Get Over Yourself. The Sooner You Can Live.

“You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” 
― A.L.A. Himmelwright

Being ill allows the perfect opportunity for self-reflection. Before you start rolling your eyes and saying "A-G-A-I-N Ghabbie!" Hear me out. I know these past few weeks I've been publishing a lot of posts related to self-reflection, kindness and all the happy, go lucky emotions that you categorize with the hippie era, but trust me there's a valid reason for me doing so.

You see, I've been often reminded that I am less than six months away (yes 6 months) from sitting my final examinations for the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery component of my M.B.B.S. degree. Once successful, I'll don a long white coat with the University of The West Indies Coat of Arms emblazoned on the left breast. My father for sure would be ecstatic for one and down-right proud; and he would have every right to be seeing he's been the steam behind this little train, ensuring that although he would have liked at least one of his 3 offspring to follow in his footsteps and studied law, he would be free from tuition.

With any career path one chooses, one thing is a guarantee; you will encounter a fair share of difficult people and challenges. How you respond to these people, will determine whether or not you're growing as an individual or remaining stagnant. Maturation is like a rite of passage, with each new day and each trial, you're shaped in some way or the other into the person you're meant to be, well for the most part. Sometimes we fail those trials, and that's alright as long as you realize your mistake and aim to improve whenever you're faced with another.

This post will shed some light on remaining rooted in one's morals, beliefs and values as well as realizing the need for a break from the world and overall restoration of mind, body and spirit.

1. ROOTED

root¹ruːt/verb
past tense: rooted; past participle: rooted

• cause (a plant or cutting) to grow roots.

• (of a plant or cutting) establish roots. 

• establish deeply and firmly.

Growing up, we all would have been exposed to a few elements at some point or the other. Some like me, would have been introduced to God and taken to church at a young age, others may not have been introduced at an early age, but came to know God later in their pubescent or young adult years. We all would have been taught the difference between right and wrong either in the home setting or at an educational institution at which we were enrolled; we would have learned either through mere observation or personal experience, the effects of alcohol or other substances on our decision making and senses. We all would have had that moment where we wished a simple snap of our fingers or click of our heels would erase some of our poor decisions that led to embarrassing outcomes. But let's be honest, would it help? Would we have learned a lesson? Would we be more appreciative of all we were taught and guided against by those who love us?
No it wouldn't. I've never personally seen the natural skyscrapers that are not only beautiful but the main inspiration behind this segment of the post. The giant sequoia  or the Sequoiadendron giganteum, is a massive tree. Have you ever taken the time to look at one? We have Google now so there's no real excuse not to-so be sure to Google it after reading this post. Well the giant sequoia before it becomes such a magnificent piece of creation for us to enjoy must endure a few things and requires certain things in order for it to reach its full potential. Are you seeing where I'm going with this? 

Compare yourself to the giant sequoia; before you're able to shoot up into the heavens, there are certain requirements that must exist. 

Climate Requirements

The sequoia grows naturally ONLY in a 260 mile strip of mixed conifer forest on the Western slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains, between 5,000-7,000 elevation. 
The climate must be just right, for the sequoia to have the best outcome. What specific "climate" requirements must exist for you to reach your full potential? Give it a thought and right it down. For me, I must be able to move freely, have a certain level of independence in order for me to be productive and to excel. For you, it may be, you must have a certain amount of alone time. Are you ensuring that your requirements are met? 

Longevity

The giant sequoia can live for 3,000 years. That's quite a long time, once their specific climate requirements are met. Let's translate this. Once our specific requirements are met, our endurance increases, we have a sense of worth, accomplishment and meanin and our outlook on our future is full of longevity. 

Growth

Interestingly enough, the giant sequoia only reproduces by seeds which sometimes remain in the cone for 20 years; forest fires help to open the cones which then exposes them to the heat of the fire and through the burnt bare soil are they able to grow. Wow. Does it sound familiar? Just like a sequoia, before we can even experience longevity, we must first experience trials and challenges which like the forest fires, exposes us to opportunities to grow. Don't run away from these trials my friend, they exist for our growth. Once this occurs (and it continues throughout our lives), we can reach our full potential. 

Purpose

Besides being gorgeous to view, each giant sequoia needs to produce just one maturing offspring over its lifespan for the species to persist. Our purpose is far greater than that of the sequoia, and once we realise what our purpose is, our daily goals should point towards us fulfilling that purpose over our lifespan. 

2. Renewed

renewrɪˈnjuː/verb
past tense: renewed; past participle: renewed

•              resume (an activity) after an interruption

•              give fresh life or strength to.

•              replace (something that is broken or worn out).

I'm all about renewal; mainly because it is essential for growth and optimum performance. As I reflect on my transition from fourth year into my final year of medical school, I must say I performed the best when my specific requirements were met and when I took the time to pause and to intentionally focus on renewal of my body-my mind and my spiritual life as well as my physical well-being. 

Once an imbalance existed in either area, my performance plummeted, my motivation was practically non-existent and honestly I became overwhelmed by the question "why did I decide to do this (medicine)?" 

My body was begging for me to stop what I was doing, (basically what most of my peers were doing as well) which was flying auto-pilot; and to reconnect firstly with God and then to allow my time in prayer and communion with Him to ignite that spark that was still flickering. 

I was in desperate need of renewal; for 'fresh life and strength' for replacement of negative attitudes and vibes with positive ones and for a break and then to resume my daily obligations for optimum performance. 

This is something I'm still doing as often as the need exists and as healthcare professionals, where we are exposed to so much sorrow and sadness that exists with sickness, we must ensure we are renewed in all aspects of our lives so that we can transfer some strength to our patients and so that our interaction with them is one where we can offer encouragement and hope when they may be unable to see the light. 

3. Restored

restore

rɪˈstɔː/verb 

past tense: restored; past participle: restored

• bring back or re-establish (a previous right, practice, or situation).

• return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position.

• repair or renovate (a building, work of art, etc.) so as to return it to its original condition.

• give (something stolen, taken away, or lost) back to the original owner or recipient.

Restoration is such a beautiful thing. After being exposed to the elements of a sinful existence, we can experience restoration. Finding our way back to our roots, allowing them to lead us to the importance of renewal, we can then emerge restored. Not as we once were but better. Our experiences will allow us to mature and to be re-established. 



Would you allow yourself to remain rooted in your values? Acknowledge the need for renewal of your mind, body and soul and to experience restoration? Let me know in the comments below. 

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