The Survival Of Planned

Are we moving from the survival of the fittest to the stage where survival will be of those who plan their lives meticulously? Will there be a time in our lives when people who fail to make plans not survive in the materialistic world?

‘Real riches are the riches possessed inside’ said none other than Forbes. How true is this? Don’t we need money in our lives? Being a counselor and life-skills trainer, I have come across two opposite sets of people. One who believe that money is everything and there are other who believe money is not important. Both the approaches can backfire anytime in our lives.

Money, which was non-existent few centuries ago has now become an integral part of our lives. I have seen lot many people who squander all their money carelessly, only to become helpless when adversity comes knocking at their door.

I had seen one such couple who lavished all their wealth on naming ceremony, birthdays, school admission and other celebrations of their only loving child. Unfortunately, they never planned for any ups and downs that would come in their lives. When, faced by the big C – Cancer, that too in their loving child, the parents were at loss. Who would have thought that a healthy, playful child of 8 could become target of such life threatening illness? They had to run helter-skelter to pay for the heavy bills.

In 2015, my son Rayyan took up job in a company on graveyard shift. It was a tough decision for him to make since he had another equally good opportunity which he decided to ignore since he had committed to his job, though he had not joined yet. Few months down the lane, the corporate laid off its employees. Rayyan, who is yet to take up life responsibilities was not harshly affected by what happened to him, but there were people who had responsibilities on their shoulders. No matter how important or unimportant they consider money to be, they have to pay rent, pay for food and other necessities. What happens when the one source of income you depend on does not come through?

Recently, a short circuit started in the wall of my friend’s house went on smoldering until it burnt down the kitchen ceiling and destroyed lot of valuables within the home. It was quite unexpected adversity that struck the family.

Are we often prepared for such situations in our lives? 

Some people are, some are not, but eventually the spirit of survival pulls us through.

Honestly, I learned my lesson the hard way. I was not prepared for any such events in my life. I realized the worth of money when I struggled with cancer, 11 month old special needs daughter who required medical attention, 4 year old son who needed admission and husband who could not face the challenges strongly and lend his support.

Fortunately for me, the words of Walt Disney who said, “All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you” turned out to be true. Cancer worked as the alarm bell, and awoke me from my slumber.

I am glad that I had hit the rough patch in my life….because without the wake-up call, I would still be lost in my slumber. I realized my potential, my emotional stability, and strength and regained my confidence when I overcame the tough time with triumph.  It is true that tough times do not last but tough people do… I did! This is what made me strong as well  #KhudKoKarBuland