With all the things going on in the world, the wars, inflation and the high cost of living, it is easier to find ourselves between a stone and a hard place. Although we may be courageous and hopeful, it is only a matter of time until we become overwhelmed, and feel like the world is on our shoulders. Unfortunately, as much as we may wish things were different, this is our reality now.

Sometimes, this reality feels inescapable, and feels as if it will never end, and it is justified for us to feel that way too. This is because acceptance is better than denial. Acceptance helps us to act and do something about our situation. Denial leads to immobility, complacency and ignorance.

For some, these hardships may be new. This may easily be the case for those who may have been lucky enough to grow up with a silver spoon, or used the prosperous years as an opportunity to live comfortably. To those, one would say that even comfort can lead to complacency and blind pots to future possibilities. To some, especially those who may have weathered the worst times before, this may just be another fart in the wind that they cannot wait to pass.  They adjust accordingly by tightening their belts, scaling down on their lifestyle, or even relocating until the dawn of brighter days.

The fact of the matter is that we must acknowledge that as much as we make our plans, we must at the same time leave room for deviation and disappointment. We must not only celebrate our wins, but also accept our defeat. Because in our acceptance of defeat, we do not panic, but we take the time to reflect on ourselves, or even go as far as defining and finding our purpose. In acceptance, we find our resolve, and shed light on our power, which may have been lying dormant in the oblivion of our comfort.

I find at these times, as hard as they may seem, we are presented with an opportunity to learn, and to develop a mental, psychological and spiritual armour. These times, as much as they may seem to be against us, may just be the times and lessons we ever needed to catapult us to our sub-conscious dreams and aspirations. 

Finally, the fact that we are here and at this exact time, is maybe because we were made for times like this. It may be so because we may be inherently and at a molecular level equipped with all the tools and mental fortitude necessary to provide a greater service for humanity. Since we may not be aware of such duty we may have been endowed with, it may only be a time like this which may eventually lead to this realisation.

So, instead of panic and despair, we must be still, and look deep within. Instead of confusion and desperation, we must look within ourselves, and unravel the power that awaits to be awakened. Instead of separation, these are the times former stronger ties and communities look after one another. It is time to mobilise resources, be they financial, intellectual, nutritional, and shared skills that will help us weather the storms. Historically speaking, a time like this reminds humanity of its reasons for existence. It is a call back home to where humanity truly lived its purpose before it lost itself to selfish ways. For it is better to be a warrior in the garden, than a gardener in a war.

*Uncommon Sense is published bi-weekly in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka. YouTube channel: Karlos Lokos

– karlsimbumusic@gmail.com