence will grow.
● Dress in cheerful colours to enhance your self-esteem.
● Keep your inner strength positive and remove self-doubt.
● Smile more often and accept compliments gracefully.
● Stop worrying and change the way you perceive yourself.
● Don’t allow external situations to disturb your focus and vision.
● Avoid reading or viewing events that dampen your mood and feelings.
● Be appreciative of what you have because insecurity ruins confidence.
● Tell yourself you are creative, strong, smart, beautiful, and talented until you believe it.
Dr. T. Selva is the author of the best-selling books Vasthu Sastra Guide and Secrets of Happy Living. To get a copy, contact +6012-3299713. He can be contacted at drtselvas@gmail.com and Website: vasthuguide.com
