From Mousy Minoo to the Lion I Became: A Journey of Mental Strength and Resilience
Do you remember a time when you were surprised by how mentally strong you are? My journey is a testament to that very sentiment. I've faced my fair share of struggles and setbacks, yet I've emerged stronger on the other side. My story is one of perseverance, resilience, and growth.
My Recent Journey and Realization
As I lay on my deathbed, I was sure my life was over, and I was about to accept it and give in. However, a sudden realization dawned on me: if I died, my wife and children would be in big financial trouble. This realization didn't just provide me with a reason to live; it gave me the strength to fight back and come back to life. Even though I am still ill, my doctor says I have years ahead of me, and my pension still shows up every month.
Despite losing everything, I found God and stood tall over everyone and everything. Now, in April 2024, I get married next month, I’ve been clean for two years, I got a new apartment, and I started a new job. Yet, I still feel like I am failing in life. Lately, I've started craving drugs again, and it feels harder to resist these days.
The Importance of Reflection and Growth
What I've come to realize is that my strength comes from knowing where I have come from and how well I am constantly improving. I need to remind myself to take it one day at a time. Life has its ups and downs, but a momentary loss should not take me out of the game forever. It’s all about persevering through the tough times and coming out stronger on the other side.
The Making of a Mentathlete
My story is titled "The Making of a Mentathlete." As a shy, scared, and sensitive child, I was the mouse of the family. None of my siblings had my mousiness, but I embraced it. I read a lot but spoke very little. During Diwali, I had to have the sparklers on the end of the stick for others to light for me.
Fast forward to my later years, and I am the lion that roared. I decided to buck the tradition of a college education and dropped out in my very first year. I used my talent for words to write for the Deccan Herald and compose songs. I loved dancing enough to enter the Knockout Disco competition in my 20s and took home a second prize. I had the confidence to walk out of five jobs in my life without notice, knowing I would land on my feet. I started my own creative hot shop, Purple Patch, with six employees, and ventured into stock investing, which I loved. I suffered a clinical depression but survived those dark days. I moved to America as a single mom with an 11-month-old baby. I succeeded in a brand-new career—Sales Compensation Commission Administration—and walked out of my commissions administration job in the tough 2010 economy, becoming a freelance consultant. I tackled various freelance commissions administration tasks and started a blog in 2010, posting a new piece every Sunday.
I opted out of buying health insurance since 2013, trusting in untraditional methods to take charge of my health, such as buying my own blood tests and going to India for physicals and a whole body MRI. I learned to tackle whatever challenges came my way using mental tools. I overcame my shyness and inability to talk, conquering three Mount Everests. I joined Toastmasters, delivered 10 CTM speeches, and entered Toastmaster contests. I later delivered a Money Workshop at my daughter's elementary school and found tools to deal with humiliating work failures and personal losses, such as the failure of my marriage and the loss of several dear family members.
Step by step, Mousy Minoo became the lion that roared. I hope my example can inspire others, especially those who are in a mousy funk for the first time in their lives. Truly, you can turn that around. Your squeak can go from becoming a louder squeak into a roar, and you will be able to say, 'Hello Inner Lion, Nice to See You.'