Safe @Home

Words - mainly created to help us understand this world better. Every word has a designated meaning, which authenticates its own existence. Some words as uttered, also evoke emotions, we are conditioned to react in a particular way, the moment we hear them. For instance the word SAFE – we feel protected, secure. It soothes our senses, as we hear “you are safe now!” wow! What feeling!

Once I accompanied a friend of mine, to a button shop. As she chose different laces, buttons, borders, I couldn’t resist my temptation and bought a few, without knowing what I will do with them. Since I had some change in my pocket which sufficed the amount I had to pay, I cleared my bill and looked at her. She was busy in her treasure hunt, looking for the change in her wallet, which was open wide on the counter of the shop and a thick bundle of green notes peeking out from the opposite side of the wallet. It was the attention grabber and as I looked up, an odd bunch of people were looking at it as well, including the shopkeeper. The moment froze for the moment, while I felt the chill. Now damage was done, and pin pointing her mistake there would not only made it embarrassing for her, but could highlight it even more and create more problems. So without reacting, I waited for her to clear her bill. Although we were supposed to buy few more things, I insisted to go back home.

It was odd one km walk from that button shop to home, but I can say the longest distance I had ever felt. I wanted to sprint away from her, declaring she is not with me, but friends don’t do that. I just insisted her to walk a bit fast down the deserted alley. My anxiety was clearly reflecting on my face, she noticed and asked “stomach problem?” I looked at her, thinking of a very good reply, but just nodded so she could cope up with my speed. Every bike or walking shadow, as passed by, made me skip a beat. I was so scared that day that if any stranger had stopped me to ask the time even, I would have given him all my valuables and begged him for mercy of my life. The last thing I wanted to do was to die because of someone else’s stupidity!

Finally we reached home, and I started breathing again. After cooling down my nerves I calmly explained the situation to my friend, and she realized her mistake. May be it will help her in future, but yes, I was safe now. I was in my home. A place I have secured and I am comfortable and not scared of anyone or anything. Whether it is irregular maid, or non satisfactory service by electrician, plumber or carpenter, I can grab the collar and make him understand his mistake fearlessly, as it is my area, my home, my authority. Don’t mess with me here. Yes, I hear and read all the time, how someone was brutally murdered in their own home while they were sleeping. I have even shared the grief of a family friend who was in Dubai for his job assignment and his two toddler kids were waiting outside the play school, waiting for their mother to pick them up, while she was brutally murdered in her own house in daylight by a computer service man over a dispute of non satisfactory service. Which brings me to question “Is home really a safe place?” or is it a blind eye optimism we are living with. With time, I have realized that few things can help you avoid some unpleasant incidents, and I am practicing those. A lady alone at home is not at times safe. I am sharing it here, in a hope it might help someone:

1. If a serviceman is entering your house – do not hesitate to check the ID card. Don’t bolt or close the main door. If possible inform your neighbor about his presence.


2. Keep a kitchen knife or something similar handy or in your range.


3. If more than one serviceman are there, request and permit only one to enter. If they are logical, they will completely understand and co-operate with your request.


4. For maids, many things are suggested by police, depends on you how you judge and comply.

A few might laugh reading above. Yes most of us don’t give a sh*t till we become one. We cannot change the destiny. Anything can happen to anyone anywhere, but surely it should not be because of our carelessness or stupidity. We are safe wherever and whenever we feel we are. It is a feeling we sometimes create for ourselves and for those we love.

Motivation

We all know the benefits of exercising, balanced diet, healthy living. Many of us are following it in some or other way, either partially or religiously, for different reasons. For some it is part of their job – to be fit, it includes models or the face of the society. For some it is a passion – to stay forever young. For some it is a challenge – to be the best.

Recently I met someone who is a charming personality. He told me a totally different reason for living a healthy life. It is his story of life in his own words : 

“I got married when I was 27. I was blessed with twins after three years of our marriage. I am in sales. That means I have to stay a lot on tour. Also when I am in town, the long meetings, late night stay backs, official parties are part of my job. I was a drinker, smoker and a pure non vegetarian guy. Because of my routine, I had no physical activity. When I reached 34, I was overweight. Against the normal weight of 70-72, I weighed 114 kgs. One day I felt dizzy. So I went to my doctor. He is our family doctor for quite long and one of the most renowned doctors of the town. So a deep faith on him is there and will always be there. He asked me to do a complete body check up.

Next day when I went to his clinic with my reports, he saw the reports closely.

He looked at me and asked “ how many insurance policies you have? ” 

I said “ Many ”. 

" Do they cover the natural death as well? " This question coming from a doctor can give you goose bumps. 

I was pale. " What do you mean doctor? " 

He said “ you don’t have much time, high cholesterol, high BP, at very high risk of heart stroke. Since you cannot change my routine and eating habits, better prepare a will. ” He even discussed if I had sufficient funds that can last till the kids are settled and for my wife after that. He gave me a cruel picture of my family, if I couldn't be there for them when they needed me. He literally shook me from inside. I was and still am crazy for my job, but what about my responsibilities beyond them. Am I doing justice to them?

I was stunned. He said, if I can change my lifestyle, the things will improve. It was all in my hands. No medicine will work till I make them work.

I came home and looked at my family. What will happen to them, if something happens to me? - the thought kept me awake the whole night. At 5.30 in the morning I got up and went to the nearby park. I started walking. After a week I felt walking will not help me, so I started jogging. I ran and ran. Since I had no time for the particular gym and that was the only time I could spare, so I followed it religiously. Even on tours, I carried my sneakers and would run on treadmills of the gyms in hotels to the streets of the nearby alley. In a year's time my weight, cholesterol BP everything was under control. I restricted my eating and drinking habits. Quit smoking. Today I am 48, weighing around 68 kgs with no life threats. 

Just because I felt my family is my motivation to stay healthy." 

I am in awe! People have definitely different reasons for doing things. They have different motivations. I am really curious, what is your motivation ?