Lessons of Life_02
It has been a tumultuous start to 2025. Challenging & tough; but as the saying goes - what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.
Travelled with frenetic pace from Rajkot to Durgapur due to a family medical emergency. Spent 20 days at home, better part of it in hospital and the rest connecting with friends, neighbours, loved ones and memories - which rejuvenates me like nothing else.
Sharing my learnings of this small episode of life:
1. Emergencies are not planned and an unavoidable part of life. Being calm in the chaos is a skill, which helps loads in such situations. Focusing on the controllables & letting go of the uncontrollable ones is again a character trait that needs to be developed as one grows up. Daily spending some time meditating can be a great way to develop both these skills.
2. Taking the right decision at the perfect time, not before and surely not after is again a great skill to have. True test of managerial skills - as you never have complete data to take an informed decision. It's a test of your analysis / experience & as my dad says - your sixth sense.
3. Patience is a virtue, which you can never have enough of, especially if you are navigating your way around an Indian Hospital. Always crowded, and the layers deliberately created between doctors and patients' relatives which you have to navigate to take a decision which potentially can have an impact on life & death of the patient, the game of settling an insurance... the only way you can manage the situation a bit better is by anticipating the situation & taking proactive action.
4. As another saying goes: if life offers you a lemon, why not make a lemonade out of it. While managing a family medical emergency is never easy, I made the most out of the 20 days I spent at my hometown - the longest after I left my home to make my fortune in this wide world.
Reconnected with friends & neighbours, enjoyed long walks of 10kms & more, had a long "adda" with one of the most erudite teacher I have ever met, spent time with Maa & Thakuma like I have never done, earned trust of my father (who depended on me to make decisions)... this episode I am sure will play a role on how I see life in future.
5. I have always believed, a place is always made by its people. I will eternally be grateful to those few people who even in the middle of the night, didn't once hesitate to the call of duty. Friends & Neighbours whom I may have connected far & between, but one distress call of mine and they were beside my family. I may have left Durgapur, but Durgapur never left me.
6. Cannot over-emphasize the importance of networking - after all humans are social animals. Not only professionally but one should make the efforts to connect socially as well. Small efforts that we make to stay in touch during normal times helps a long way during distress situations - life has an unique way of giving back.
One needs support, and it would be criminal on my part of I do not mention Maa in this episode of life. Her critical decisions right at the start of emergency and her steadfast resolve in standing with me every bit of the way during this tough journey - makes me see her in new light. Her fortitude, patience and sheer will pulled us through.
Lastly, I end with my belief strenghtened in the saying: If your plan works out, it's good; if not, worry not cause God's plan is at work. Have faith!
Cheers to the journey of life.
Ever Grateful.
Travelled with frenetic pace from Rajkot to Durgapur due to a family medical emergency. Spent 20 days at home, better part of it in hospital and the rest connecting with friends, neighbours, loved ones and memories - which rejuvenates me like nothing else.
Sharing my learnings of this small episode of life:
1. Emergencies are not planned and an unavoidable part of life. Being calm in the chaos is a skill, which helps loads in such situations. Focusing on the controllables & letting go of the uncontrollable ones is again a character trait that needs to be developed as one grows up. Daily spending some time meditating can be a great way to develop both these skills.
2. Taking the right decision at the perfect time, not before and surely not after is again a great skill to have. True test of managerial skills - as you never have complete data to take an informed decision. It's a test of your analysis / experience & as my dad says - your sixth sense.
3. Patience is a virtue, which you can never have enough of, especially if you are navigating your way around an Indian Hospital. Always crowded, and the layers deliberately created between doctors and patients' relatives which you have to navigate to take a decision which potentially can have an impact on life & death of the patient, the game of settling an insurance... the only way you can manage the situation a bit better is by anticipating the situation & taking proactive action.
4. As another saying goes: if life offers you a lemon, why not make a lemonade out of it. While managing a family medical emergency is never easy, I made the most out of the 20 days I spent at my hometown - the longest after I left my home to make my fortune in this wide world.
Reconnected with friends & neighbours, enjoyed long walks of 10kms & more, had a long "adda" with one of the most erudite teacher I have ever met, spent time with Maa & Thakuma like I have never done, earned trust of my father (who depended on me to make decisions)... this episode I am sure will play a role on how I see life in future.
5. I have always believed, a place is always made by its people. I will eternally be grateful to those few people who even in the middle of the night, didn't once hesitate to the call of duty. Friends & Neighbours whom I may have connected far & between, but one distress call of mine and they were beside my family. I may have left Durgapur, but Durgapur never left me.
6. Cannot over-emphasize the importance of networking - after all humans are social animals. Not only professionally but one should make the efforts to connect socially as well. Small efforts that we make to stay in touch during normal times helps a long way during distress situations - life has an unique way of giving back.
One needs support, and it would be criminal on my part of I do not mention Maa in this episode of life. Her critical decisions right at the start of emergency and her steadfast resolve in standing with me every bit of the way during this tough journey - makes me see her in new light. Her fortitude, patience and sheer will pulled us through.
Also, really grateful to my better half to manage life and especially our little one without me for 3 weeks; but for her capability and assurance it would have been much tougher.
I remember the midnight of Dec 31, as the new year chimed in, a medical procedure was on and we were being apprised of the adverse effects of the reports. What a start to 2025! However, even in that toughest moment, when we came out to chilling cold of the forlorn street - with mom & myself together, we never lost hope. Recognized it will be challenge and one I was facing for the first time - but I was brought up in a way - where optimism is hardwired in my DNA.
Lastly, I end with my belief strenghtened in the saying: If your plan works out, it's good; if not, worry not cause God's plan is at work. Have faith!
Cheers to the journey of life.
Ever Grateful.
Always follow your 6th sense and your decision , attitude.
ReplyDeleteEvery professional has his view but you decide to accept if convinced. Result can be right or Wrong . Rest Fate. Father
Wonderfully articulated Joy sir
ReplyDelete