By Michael G. Rayel, MD

“Mike, you gave everyone a fright,” says a close friend.

Her remark summarized what happened that strange day in January. What started as a routine workday for me, ended as a wild adventure, a test of unwavering faith, and a “frightful” day especially among hospital staffs.

It all started around midnight. I went to the bathroom and I noticed a bright and dark red blood oozing out of me. I thought it would spontaneously stop, just like before. But I soon realized the bleeding episode was just the start of several episodes to come.

Before lunch, I went to the bathroom. I didn’t know what happened next but I just woke up with my face on the wastebasket. “What is my face doing here?” I wondered. I stood up to clean myself. Soon after, I wasn’t aware what occurred until I woke up with my head next to the toilet bowl! At that point, I realized that I lost consciousness twice and that I lost much blood. Gayzelle, my wife, found me in shock (a medical term that describes a lack of blood supply to vital organs or other parts of the body) that she immediately rushed me to the hospital.  

ER physicians and nurses did everything to normalize my blood pressure. After I stabilized, the surgeon admitted me to the ICU. While there, I lost consciousness for the third time and fell on Gayzelle’s arms. Doctors and the ICU nurses acted quickly to stabilize my rapidly worsening condition.

As I woke up and overheard that my blood pressure was only 60/14, I knew that my situation was serious but still hopeful to survive. During that agonizing period, I just prayed for two things. First, for Him to protect my family. Second, if He let me live, to use me to advance His cause. Calmness overwhelmed me after that simple prayer. I knew that it was not anymore in my hands or in doctors’ hands. It was His. So I was ready.

Soon, I could hear from the nurses that my blood pressure was improving but still unstable. As soon as I was out of danger, my doctor decisively transferred me to St. John’s for further treatment. Even with oxygen mask and several tubes still connected to my veins, I felt safe. The bleeding miraculously stopped.

As I lay down in bed at the Health Sciences, I thought about the meaning of life. I then planned to celebrate life soon, before it’s too late. How can we celebrate life? There are four practical ways to do just that.

 
Pursue your dream with passion

What do you want to do with your life? What do you want to become? What are you passionate about? Is it to become a well-respected lawyer, a competent accountant, a selfless politician, an efficient secretary, or a dedicated nurse? Is it to become a Canadian Idol in a few years?

If you know what you want, then follow your dream with all vigor and enthusiasm. Plan your success early on and don’t allow distractions to delay your dream. Be passionate about it. Only your passion can fuel your desire when obstacles are in your way.

I’ve seen people feel miserable because they’ve chased other people’s dream for themselves. As a result, they’ve failed to achieve what they love most. Just like any good endeavor, chasing your dream will not be easy. However, you have one lifetime to take action. Regardless of age, it’s always worthwhile to pursue your dream.

 

Share your significance

Sharing your significance doesn’t cost money. It only requires your selflessness to share what you have. A few years ago, I was mowing my lawn when a woman in her 50’s approached and gave me cod tongues as a gift. Her act of kindness surprised me because I didn’t know her.

Volunteering is a way of sharing your significance. In hockey, soccer, and other sports, we’ve seen people who have devoted their precious time to coach and mentor young kids. Even in the hospital, I’ve seen many individuals particularly retirees who have shared their wisdom and volunteered their efforts for the hospital’s various needs.

When students learned about Two Villages’ goal to help build a school in one of the impoverished communities in Nepal, they all shared their talents, efforts, and time to expand their positive influence.

 

Count your blessings

It’s human nature to crave for something we don’t have and to long for things we ought to have. Some already have enough money that can last three lifetimes, but they still work harder than usual just to earn that extra dollar. Others already own comfortable houses but they still want that gorgeous waterfront house in an exclusive subdivision. Interestingly enough, those who have decent faces still desire the good looks of Angelina and Brad.

As you can see, these extra cravings are not free. They cost money, can deprive us of peace of mind, and cause significant discomfort.

Count your blessings — your life, your family and friends, your features, your strengths and weaknesses. You’re born with unique talents and skills. There’s no one exactly like you. Love what you have though it may seem difficult at first. Discover your gifts and start using and sharing them.

Live a life of faith

Let us thank and praise our Heavenly Creator not only for our blessings but also for all the challenges we face daily. Blessings comfort us, but challenges educate us, strengthen us, and mold us.

Everyone has a purpose and everything exists for a reason. Our responsibility is to discern our purpose and reason for being through prayers. Let Him use us to advance His cause.

When I was fighting for dear life, I realized how precious life is, that the meaning of life goes beyond simple existence, that we have a mission to fulfill. We should trust and believe in Him. Our wish will be granted in His own timing.

So let your light shine brightly while you have a chance. Enjoy and make the best of what you have. Count your blessings. Share your significance. And be the spice of the world.

About the Author:

Dr. Michael G. Rayel — author, game inventor, and psychiatrist — has created the Oikos Game Series to promote emotional health. Since 2005, he has published Oikos’ Insights! www.oikosinsights.com as an online resource for personal development. Visit www.oikosglobal.com or www.soardime.com for more info.