THE QUOTE THAT IS SHIFTING MY PERSPECTIVE OF HARD TIMES
Sometimes the simplest and most random of things can change the way you see the world. Little did I know that watching one of my favorite shows would reveal a simple saying that has shifted the way I see difficult times in my life. Maybe it will resonate with you too.
““There’s nothing in the dark that isn’t in the light.””
The context of this quote from the early episodes of MASH and its antagonist had everything to do with being afraid of the dark and falling asleep, but as soon as I heard it, I struck me in a different way. I’ve seen so many people, myself included, that let the darkness in their life consume them. They become the victims in their own worlds, shutting out the light, and denying that there are two sides to every coin. There is nothing in the dark that isn’t in the light. For every hard time that happens, you can take the path of looking for the light, the silver lining, the good, the best in the situation. If darkness and hard times are present, so are the things of light.
This reminds me of another quote, this time directly related to happiness in life:
““Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times when one only remembers to turn on the light.””
I’ve talked in the past about how, for years, I took things personally (sometimes I still do) and it led to a very angry person. A person who was the victim, who couldn’t see the good things in her life, only the terrible and bad. I was surrounded in anger with an incredibly quick temper (again, something that flares up occasionally still) and I lost myself to the darkness. I am still a work in progress (aren’t we all?) but my perspective began to shift when I started to look for the light in my situation(s).
In fact, in the past three years alone, I’ve faced more trials that I ever thought I could withstand. I’ve had to learn to forgive and let go of hate for the man who murdered my nephew. I’ve lost almost everything in one fell swoop. I’ve lived on my own for the past year while supporting my husband. If I let the darkness consume me, where would I be? Yes, those things still would have happened, choices still would have been made but there’s nothing in the dark that isn’t in the light.
It has been difficult but also so rewarding to go through these trials. I’ve learned to find forgiveness and peace when others act carelessly. I’ve learned that things of monetary value mean nothing as long as you have family and good friends by your side and to that, I’ve learned to truly appreciate the love and support given by those closest to me. I’ve found a renewed source of independence, tried amazing new things, and improved communications with my husband and family in ways that wouldn’t have been possible before.
My most difficult times have become my championing stories. This doesn’t mean they weren’t some of the darkest things I’ve ever faced… it just means that I decided to look at them in a way of light. No matter what you may be going through… I’ll say again, “There’s nothing in the dark that isn’t in the light.” Until next time, remember, you can have happiness abound.
Photos by:
Christopher Campbell (Dumbledore Quote)
Aaron Burden (Main photo)
Dustin Scarpitti (Main Quote)