In the quiet confines of a hospital room in Ipoh, Malaysia; surrounded by the sterile scent of antiseptics, I found myself immersed in a profound self-reflection after a sudden bout of illness in January 2024.
Admitted due to a high fever and dehydration, the uncertainty of my health cast a shadow that prompted me to explore the deeper facets of life.
As the COVID test yielded a negative result and the dengue blood test offered no clues, the restless nights in the hospital became an introspective pilgrimage. Amidst the hum of medical machinery, I began to perceive my ailment not merely as an inconvenience but as a divine intervention—an opportunity orchestrated by Most Gracious, Most Merciful Allah SWT.
In the hustle of my routine life, perpetually on the move, attending discussions, traversing the skies, and grappling with sleep deprivation, I had inadvertently distanced myself from the essence of existence. This pause, albeit involuntary, became a soft whisper urging me to reflect upon the trajectory of my life.
The revelation unfolded further with the results of the blood tests. Dehydration, a silent assailant, had taken its toll. My body’s temperature danced between 38 and close to 40 degrees, signalling neglect of the fundamental need for sustenance and rest.
In the stillness of my hospital room, a decision emerged – a commitment to delve deep into the core of my being and reassess the aspirations that accompany the impending milestone of turning 50 in 2024. What do I truly desire in life?
Life, a journey often overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of success, material possessions, and societal expectations, unfolded a new chapter.
It became a canvas for introspection and recalibration of life. I need to reset. Refocus. Reformat. As the wisened hands of time nudged me toward the golden age of 50, I found solace in the pursuit of meaning rather than a mere collection of moments.
The essence of existence lies not in the frequency of flights taken or the prestige of meetings attended. It doesn’t rest in the tailored suits of Brioni or Zegna, nor in the elegance of Swiss-made dress watches. It doesn’t reside in the comfort of soft Italian leather shoes.
It resides in the quiet moments of self-awareness, the appreciation of health, and the cultivation of genuine connections. The cacophony of a busy life often drowns the subtle symphony of one’s own soul; my sojourn in the hospital became the conductor’s baton guiding me back to that symphony.
This unforeseen pause in my journey served as a poignant reminder that life’s true treasures are not found in the rush but in the moments of stillness, not in the destinations but in the journey itself. It is a realization that transcends the physical boundaries of a hospital room and extends into the metaphysical realms of purpose and fulfilment.
As I embrace the lessons embedded in this convalescent period, I extend this narrative to the 300th readers—a testament that amidst life’s unexpected detours, there lies an opportunity for introspection and transformation. May this simple write-up resonate and guide others towards a life rich in wisdom, purpose, and the profound beauty that resides in the simplicity of being alive.
Image — CodeBlue
