Free of Chains

Last Saturday, I was invited to conduct a full day workshop on Cognitive Skills for the teachers of Sanjay Centre for Special Education. It was part of an extensive program over 11 days that included Sundays. It was commendable to note the willingness of the teachers to attend training during vacations. But some stood out even more so!

While one was mother to a month old baby, the other had a three month baby. Yet another was in the advanced months of pregnancy. These amazing women wore no chains. They displayed the freedom to make positive commitments as teachers wanting to learn. Cheryl Nogar’s one month baby was in her reach within the campus.

So often, so many of us complain about our chains. We glorify our burden as if we are unfortunate to bear it. We project our priorities as hurdles in our path. We complain about the fetters that come from our commitments. We cite our urgencies as an excuse to avoid other obligations.

We must learn from the attitude of Cheryl Nogar and her tribe… they are free of chains. They are not deterred by multiple commitments. They do a fine job of managing the work life balance. Most importantly, they do not complain and whine about their predicament.

We must stop treating commitments as chains. They are just roles that give us the opportunity to cope with challenges. In fact responsibilities are not really chains. They are more like the string that helps a kite to soar. We must treat challenges as an integral part of life… not as restrictive chains!

Ensure a mind free of chains

Live life full on to truly gain!

~ Pravin K Sabnis