Finding Light Amidst Darkness: How Diwali Inspires Us to Overcome Challenges
Happy Diwali wishes to everyone!
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Ap sab ko Diwali ki shup kamnaye!
“There was a time when I couldn’t see a way forward. The darkness felt overwhelming, almost suffocating. But then I realised, it was in this darkness that my search for light began.”
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, holds a profound message that goes beyond the bright lamps, fireworks, and festive sweets. It symbolises the unwavering belief that light, no matter how small, can dispel even the deepest darkness.
For me, Diwali has been a personal reminder of resilience, courage, and the power of new beginnings—qualities that have been crucial in my own journey as a social entrepreneur and leader.
Rising Above Challenges
Starting The Cookie Project in New Zealand was filled with passion, ambition, and dreams of creating meaningful change. But it wasn’t a smooth road.
Imagine this: a fledgling social enterprise with limited resources, a diverse team with unique needs, and a personal mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities. The stakes were high, but so were the doubts.
The initial months were particularly testing. “Am I doing the right thing? Can I really make this work?” I would ask myself on countless occasions. There was one instance that stands out vividly—a critical funding opportunity that fell through at the last minute.
It felt like the ground had shifted beneath me. I remember sitting in a dimly lit room, the weight of responsibility pressing heavily on my shoulders. It wasn’t just about sustaining a business; it was about the people who believed in our mission and counted on me to deliver on the promise.
“This can’t be the end,” I told myself as I struggled to find a way forward. There was a moment of clarity amidst the uncertainty—an inner voice that kept pushing me to try again, reminding me of the reasons why I started.
That’s what Diwali embodies: a reminder that even when darkness seems overwhelming, there’s always the potential for light, hope, and a better tomorrow.
The Strength of Celebrating Wins
Diwali also taught me the importance of celebrating small wins. When I launched The Cookie Project, there were days when a single sale felt like a massive victory. I would see the joy on our team members’ faces when a batch of cookies was sold, and it was these small moments that kept the spark alive. Just like lighting a diya (lamp) during Diwali, each success, no matter how minor, felt like a step forward.
I still remember our first major milestone: a supermarket chain agreeing to stock our cookies. It felt like a burst of fireworks in a sky that had been cloudy for too long. I was thrilled, and more importantly, it lifted the spirits of my team.
We gathered around for an impromptu celebration—a few laughs, some cookies (of course), and a renewed sense of purpose. Diwali is all about this spirit of celebration—honouring progress and finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
Empowering Lessons from Diwali
Here’s what Diwali has taught me about creating positive change, both within myself and in the world around me:
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1. Embrace the Spark of Hope
Diwali is a festival of light, but more importantly, it’s about the hope that drives us forward. Even in challenging times, holding onto that spark can illuminate unexpected solutions and fresh perspectives.
In my journey, the initial setbacks didn’t defeat me; they motivated me to innovate, collaborate, and push harder. I found that it was often during the most challenging moments that the best ideas emerged—whether it was tweaking the business model or finding creative ways to engage partners.
2. Celebrate Every Step Forward
Just as Diwali brings communities together to rejoice, it's crucial to acknowledge the small steps that contribute to larger goals. Celebrating progress, no matter how minor, energises not only individuals but the entire team.
I made it a point to recognise and reward the efforts of my team members, ensuring that they felt valued. Whether it was a small thank-you note, a shoutout at team meetings, or a surprise treat, these gestures kept morale high and the momentum strong.
3. Lean on the Power of Community
Diwali’s spirit of unity has been a powerful source of inspiration for me. In tough times, I leaned on my community—whether it was friends, mentors, or fellow entrepreneurs. Their support, insights, and belief in my mission provided the strength I needed to keep moving forward.
The inaugural #ANZDiwaliAwards, which I launched to recognise the unsung heroes of the NZ Indian community, was more than just an event. It was a symbol of how we can lift each other up, even when personal challenges seem overwhelming. That experience reinforced my belief that the more light we spread, the more we receive in return.
Pro Tips: How to Cultivate an Empowering Mindset in Tough Times
Final Thoughts: Light as a Way Forward
Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a metaphor for how we can transform our lives. It teaches us that no matter how dark a situation might appear, there is always a way to create light, build hope, and rise stronger. It’s about resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief that every setback can be a setup for an even greater comeback.
As we celebrate Diwali, let’s remember that the true light comes from within. It’s the courage to face challenges head-on, the resilience to rise again, and the strength to help others see their own potential. To everyone reading this, may this Diwali be a reminder of the light you carry within you. Let’s embrace it, nurture it, and spread it, not just today, but every day.
Happy Diwali once again! May this festival bring you joy, prosperity, and the courage to rise stronger in every aspect of life.
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Eric Chuah is a social entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and the founder of The Cookie Project, a highly successful social enterprise in New Zealand that creates meaningful employment for people with disabilities. With a deep passion for resilience, purpose, and positive change, Eric draws inspiration from personal experiences of overcoming challenges. His journey reflects a commitment to finding light amidst adversity, a lesson he resonates with during Diwali and beyond. Through his writing and initiatives, Eric aims to empower others to rise stronger and embrace the potential for transformation, one step at a time.