Handling the challenges in life

Handling the challenges in life

By Girish Gogia

Girish Gogia tells us his experience in how he converted a calamity into a meaningful milestone. He did not anything to destroy his spirit and strength and we all certainly have a lot to learn from him. Given below is his experience in his own words, In December 1999 I faced an unexpected blow of fate. I was celebrating new year in Goa with my wife and friends. I was fond of cliff diving. I went forward and dived into the ocean. Who could have ever imagined that would be the last time I would ever dive or swim or even walk? A miscalculated dive led to a spinal cord injury resulting in complete paralysis neck downwards. From a jet setter exporter and a successful interior designer I turned into a quadriplegic. There was no cure for this catastrophe.. It took me weeks to regain my confidence and re-start my interior designing business. I was blessed to have discovered my inner strength and completed 15 projects, in 11 years, some of which won accolades. The wheelchair had become my inevitable vehicle but my courage was the driver. It has been 14 years and my journey has been strewn with roses as well as thorns. The positive attitude with which I dealt with the problems felt like roses and the difficulties I faced felt like thorns. The dependency on the caretaker for every little thing was heart wrenching but I came to terms with it quickly as I decided to make the most of what God had gifted me with. I had my speech and brain intact and so I told myself, Girish, get going. You still have lots with you. All is not lost yet. I remember how the nurse had noticed severe bed sores on my lower back as I was lying in the same position for weeks, soon after my accident back in January, 2000. The doctors were not sure of a guaranteed treatment for those life threatening bed sores. In their opinion, those sores could prove fatal and even plastic surgery couldn't heal them completely. Fortunately, I refrained from agreeing with the doctors on their opinion. The doctor had failed in finding a definite solution but I was positive. He said that the bed sore was too huge and would soon prove fatal. None of the ointments or medicines that were prescribed to me provided any relief. Each one of my family members was horrified by looking at those sores. They were disappointed as well. But I was determined to survive. I moved forward, holding onto my courage with the support of positive faith and regained my confidence. I knew that when you have good thoughts in your brain, happy thoughts and thoughts of love and compassion, your brain secretes neuro-chemicals such as oxytocin, dopamine, serotonin, which are not only molecules that make you feel happy but they are immune modulators which modulate your body functions and heal all internal and external illnesses. I believe that the deepest core of your being is a field of infinite possibilities. I requested my caretaker to help me do a lot of different exercises to improve blood circulation in my lower back and build immunity. He would help me exercise vigorously. I would meditate three hours a day and eat lots of salads. I often used the technique of visualization to attract energies of the universe. I would consciously direct those energies to heal the bed sores. It took me nine months of sheer persistence to overcome those bed sores. I endured the same routine until the sores had completely vanished from my skin. In those nine months, I realized that nothing truly stops us, nothing truly holds us back. For our own will is always within our control. The ultimate belief about accomplishing a task, whether big or small, motivates one to learn everything it takes to accomplish it. I would sleep on either sides and never sleep straight for those nine months. Had to eat, drink and sponge in a sideways lying position. I found ways to condition my mind to draw that inner strength from the depth of my soul in order to overcome the doubts that floated on the surface of my mind. Bed sores are just like those small mental blocks that we face each day. It takes focused persistence and determination to eliminate them from your mind. Disabled are those who cannot feel, know or utilize their own ability. We do have a choice. We can give in and relent, or we can fight, persevere, and create a life worth living. You have the capacity to resurrect your own self by simply tapping into the reservoirs inside of you. Do not underestimate your abilities. In every human being's heart, lies a spark of fire, which lies dormant, but which lights up and beams in the dark hour of adversity. All the power you need is within you. You are born with all the unique abilities, knowledge and talents you need for your mission in life. All you need to do is believe in yourself.