As we get to the end of the year, a range of emotions start running through us.  Some people feel sad that they year went by so quickly that they weren’t able to accomplish what they wanted to accomplish because of they were too busy focusing on what life was bringing to them; whereas some others are glad it went by so quickly since they feel things just kept happening to them and they couldn’t have felt any better now that the year was coming to an end and they would essentially get to turn over another year and hopefully “start a new life”.  Some people are really looking forward to the new year, hoping to “start a new life” as circumstances get better, some others are afraid of what the new year might bring.  Not knowing what’s ahead and what’s in store for us can be unsettling for many people.  This could not have been truer in December 2019 – no one around the world knew what was coming for us and how that would change our lives forever!

COVID-19, as it is widely known around the globe, has changed every bit of known understanding that we have had or had built over decades.  The usual habits or practices that were sustained for decades around the world were forced to be changed to such an extent that some of the new ways that were developed were extremely challenging for people to adapt too.  The change that was brought upon us by the will and mercy of our Creator was at times too much for many people.  Even the brightest, wealthiest and the most successful were at a loss when this calamity grappled the globe.  Essentially humans felt loss of control over every little thing they had known and had been practicing for years.  Many loved ones were lost, many came back from the jaws of death, many were displaced from their homes due to loss of employment or no means of making ends meet, and many families were torn apart due to increased mental health challenges.  The changes brought about by this one virus were just too much for people so many decided to give up on their situation and give in to the unfortunate circumstances. 

While all of this is true, there were many that also were able to channel their inner energy toward seeing opportunity in this calamity.  There were a number of people that chose to look at the silver lining over these dark clouds and focus their attention to that 1 opportunity or that 1 ray of light they were able to see through these circumstances.  As many people lost their incomes, and lost any possible way to make ends meet, they even gave up on their own inner potential to be able to overcome their situation and unfortunately ended up worse than what their actual circumstances were. 

However, those that decided to hold on to their positive thoughts and emotions and never gave up on their inner potential, were able to create opportunities even in the lowest of their times.  They did not let the outside world, outside situations or outside circumstances steal their ability to realize their own inner strength and they were ready to tap into their inner potential to bring their best out even in these dire situations.  Now, one thing we all agree and understand is that a loss of life can never be replaced and anyone of us who lost their loved ones not just to the virus but to other situations that would arise due to the pandemic, their hearts are inconsolable.  However, if you are still breathing, then you can take the opportunity to pour your best self into creating something memorable and beautiful in honor of your loved one!    

It is important to relate to and clearly appreciate the fact that WE are the highest form of GOD’s creation!  We are on the top of the food chain and what differentiates us from those that are below us on the food chain is our ABILITY TO THINK!  Our ability to THINK comes from the fact that we have higher intellect.  However, our THOUGHTS are GUIDED BY our BELIEFS!  Beliefs come from the values that we hold.  As Kain Ramsay would put it:  Values are a part of us.  They highlight what we stand for. They represent our unique, individual essence and act as the primary driving force behind our actions and behaviors that provides us with a set of ‘rules’ to live by, alongside a personal code of conduct. 

Having a firm understanding of your core values helps you become a quicker, more focused and effective decision-maker.  Without a solid understanding of what our core values are, we will find ourselves feeling lost, disorganized and ungrounded in every aspect of our lives. 

Even though the calamity experienced across the globe was huge and seemed like it was unsurmountable, anyone that had a strong belief system in their Creator and in their own self, has proven that the outside world cannot be a limiting factor if WITHIN YOU there is a strong sense commitment to your growth!  In the almost 2 years that the world has seen the pandemic, some of the best inventions, creations, ideas have taken off the ground and more progress has been made to propel every single one of us to the future that will look way different than the present world we know.  Yes, there have also been instances where intellect within people has unfortunately manifested itself in the wrong direction and rather taking people to stone age or making them less human. 

However, YOU have a choice to make.  Do you want to throw your hands up, give up your ability to think and grow and give into your circumstances?  Or do you want to believe in yourself and CREATE your own circumstances, situations and experiences that impact you and the world around you in a positive way for a long, sustained timeframe. 

Throughout our Holy Quran, Allah SWT has given us examples where the Prophets always found a ray of light or opportunity no matter how difficult their outside situations were.  Their belief in Allah SWT and the strength that they received from that belief that powered their own ability and confidence to not only face the circumstances but create ones that led to experiences which were positive, happy and memorable should be noted by all.   

I will bring this to close with this simple yet powerful quote:

The possibilities are ENDLESS, when you BELIEVE!!