The writer, Asgar Jafferali Dhanji (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) served as the Secretary-General of the Africa Federation for two – 3-years terms. He served as JIBA Vice Chairman – with a particular passion for raising funds and offering microfinance to our Community – for low-income, underprivileged, startups, Business loans, individuals, and small enterprises — thereby giving them opportunities to grow economically. He is the founder of Imaan Finance Ltd — the First Islamic Finance Institution in Tanzania. and has also served in Dar es Salaam Jamaat’s Arbitration Committee as well as a Board member of Ebrahim Haji Charitable Hospital – with a particular passion for the project of building the new hospital. He is now a motivational/Inspirational speaker giving regular Saturday Fajr lectures at Dar Imambara.
Gratitude
Happiness is often perceived as a constant state, but in reality, it is a fluctuating experience influenced by our emotional responses. The difference between those who are consistently happy and those who struggle with unhappiness often lies not in the frequency of low moods, but in how individuals respond to these feelings.
Many people tend to take their low moods very seriously, engaging in a cycle of analysis and self-critique. This approach can lead to a deeper entrenchment in negative feelings, as the effort to force oneself out of a low state can inadvertently amplify the problem.
Instead of seeking solutions, they may find themselves trapped in a spiral of negativity. In contrast, individuals who exude peace and relaxation understand that both positive and negative emotions are transient. They embrace the notion that feelings come and go, recognising that moments of discomfort are part of the human experience. This acceptance allows them to navigate their emotional landscape with grace.
When they encounter low moods, they do not fight against them; instead, they acknowledge these feelings as temporary visitors and express gratitude. By accepting negative emotions rather than resisting them, these individuals create space for healing. This gentle acceptance fosters a natural transition back to a more positive state of mind. Just as the sun sets each evening only to rise again the next day, so too do low moods pass with time. Ultimately, cultivating a mindset of acceptance can transform our relationship with our emotions. Rather than viewing low moods as adversaries to be defeated, we can learn to see them as integral parts of our emotional journey—fleeting moments that enrich our understanding of happiness and well-being.