Every second of our life is a moment of happiness, peace or struggle. Every day, we are grateful for the things that make us happy. But what about the things that make us unhappy? This past year has been full of challenges for all of us. Yet, every struggle makes us stronger. And though the things we’re grateful for may seem smaller than the obstacles we faced, they are just as important. Everything in life comes with good and bad. Maybe, you missed the bus and were late for work one day, but maybe while you were waiting for the next one to come, you saw the most beautiful sunrise and had a moment of peace that felt like it could last forever.
With each bad experience we have, comes new knowledge and understanding of the world we live in and the people within it. When we are in the midst of a struggle, it can be hard to see the good side of things; but hours, days or years later, you will see a reason, big or small, to be grateful for the experience. It may not outweigh the bad, but it exists, and it is a reason to keep going and appreciate life to its fullest. If we don’t live through good and bad, struggle and peace, we are not living. A heartbreaking movie can be a great movie, a sad song can be an amazing song because it makes you feel something. Be grateful for every feeling, every experience, every moment because those are the pieces of the puzzle that make up your life. And life is a beautiful thing.
I believe that everything happens for a reason. You may not see it right away, but one day you will look back and all of the pieces will fall into place. And that, to me, is comforting. It reminds me that I don’t need to worry so much when things don’t go the way that I expect them to. Sometimes it can feel like things only get worse, but when we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, it will seem so much brighter. Sometimes, the light doesn’t lie at the end of the tunnel, sometimes we can see it even when we’re enveloped in darkness. Live with the peace of mind that everything is going to be okay. Have faith that it will all work out in some way. Almost everything in life is unpreditable and that is what makes each day so valuable.
Every day is a new day and an opportunity to be better, do better, live better and change the world. There is nothing we can’t do if we spend less time living in our heads and more time living out in this breathtaking world. Stare out at the beautiful stars and watch as the world turns and the day fades away. Wake up tomorrow and make your dreams come true.
The past can’t be changed, but the future can. We each have the power to decide our own future, even when it feels like we don’t. Use that power to paint a beautiful piece of art onto the blank canvas of the present and carry it with you until it comes to life.
Qaeeza Ramji is 16 years old, and is a student at Reynolds Secondary School in Victoria. She is an aspiring writer, poet and fashion designer. A proud Ismaili Muslim, she spends her Saturdays teaching religious education. Despite her quiet personality, she is passionate about using her voice to bring about positive change.
You can read more articles on our interfaith blog, Spiritually Speaking, HERE
This article was published in the print edition of the TImes Colonist on Saturday, January 16th 2021
