Last week I wrote about each of us being able to start a quiet revolution in our own lives, and that that revolution starts with our state of mind. This week, as an extension, I’m going to let you know what’s helped me do that in my life. I hope this doesn’t come across as preachy, but here goes.
When I was a kid, I loved comic books because the superhero was usually undercover. Their identity was secret and they’d walk around like everyone else until their super powers were called on. I particularly liked Spider-Man because he was such a goofy, uncool character as Peter Parker … yes, relatable! I’d relish reading those comics every day after school.
In our lives, many moments call for self-control, and our day is filled with these tiny crossroads. Do I or don’t I do this or that? Sometimes these decisions are emotional, sometimes physical, oftentimes both. Whether it’s quitting smoking, going for that walk or not pulling into that Macca’s drive thru! Perhaps it’s making up with that person we’ve had a tiff with. We don’t need to look further than our very own lives to notice how many ways we’re challenged every single day.
In these moments, having role models that readily come to our minds can be handy. They offer us a beacon. At some point, I mainly moved on from Spider-Man (not completely!) and found a few heroes to look up to. Here are a couple.
Mother Teresa
From a health and caring standpoint, this is a person I’ve found to have an amazing story. She helped the poorest of the poor, those dying of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and leprosy, as well as setting up soup kitchens, mobile clinics and orphanages. Her work and the congregation she formed, “Missionaries of Charity”, spanned 133 countries and included over 4,500 nuns. She started her work in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India, where I was born, which is a particular connection for me. Mother Teresa was a person for everyone and was absolutely dedicated to the cause she served. She was a Nobel laureate who considered herself “God’s pencil”, and in 2016 was canonised as Saint Teresa of Calcutta. An extraordinary life. In many of our clinics, you will see a picture of Mother Teresa, in memory of her.
Marcus Aurelius
He was a Roman Emperor. Now it’s actually hard for me to know really what he was like as an emperor, but he also studied philosophy and was one of the few, if only, emperors to record his thoughts during the course of his life. These came together in his book “Meditations”. I’ve found this book to be quite a compelling read, and his take on life and death to hold powerful insights. One notable quote includes, “The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.” It’s very well written in the vein of Stoic philosophy.
Coming back to your life
Once again, last week I suggested that it’s helpful having people around you who are positive influences or that you look up to. However, for some, there may not be anyone who fits the bill. In that case, it may be worthwhile thinking beyond the people you know and considering someone beyond your immediate circle or from history who you admire. It may be a sports person, a teacher or a musician. Anyone who you resonate with and who espouses a set of values you consider worthwhile. Let that person be a source of inspiration in your life, and perhaps once again, spur you to start your quiet revolution! And as a doctor, I’d say, try to include improved health along the way. Come on – surely you knew I’d say that!
