Jamie Gao: Take Your Time – The Light Will Come

Jamie Gao shares how in times of uncertainty, we can bring positivity to our lives and others.

Uncertain times feel like fumbling through a dark room — stubbing your toe, spilling a drink, then realizing the light switch was within reach all along. But are we just standing in the dark, waiting for someone else to flip the switch?

Lately, life feels like emotional dodgeball — divisions widen, stress mounts, and the news doesn’t let up. It’s tempting to retreat. But what if, instead, we became the light?

Not a blinding beacon — just small, everyday glimmers. Choosing patience over honking in traffic. Trading doom-scrolling for something that restores faith in humanity.

But turning on the light isn’t always simple. Sometimes, it’s groping in the dark, searching for that elusive pull chain.

I learned this after a grueling day at work. Drained, I texted my 16-year-old: “Heads up — I’m not OK today. Don’t expect cheerful mom.”

The next morning, feeling lighter, I announced, “I gave myself one day to wallow. Life’s too short to let negativity drain me.”

My son, sage in a snapback, simply said: “Mom, it’s OK to be down sometimes.”
And there it was — the truth I’d sidestepped.

Choosing light isn’t about forcing joy. It’s sitting in the dark just long enough for your eyes to adjust, your breath to steady, your feet to find the floor.

The road ahead may stay foggy, Let’s leave the light on — for ourselves, for each other, for whatever comes next. Some days, the switch feels miles away. That’s OK. What matters is reaching for it — however long it takes.

With a Perspective, I’m Jamie Chiahui Gao.

Jamie Gao was born and raised in Taiwan. She is a high school Mandarin and Literature teacher with a passion for storytelling and cultural exploration. She is currently preparing to visit her 20th country.