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Second Chances
I am one of the lucky ones. Why? Because I have two birthdays: one on the day I was born and the second on the day I was reborn, which is today. Sixteen years ago, I found myself on the brink, facing mortality, only to be mysteriously saved.
My natural instinct is not to dwell on the past, and I usually don’t. But there are red-letter days in your life when your present and past confront each other. I woke up very early this morning, as I normally do, to journal. A question kept surfacing in my mind: have I made the most of the extra time I’ve been gifted on this planet?
Answering that question is tough, especially in a modern society where you’re forced to measure your life on a scale of money, fame, and success. It’s ironic because none of that matters when you’re dead. Yet, one’s mind keeps reverting to these yardsticks to gauge the journey’s progress.
One’s true reality often faces the distorted mirror of societal expectations and retreats into the shadows. I remind myself annually to focus on what truly matters. I take time to reflect on my good fortune — my second chance. I ask myself if I am living better and smarter. I’m not sure how successful I’ve been in both aspects. What I do know is that whenever I look back, I see that I’ve managed to reboot myself.
The past sixteen years have been a journey towards gaining self-awareness, learning my strengths and weaknesses, and using them to carve a unique path forward. My life has been richer as a result — both creatively and professionally. With fewer attachments, there have been fewer disappointments.
And, of course, today is a good reminder that it’s been sixteen years since I quit my three-packs-a-day smoking habit. That alone is a visible manifestation of the change that stemmed from what seemed like the worst day of my life.
That doesn’t mean I don’t have moments of self-doubt. I often ask myself: am I making the most of this additional time? Why am I wasting time on meaningless things? Today, I’ve pondered this a lot. If I’m honest, I admit I do need to make a few adjustments.
Onwards!
6 thoughts on this post
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What a touching post. I wish you many more years of health and happiness.
Thank you David. Appreciate it.
Although many have not experienced exactly what you have, I think that everyone could learn something from this. Time is an asset that can be easily taken for granted, and asking these questions can be a catalyst for changes that bring a great deal of inner peace. Thanks for reminding me to self reflect today Om.
Parker
Thanks so much for the kind words. It is important for one to keep asking the questions that matter. I think it is so easy to lose our internal calibration and get off course and end up conflating motion for actual progress.
Wishing you the best in 2024.
Has it been sixteen years? I remember when that happened, and you re-thought the fast-paced life you were living. To an outsider following your journey, you seemed to slow down somewhat, and I remember encouraging you to eat a better diet as well. Of course quitting smoking must have helped enormously.
I, for one, am grateful you and your detailed explorations are still in my life.
I am grateful for the extended opportunity to do what I do! Thanks for your constant support.