By Abubakar Aminu Ibrahim
Life is so fluid. What once seemed overwhelming, embarrassing, or deeply significant often appears trivial with time. As we move forward in life, we begin to see past experiences in a different light, realising that our worries were not as permanent as they seemed.
As individuals, we evolve our understanding, emotional strength, and ability to handle challenges. Situations that once troubled us may later become sources of amusement because we have outgrown them. This shift in perception is a sign of personal development and an indication that hardships do not last forever.
Time itself plays a crucial role in shaping how we interpret past experiences. Pain and hardship, no matter how intense, tend to fade as new experiences replace them. Reflecting on past struggles with a sense of humour proves that time has a healing effect and that difficult moments are only temporary.
When we understand this concept, we can approach life with more ease and patience. If we can recognise that today’s problems may seem small in the future, we will be less burdened by stress and anxiety. Instead of worrying excessively, we can develop a lighter approach to life, embracing challenges with confidence and optimism.
I recently gave a talk (a book review) about worry and anxiety. One powerful insight I gained from the session is that challenges are not only inevitable but also an integral part of life. A great way to avoid devastation from calamities is to be emotionally prepared for them.
Imagine two people walking toward a corner—one is aware that there is a dog ahead, while the other is not. When the dog suddenly barks, the informed person remains calm, anticipating the encounter, while the uninformed one may panic and even stumble into another danger.
This is how mental preparedness can help us navigate life’s uncertainties more easily. By acknowledging that challenges are a natural part of our journey, we diminish their power to destabilize us, allowing us to confront difficulties with confidence, adaptability, and flexibility.
Take life easy; the way you laugh at yesterday today is how you’ll laugh at today tomorrow!
Abubakar wrote from Katsina via abubakarmuhammadaminu21@gmail.com.