Find Passion, Find Love in This Lifetime
On a sunny day in April, Jasmine decided to watch the news in pursuit of becoming more informed about her surroundings and the world. She expected to hear stories about a new business opening in Midtown or reports highlighting how Black women are becoming the most educated ethnic group in America. Instead, she heard that a woman was tragically killed the night before for unknown reasons, and that a crash on I-95 involving two cars would cause an hour delay.
The unfortunate news she absorbed sparked a downward spiral of negative thoughts. She began to think about a possible war involving America, the growing homelessness crisis, the unbearable cost of living, and the way communities seem to be breaking apart into isolated individuals. This is how the world feels to her, uncertain and overwhelming, and it leaves her feeling both sad and fearful about the present and the future.
Jasmine’s outlook is understandable. But even in the face of these realities, we must find a way to prevail.
Life is deeply personal, and our perspective shapes how we experience it. While life is undeniably filled with tragedy, pain, and injustice, we cannot lose sight of the good that exists alongside it. Every second, children are being born around the world. Somewhere, a young man is helping a woman in a wheelchair cross the street. A mother kisses her son on the cheek before he leaves for school. A young couple celebrates their wedding day. A man passes his bar exam and takes one step closer to becoming a lawyer.
The mind tends to focus on what is wrong because that is what we are often exposed to. That is why we must consciously remind ourselves that life, while sometimes heavy, is also beautiful.
It is beautiful in the way flowers bloom in the spring. In the crisp, sweet scent of grass warmed by sunlight. In the quiet elegance of clouds drifting across the sky. It is beautiful in the everyday moments, marriages, birthdays, laughter, and smiles. And it is especially beautiful in the simple fact that each day we survive is another chance to become who we are meant to be.
Life presents us with choices. Today, and every day after, choose to reshape your perspective. Acknowledge the hardships, but do not let them define your entire view of the world. Do not let life dim your light.
We are often told to plan our lives so that we can stay in control of our future. But rarely are we told to plan our happiness.
Happiness, like success, requires intention. Make time for the things you love. If that means catching up with friends over a drink, do it. If it means playing sports, traveling, or simply resting, make space for it. At the end of life, what we carry with us are not possessions, but memories. So, create as many meaningful ones as you can with the people you love.
Nurture your friendships, your relationships, your hobbies, your body, and your mind. When you align your life with what truly matters to you, it becomes less stressful and more fulfilling.
Studies have shown that people tend to live longer, healthier lives when they have strong relationships with friends and family. This may explain why older generations often lived longer. They built communities rather than isolating themselves, prioritizing connection over material things.
Never forget that life is shaped by both choice and perspective. Take ownership of your life. Plan in ways that help you navigate challenges, but also in ways that allow you to love life fully.
We are here to experience life, to celebrate it, until we no longer can. So why settle for constant suffering or repeated pain when joy and hope are within reach?
Take a moment today to smile. Find something, no matter how small, to be grateful for.
We must rise above the version of life that others try to define for us and instead create our own. Choose what you will accept and what you will reject. Choose hope. Choose joy. Choose to smile, to laugh, and to seek peace above all else.
If you do, life will become a little sweeter.