How to see the Silver Lining in your Situation? -Asma Imran

An individual’s perception is central in shaping a person’s behaviour and attitude. If we have a positive approach towards life, everything about ourselves- our conduct and behaviour becomes positively geared with respect to our perception. Likewise, if we have a negative outlook, everything in us becomes attuned to that only.
Everyone encounters ups and downs in his/her life. At times, it becomes hard to maintain a positive outlook; but it is crucial, since it not only affects us, our health, but also those around us.
Here are some tips that will, Insha’Allah, help us see the silver lining in a tough situation:
Human capacity is limited
Remember- no matter how much you try to avert a situation, your power is limited. Human agency is limited, and you are not held accountable and responsible for what is beyond your control. Be content with the knowledge that you did your best, and some things are beyond your control.

Count your blessings
Whether you are dealing with troublesome relatives or experienced the loss of a job- instead of viewing your losses with a sense of despair- breathe. Relax, sit back for a moment, and count the blessings that you have and express thankfulness for them. Allah (swt) says, “And (remember) when your Lord proclaimed: If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings), but if you are thankless (i.e. disbelievers), verily! My Punishment is indeed severe.” (Ibrahim 14:7)

Stop ‘comparing’ yourselves with others
A common pitfall nearly everyone falls prey to is that of ‘comparison’. Distance yourself from social media. Stop pursuing photos of immaculately dressed people, scrumptious food and expensive furniture. Comparing yourself and your situation to people who seem to ‘have it all’ is just going to end up making you feel worse about yourself. It won’t achieve anything. It’s unhealthy. The best comparison one can make is with one’s own self. Not everyone has the same rescores, opportunities or abilities.
Rephrase and reframe your situation
As mentioned earlier, perspective matters a lot. Rephrase, and reframe your worries in such a way that they do not remain worries, but mere challenges and obstacle to overcome. An ‘awful’ day becomes ‘challenging’, a ‘difficult’ person becomes a litmus ‘test’ for your patience.

Life is a test
Lastly, just remember that we have been sent in this world to get tested, so we can prove our mettle, our worth. Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)” (Al-Baqarah 2:155)

Donot look upon your trials as a source of discomfort, but resolve to emerge through- stronger than before! You will encounter trials and tribulations every step of the way, but how you deal with them is what matters. View a hardship simply as a means of getting closer to Allah (swt) and strengthening your Iman.
May Allah (swt) guide us to success, in this world and the hereafter. Ameen.