dyton mupawaenda
Rutendo Gwatidzo-Changing Perspectives
Oftentimes, by default, human nature tends to focus on the challenges that lie ahead in life rather than the joy that lies behind.
It is crucial to remember that true joy often resides not just in our future aspirations but also in the moments we have already experienced and the lessons learned along the way.
The joy that lies behind us can illuminate our path forward and empower us to embrace the present.
Every experience we have — both good and bad— shapes who we are. However, it is easy to get caught up in the rush to achieve future goals or fixate on what we perceive as failures.
I want to challenge, encourage, and inspire someone to do something different today. Why not take a moment to reflect on your past journey? Acknowledge the triumphs that brought you joy, the challenges that helped you grow, and the relationships that enriched your life.
This past month, I had the opportunity to reflect on something that brought me immense joy and fulfilment. Dear readers, it has already been three years since I became a columnist in the national newspaper. For the first two and a half years, I wrote for The Sunday Mail.
The journey was not easy, as it demanded so much of my time, attention, meditation, and prayer. Allow me to share one piece of feedback I received that brought me joy and energised me to keep writing.
One hot afternoon I received a phone call from a lady who quickly mentioned her name, though I did not recognise her. Without hesitation, she went on to thank me for saving her life. She explained how she had become tired of life and decided to commit suicide.
She left home without telling anyone about her plan. Upon arriving at the tree where she intended to hang herself, she sat down to reflect on her life one last time. While seated, she noticed a piece of newspaper with the column title “Changing Perspectives” and the article titled “Wounds That Never Show (Depression Matters): How to Deal with Depression.”
She said she read a sentence written in bold: “My depression experience.” Beside it was a picture of a beautiful lady. Curious to learn more, she read about what the lady had gone through. Soon after reading the article, she realised that suicide was not the best way forward.
Immediately after finishing the article, while still seated under the tree, she called me using the number listed in the newspaper.
Long story short, she went back home with a different perspective on life and a fresh energy to deal with what was causing her depression.
The feedback humbled me and motivated me to keep writing. I chose to forget the pain associated with producing weekly articles and focused on the fulfilment it brings. As I reflect on the past three years of writing, I choose to forget the negatives and celebrate the positives.I choose to count my blessings, instead of my sorrows.
One of the challenges in many organisations is having employees and managers who are better at counting wrongs than rights. They tend to remember negative things more than positive ones. As a result, this promotes a hostile environment and a negative culture.
While we need to work on eradicating our weaknesses, it is even more important to improve our strengths to remain motivated and inspired to take on new assignments.
Struggles are an inherent part of life. They test our resilience and challenge our perspectives. However, it is often in our darkest moments that we uncover our greatest strengths and insights.
Reflecting on past difficulties can reveal how far you have come and the skills you have gained. Each struggle has the potential to teach us valuable lessons that equip us for future challenges.
When you feel overwhelmed by current pressures, look back on how you navigated previous obstacles. Remember the strength you discovered within yourself.
This reflection fosters a sense of accomplishment and instils confidence in your ability to overcome future hurdles. Gratitude is a powerful tool for happiness. By practicing gratitude, we shift our focus from what we lack to what we have. Take time to appreciate the experiences that have contributed to your growth. Joy is not in things; it is in us.
Make reflection a regular practice in your life. Set aside time weekly or monthly to evaluate where you have been and where you are going. Reflection allows you to appreciate the joy that lies behind you while also guiding your steps forward.
The joy that lies behind is a treasure trove of experiences, lessons, and memories that enrich our lives. By embracing our past, we cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves and our journey.
Life is a continuous journey, and while the road ahead may be uncertain, the joy that lies behind serves as a reminder of your resilience and the beauty of your experiences.
Embrace it, cherish it, and let it guide you as you step into the next chapter of your life.
Rutendo Gwatidzo is the managing consultant at The HUB HR Consultancy—a culture and change management specialist. She is a multi-award-winning leader, consultant, speaker, and coach. She is also the author of Born to Fight and Breaking the Silence. Feedback: Phone: 0714575805, Email: winningstrategy.2020@gmail.com,Facebook: Rutendo Gwatidzo_Official
