In the Quiet Dark: Finding Gratitude Amid Power Outages

 A Wednesday Without Light: A Bright Reminder to Be Grateful

It’s a beautiful Wednesday 😍, and yet, my heart feels the mixed emotions of hope and reality. Let me paint a little picture for you: last night, I went to bed without electricity. As I snuggled under the covers, I whispered a silent prayer, hoping the lights would greet me with a warm embrace in the morning. But alas, my hope was met with betrayal there was no sign of electricity.

Now, before I launch into an emotional ode to my generator (spoiler: I don’t own one), let’s take a moment to reflect on the beautiful irony of this situation. It’s moments like these when the darkness seems to overstay its welcome that I find myself immensely grateful for the days when electricity graces us like a benevolent king.

A Love-Hate Relationship with Electricity

Living in Nigeria, electricity is like that unreliable friend who promises to show up but rarely does. Yet, when they do, they bring light literally and figuratively into our lives. For many of us, electricity is not just about keeping the lights on. It powers our fans during sweltering nights, charges our devices, and keeps our refrigerators humming, preserving our precious food.

But oh, the absence of electricity! It has a way of making you reflect. The darkness is humbling. It reminds me of how much I take the little things for granted like charging my phone overnight or enjoying the sweet hum of an air conditioner.

The Struggles We Know Too Well

Last night, I lay in bed, caught between battling the heat and chatting on my phone. My trusty rechargeable fan whirred softly beside me, its dwindling energy my only lifeline. I found myself silently pleading, Please last until the light comes back, please!

You should have seen me betrayed, weary, and fully convinced that NEPA (Nigerian Electric Power Authority) was out to test my patience. As the seconds ticked by, my mind wandered, and the thoughts came tumbling in:

What happened to the electricity?

Did someone forget to flip the switch at the power station?

What if the fan dies before I drift off to sleep?

Let’s not even talk about the morning. Waking up to no electricity feels like starting your day with a grumpy cloud hanging over your head. No hot water for tea, no charged devices, and certainly no internet! It’s like living in prehistoric times, except with the added frustration of knowing there’s supposed to be a modern solution.

Grateful for the Bright Days

And yet, in the midst of it all, gratitude rises like the morning sun. On the days when electricity flows seamlessly, I feel like I’ve won the lottery. Those are the days I dance around my room with my phone plugged in, watching the battery percentage climb. Those are the nights I sleep soundly under the cooling breeze of my fan, dreaming sweet dreams uninterrupted by power outages.

Have you ever just stood in a room and stared at the light bulb, marvelling at how it stays on? No? Just me? Okay, moving on. But seriously, electricity transforms our lives in ways we don’t often pause to appreciate.

Electricity: The Lifeblood of Modern Living

Electricity is more than just convenience it’s a necessity. From powering life-saving medical equipment in hospitals to enabling businesses to thrive, it’s a foundation for progress. In a world where digital technology drives everything from communication to education, having consistent electricity is the difference between staying connected and being left behind.

But for many Nigerians, electricity is still a luxury rather than a given. According to reports, Nigeria’s national grid struggles with insufficient capacity and frequent breakdowns. The phrase “up NEPA!” isn’t just a cheer; it’s a collective sigh of relief when the lights finally come back on.

A Humorous Take on Life Without Light

You know what’s funny, though? In the midst of power outages, creativity thrives. You suddenly find yourself doing things you didn’t know you could:

Turning an old rechargeable lamp into a disco ball.

Learning the art of sleeping with one leg out of the covers to catch the breeze.

Or my personal favourite, making up stories about why the light is gone “Maybe NEPA is playing hide-and-seek with us.”

It’s in these moments that humour becomes a lifeline. Because let’s face it, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.

A Call to Action: Let’s Make a Change

But humour aside, the electricity situation in Nigeria is no laughing matter. It’s a challenge that affects millions of lives every day. While it’s easy to complain, it’s also important to be part of the solution. Here are a few ways we can make a difference:

Conserve Energy: Even when electricity is available, use it wisely. Turn off appliances when not in use and embrace energy-efficient devices.

Advocate for Change: Join conversations about improving electricity infrastructure. Write to your local representatives and support policies that prioritize sustainable energy solutions.

Embrace Renewable Energy: Solar panels, anyone? While they may seem expensive initially, they’re a long-term investment in consistent power.

Gratitude in the Dark

As I sit here writing this post (thankfully, my battery survived the night), I’m reminded that gratitude is a choice. It’s about finding light even in the darkest moments sometimes literally. While I eagerly await the return of electricity, I’m holding onto the lessons this outage has taught me.

To all my readers, take a moment today to appreciate the things you often overlook like the light bulb glowing above your head or the buzzing sound of your fridge. And when the lights do go out, remember to stay hopeful, stay humorous, and stay grateful.

What are you grateful for today? Share your thoughts below. Let’s spread the light of gratitude together.