“Sometimes illness teaches us, as it happened in my case.”
We often encounter pivotal moments in life when our perspectives shift, and our horizons broaden. For me, this profound transformation was catalyzed by an unexpected visitor – illness. I had never been an avid reader, often questioning my wife’s unwavering devotion to books. “Why spend so much time reading?” I’d ask her. Little did I know that this very question would soon be answered by my own journey into the world of literature.
As fate would have it, my life took an unforeseen turn when I was transferred to a new department. Struggling to adapt, I found myself grappling with the challenges of change. Then, like a bolt from the blue, I was struck by a debilitating bout of jaundice. The doctor’s prescription was clear – rest. Suddenly, I found myself with ample time on my hands. But even in my state of inactivity, I was restless, continuously engaging in one task after another.
My wife, ever the perceptive one, observed this and decided to intervene. She handed me a book titled “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.” Little did I know that this book would become the threshold to a new chapter in my life. The words within its pages resonated with me in ways I had never experienced before. Suddenly, I felt a profound sense of inspiration and purpose, ignited by the wisdom shared by the author.
The journey had just begun. Intrigued by the transformation that literature had initiated, I delved into the author’s other works – “Who Will Cry When You Die” and “Mega Living.” These books served as beacons, guiding me towards self-exploration and deeper understanding. They became my companions, mentors that pushed me to confront life’s challenges and seek solutions to the myriad problems we all face.
This newfound passion didn’t stop at these books alone; it marked the inception of an era of self-improvement and knowledge acquisition. My hunger for wisdom led me to explore an array of books on effective living and managing oneself in the face of adversity. And as if the universe had conspired to nurture this transformation, I discovered that I had a knack for writing. This journey, which had begun with reading, soon evolved into crafting my own thoughts and ideas into words.
Through this metamorphosis, I realized that books are not just inanimate objects; they’re a bridge to understanding, a portal to growth, and a window into the depths of human wisdom. My journey from a skeptical non-reader to an author of four books and a blogger is a testament to the power of the written word. Books became my mentors, guiding me through life’s challenges, offering solutions, and encouraging me to explore uncharted territories of thought.
In this age of digital distractions and fleeting engagements, books remain steadfast, inviting us into a world of introspection and enlightenment. They’ve bestowed upon me a new perspective, a source of solace during tumultuous times, and an unending wellspring of knowledge. As I continue to tread this path of self-improvement and self-discovery, I’m reminded of the words of Socrates: “Employ your time in improving yourself by other men’s writings so that you shall come easily by what others have labored hard for.”
So, to those who, like me, once questioned the value of reading, I say this: Open a book, and you might just open the doors to a universe of transformative experiences. Let books be your companions on this journey of life, and you’ll find that they illuminate the path towards becoming the best version of yourself. As for me, I’m eternally grateful for that illness-induced moment of reflection, for it unlocked a treasure trove of wisdom that has forever changed my life.
Quitters Don’t Win and Winners Don’t Quit.
Ironman | Deccan Cliffhanger | Comrade Legend Finisher | Motivational Speaker | Writer | Endurance Athlete
