<p>Many of us tend to approach a new year—be it a calendar year or an academic or financial year—with a mixture of hope, anticipation, and a certain amount of fear. If the year gone by has been good or uneventful, we are less nervous. On <br>the contrary, if it has been trying and has tested our strengths, we tend to forget that we have overcome the hurdles but are worried sick that it will pan out even worse.</p>.<p class="bodytext">One must remember that life is a continuum—like an ever-flowing river with the rough and the smooth alternating. Life is never an unmixed blessing. Its course rarely runs smooth all the time. We rise, we fall, we stumble, and we adapt and emerge from the most calamitous events, wiser and more resilient. To get mired in self-doubt is doing gross injustice to oneself and to the strength that can come from faith in the Supreme and from a few good people in the world around.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Just before Christmas, the home of a good friend who lives abroad had been completely gutted. It was the neighbour who alerted him to the blaze. His cherished possessions were reduced to ashes, and the household effects were rendered useless. Insurance covered a part of the damage, and alternate accommodation was provided. Friends on social media offered kind and comforting words and help. They were happy he survived.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He was extremely distraught but emerged a changed man. He now wants to lead a minimalist life and reduce his possessions. He prioritised what was important going forward—family, true friends, and using his talents in bettering the lives of others. One year ago, he wouldn’t have in his wildest dreams expected a nightmare like this. But with faith and prayer, he dealt with it stoically. And not long after, when another fire broke out in another part of the world, he realised he was not alone.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Perhaps the way to face a new phase is to live without fear or constant dread and nip negative thoughts the moment they surface. Energy healers remind us that negativity will only aid in attracting problems. Worrying won’t even help when you are in the throes of one, as it will cloud your thinking. Remember that if you place your faith in the Supreme and always do right, strength will come to help you face whatever trials are sent your way in the new phase.</p>
<p>Many of us tend to approach a new year—be it a calendar year or an academic or financial year—with a mixture of hope, anticipation, and a certain amount of fear. If the year gone by has been good or uneventful, we are less nervous. On <br>the contrary, if it has been trying and has tested our strengths, we tend to forget that we have overcome the hurdles but are worried sick that it will pan out even worse.</p>.<p class="bodytext">One must remember that life is a continuum—like an ever-flowing river with the rough and the smooth alternating. Life is never an unmixed blessing. Its course rarely runs smooth all the time. We rise, we fall, we stumble, and we adapt and emerge from the most calamitous events, wiser and more resilient. To get mired in self-doubt is doing gross injustice to oneself and to the strength that can come from faith in the Supreme and from a few good people in the world around.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Just before Christmas, the home of a good friend who lives abroad had been completely gutted. It was the neighbour who alerted him to the blaze. His cherished possessions were reduced to ashes, and the household effects were rendered useless. Insurance covered a part of the damage, and alternate accommodation was provided. Friends on social media offered kind and comforting words and help. They were happy he survived.</p>.<p class="bodytext">He was extremely distraught but emerged a changed man. He now wants to lead a minimalist life and reduce his possessions. He prioritised what was important going forward—family, true friends, and using his talents in bettering the lives of others. One year ago, he wouldn’t have in his wildest dreams expected a nightmare like this. But with faith and prayer, he dealt with it stoically. And not long after, when another fire broke out in another part of the world, he realised he was not alone.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Perhaps the way to face a new phase is to live without fear or constant dread and nip negative thoughts the moment they surface. Energy healers remind us that negativity will only aid in attracting problems. Worrying won’t even help when you are in the throes of one, as it will cloud your thinking. Remember that if you place your faith in the Supreme and always do right, strength will come to help you face whatever trials are sent your way in the new phase.</p>
