FINDING STRENGTH IN DARKNESS

What Does That Mean?

This is truly a beautiful statement, and the full text is as follows: "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."

Take a moment to reflect on that. People sparkle and shine when life is going well. They are bright and full of colour, basking in the warmth of the sun. However, when darkness falls—when life becomes difficult—only those with an inner light will reveal their true beauty. Others, while still present, are far less radiant, as their light has dimmed. This statement comes from a doctor who worked with the dying, which is about as dark as life can get for most people. I believe her words are connected to her work in hospice care.

 Why Is Keeping Your Light On Important?

This is not about leaving a porch light on. While that might have some appeal from the outside, the essence of this statement is to keep our inner light shining—especially during dark times. It is in these moments that both we and those around us need to see that light. It is in these moments that our true beauty is revealed. By keeping our light alive, we strengthen not only ourselves but also those who need us. This is not about deception or pretending everything is fine. Rather, it is about choosing to be a source of strength for others, despite our own struggles. We become an example of perseverance and resilience for those who may be facing their own doubts.

Those who maintain their inner light are like lighthouses for those lost in the darkness. Their light reassures others that things will be alright—or at least endurable. It helps them navigate their way forward, guiding them towards their goals. That light can be a lifeline in difficult times or a source of comfort in a person’s final days.

 By keeping our inner light burning, we also offer comfort to ourselves. We remind ourselves of our strength, our will to carry on, even when everything seems overwhelmingly dark. At times, this may be the most important reason of all to keep our inner flame alive.

Where Can I Apply This in My Life?

To me, this is not so much a question of "where" but rather "when"—and I believe the best answer is all the time. Every reason mentioned earlier is significant. I believe we have all had someone in our lives who acted as that bright light for us at some point. I used to feel radiant most of the time, but my light would dim when I became moody, and it would vanish completely when things did not go as planned. Over time, I have changed—I no longer fluctuate so wildly, and even on my darkest days, there is still a glow. However, that light is not always bright enough to reveal my true inner beauty, and I am still working on that.

How Do I Keep My Inner Light Shining?

What do I think about when times are tough—when things feel so dark that my light risks being extinguished? To start with, I try to shift my focus. We tend to attract what we concentrate on, so if I dwell on negativity, what will I bring into my life? Exactly that. This does not mean ignoring problems, but rather focusing on ways to alter their impact. Can I find a way to make the situation less painful or harmful? Can I deflect the worst of it instead of taking it on fully? Can I change my course to avoid the issue altogether?

Thinking in this way allows me to start lifting the darkness, as it shifts my attention to potential solutions rather than the problem itself. As I discover glimmers of hope, my light begins to shine a little brighter—making my true beauty more visible. Other perspectives can also help. For example, of the more than seven billion people in the world, I remind myself that there are likely millions, if not billions, who are facing far greater difficulties than I am. Sometimes, a simple change in perspective or attitude can be immensely helpful.

Over the years, I have relied on these techniques, along with simple stubbornness and sheer persistence. Sometimes, the best option is to grit my teeth and push through—to refuse to let my light dim. It is not easy, but it is possible. I am sure there are many other approaches one could take to keep their light shining. These are just the ones that work for me. How do you keep your inner light burning? What strategies help you through dark times? Feel free to share your thoughts below so that we might learn from each other and add to our toolbox of ideas.

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