What Missing My Birthday Taught Me About Life
With my birthday approaching this month, I was remembering a time in the past where I missed it. I was bed-ridden with severe flu for over a week and I was unable to celebrate it.
I was unable to take calls from well-wishers and I was unable to answer a number of birthday messages on my phone. I was not even able to muster the strength to cut my own birthday cake that my children had brought over to me.
There was a lot of sadness that I was unable to celebrate the day with my family. Work-wise, I had to cancel coaching calls with my clients and missed meetings. In some moments I felt very angry and low at having lost over a week of my life.
“I enjoy convalescence. It is the part that makes the illness worth while.” — George Bernard Shaw
Being so debilitated though did give me the opportunity to reflect (when my strength allowed) and I tried not to ponder too much on the negative side of the situation. I realised the illness had been brought upon by my own doing.
Always on the go and not resting enough was just one reason. Illness had impacted my mental well-being as well as my physical well-being. Though nothing new to me and something I advocate to all my clients, it was a timely reminder of the following:
- How fortunate I am — that I was able to recover from this illness. The situation reminded me of those with long-term health problems and in situations worse than mine who are unable to do what they want to do. Many have struggled through greater adversity than mine to achieve their dreams.
- How grateful I am — for having my family around me and a loving wife who made sure I was being ‘fed, medicated & watered’, who took on additional duties around the home.
- How appreciative I am — of having understanding clients, family and friends. People who understood and were forgiving that I couldn’t be with them in their time of need.
- How little time we have — with so much time being wasted on being unproductive like scrolling through endless social media, binge-watching television, etc. This time reminded me of how much more I want to achieve in life, how much more I want to help others and what value I want to give.
- How leading a healthy life is of utmost importance — to be able to strengthen my body against possible illnesses, by not only eating healthily and doing regular physical exercise but also with adequate rest & recuperation.
“There are no awards given out for being the most exhausted.” — Kass Lazerow
Having experienced so many highs throughout that year, it was very difficult to go through such a low period during that month. But I think I came out of it stronger.
Many of my friends say I’m always so positive (even in bad situations), but I like what a close of friend of mine said recently, that I am an extreme realist — maybe this setback is what I really needed.
With the time to rest, I had the opportunity to reflect on my past achievements, my future goals and to really consolidate how I want to achieve this.
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
So, what did missing my birthday teach me? Bad (and good) things happen for a reason, but there is always a silver lining. You just need to have the clarity of thought and willingness to see it. When you are going through challenging times, focus on the good times that are just around the corner.
Here’s wishing for a healthy birthday this year and wishing you all a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!!!
Dr Rakish Rana is a warm and caring executive life coach who transforms you to become the best version of yourself, by instilling confidence & self-belief and focussing on general well-being.
