In a world where relationships are everything, there are three qualitiesthat can make or break a connection: empathy, consideration, and the ability to apologize.
Dr. Mahek Dave
General Surgeon
Bharatnatyam Dancer
Before I start doling out wisdom like a surgeon wielding a scalpel (pun intended), let me introduce myself. I am Dr. Mahek Dave, a general surgeon by day and a classical dancer by… well, whenever I can sneak in
a performance without my patients finding out.
As I sit in my balcony, sipping tea and contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, my to-do list), I often find myself scribbling down thoughts and reflections. And that’s exactly what I’ll be sharing with you in this article – so grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
After wrapping up my general surgery residency, I took a leap of faith and took a drop year to pursue my true passion: oncosurgery. These past few years have been a rollercoaster of growth, learning, and self-discovery. I’ve been forced to confront my own strengths, weaknesses, and priorities. I have learned to value things I never thought were important before – like the beauty of a quiet morning, the kindness of strangers, or the joy of a good cup of coffee. It’s funny how life has a way of teaching us what truly matters, isn’t it ?
2024 was a year that can be summed up in one word: chaos. But, as it often does, chaos brought its own set of gifts – like a deeper understanding of my father , a 10-kilogram lighter version of myself, and a newfound appreciation for the art of doing absolutely nothing.
But the greatest accomplishment of all? I finally learned to stop and take a breath. In a world that’s constantly urging us to hustle, push, and strive, it’s easy to forget the beauty of stillness. 2024 reminded me that sometimes, the greatest act of courage is simply slowing down .
So, without further ado, I would like to share some of the lessons I have learned along the way. Why? Well, why not?!
Friendship – the ultimate wealth
and Kindness – the Ultimate currency
Let’s face it: life can be tough, and we all need people who have got our backs. That’s why I firmly believe that having a solid friend circle is the greatest wealth you can accumulate. These are the people who will help you grow, support you through thick and thin, and love you for who you are.
And kindness? That’s the secret sauce that makes life worth living. Being kind to those who may not be able to repay you is a reflection of your character. It’s easy to be kind to those who can offer you something in return, but it’s the kindness you show to those who have nothing to give that truly defines you.
Life is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
(And That’s a Good Thing!)
Think of life as a marathon. Sometimes you’ll be running smoothly, feeling like you’re on top of the world. Other times, you’ll be tired, sore, and wondering why you even signed up for this crazy thing. And then there are the moments when you just want to stop, grab a snack (or three), and take a nap.
But here’s the thing: it’s not about the pace or the setbacks. It’s about perseverance, grit, and determination. It’s about finishing the race, no matter how long it takes or how tough it gets. Because when you do, you’ll be amazed at what you’re capable of.
The Power of Gratitude: Appreciate What
You Have, Not What You Lack
We have all been there – coveting something we don’t have, convinced that it’s the key to happiness. But here’s the thing: the grass is always greener on the other side, until it’s not. Someone who’s struggling financially might dream of wealth, while someone who’s experienced troubled relationships might yearn for a loving family.
The truth is, sometimes you’ll get what you want, but often you won’t. And that’s okay. What’s essential is cultivating gratitude for what you already have. Focus on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem. Make the most of what you’ve been given, and you will be amazed at the abundance that already surrounds you.
Surround Yourself with Positivity, and
Don’t Waste Time on Toxicity
The old adage says, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” But let’s be real – why bother? Life’s too short to waste time on people who drain your energy and disrupt your peace.
You know what’s truly essential? Mental peace. That’s the ultimate luxury. So, focus on nurturing relationships that uplift and support you. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, inspire you, and help you grow. And as for those who bring negativity and drama into your life? Wish them well, and bid them adieu. Your sanity (and your blood pressure) will thank you.
Love is a Leap of Faith, Not a
Logical Calculation
Love is a whisper in your heart, a flutter in your chest, a sense of homecoming that defies explanation.
If you’re making decisions about love based on pros and cons lists, weighing the odds, or calculating the potential outcomes, then you’re missing the point ! Love is messy, unpredictable, and all-consuming. Anything less, and you’re settling for a pale imitation of the real thing.
Feel It All: The Beauty of Embracing
Your Emotions
We’ve been conditioned to suppress our emotions, to “toughen up” and “move on.” But what if I told you that’s a recipe for disaster? What if, instead, we allowed ourselves to feel everything – the highs and the lows, the joys and the sorrows?
Smile often, and cry just as freely. Let the emotions wash over you, and take your time to process them. The world might tell you to “get over it” or “move on,” but don’t listen. The truth is, depression and anxiety thrive in a culture that values productivity over emotional well-being.
Imagine a world where we prioritize feeling over functioning, where we take the time to stop, look around, and truly experience life. It’s a world that values vulnerability, empathy, and compassion. So, let’s make that world a reality – one feeling, one smile, and one tear at a time.
The Elusive Pursuit of Success: What is the real measurement ?
We have all been sold a lie: that success is the ultimate goal, the pinnacle of achievement. But here’s the truth: success is a never-ending hamster wheel. Once you reach the top, you will always want more – a bigger house, a better title, more wealth, more fame.
So, what’s the alternative? Happiness. Taking chances. Embracing failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. That’s where true success lies – in the internal sense of fulfillment and joy that comes from living a life that’s true to who you are.
The 3 Essential Qualities of a Good Human: Empathy, Consideration, and Accountability
In a world where relationships are everything, there are three qualities that can make or break a connection: empathy, consideration, and the ability to apologize. If someone consistently disregards your feelings, ignores your needs, and refuses to own up to their mistakes, it’s time to reevaluate the relationship. Surround yourself with people who can put themselves in your shoes, who consider your well-being, and who are brave enough to say sorry when they’ve wronged you. Anything less, and you deserve better.
Be the Spark that Ignites Joy: Offer
More, Give Freely, and Smile Often
In a world that can sometimes be overwhelming and painful, it’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles. But here’s the thing: we all have the power to make a difference. We all have the power to be the reason someone smiles.
So, go out of your way to offer kindness, compassion, and love. Give more than you think you can, especially to those who need it most. Be the safe haven, the listening ear, or the comforting presence that someone is desperately searching for. Remember, you don’t have to change the world all at once. Just start with one person, one smile, and one act of kindness at a time.
And finally, always remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers – sometimes, the greatest lesson is learning to be okay with not knowing. As the wise poet Rumi once said, ‘The wound is the place where the light enters you.’ May you continue to learn, grow, and shine your light for all to see and till then – Dont hustle , Align !
