Sometimes
apparently worst moments in life are the sweetest ones. I am going to share my
experience with you that how an unpleasant accident turned into a pleasant
experience and a lifetime learning. Last summer, while holidaying in a
beautiful town of South Africa, Plattinberg bay, with family friends I met with
an accident, and ironically that helped me to overcome my worst fears.
It
was a lazy morning and not being a morning person I wanted to enjoy late
morning sleep. My husband, nevertheless, insisted for a morning walk as
everyone was going to the beach and I agreed. So, early in the morning on the
beach waiting for sun to rise and waves to sleep, all of us were taking a
stroll and capturing the beauty. I was collecting the shells like a desperate
little girl to take home. When done, alone I went to put the shells in the
hotel room, which was just right across the road along with the beach. But
something else was destined.
I
noticed two unleashed ferocious dogs coming my way on the lonely road. I was too scared to
understand anything so I started running to save my life. Out of fear I dropped
all the meticulously collected shells on the road. I ran as fast as a deer. I
looked back to check the dogs and they too were chasing me at a jet speed. I
ran even faster, surely could win the marathon. All of sudden my chappals flipped,
all black out and I fell off on the sloppy road with rocks all over, sliding
for a couple of meters. Interestingly, the dogs didn’t touch me at all.
Lying
on the road unable to stand up, I shouted for help. My nephew coming this way
saw me and called everyone. He got panicked. I was almost bathed in the blood;
my face had long bruises but for the eyes and lips. The elbows, knees, feet,
palms were badly hurt and bleeding, clothes were torn as well. Seeing me in
this state, my kids started crying, my husband too got tears in his eyes. Everyone
got worried. They wondered how come one can get this much hurt by simply
falling. They all helped me to stand and made me sit.
I was given the first aid at the
hotel reception and then taken to the hospital for dressing and injection. It was quite an experience on a foreign land
and it was only 8 am in the morning. So much happened but I didn’t cry at all.
I did not know why? I asked myself, “That’s it? Is this the pain all I have to
bear?" It didn’t hurt much, really. The fear of pain even from the smallest of
accidents was far more painful than the reality. All of sudden I became so
strong and courageous, prepared to face anything.
Earlier
that morning, I was a fearful person who always had apprehensions about
accidents in day to day life. Getting burnt with the iron while ironing, scars
from hot tawa while cooking, cuts
from the knives while cutting, hot water or oil spilled over hands and feet,
needle pricking, slipping on the wet floor or bathroom, tumbling down from the
stairs, fingers coming amidst the door or car windows, road accidents while
crossing roads etc. that are so common
to imagine. I always felt that I was vulnerable to such accidents at any time.
I had similar worries for the closed ones too. The negative thoughts used to
overpower my mind. These apprehensions made me mentally weak. Anticipation of
fears and pains would bother me and I would end up wasting lots of time and
energy thinking of something which actually never happened. I was always
cowered with the fear of pain and its consequences. Before this accident I was
living in the virtual pain and threat, which was never mine.
 |
| Writer: Ritika Bohra |
