The Power Of Turning Problems Into Opportunities

This week was the most challenging week of my life.

Since Sunday, I had been feeling under the weather as I felt an itch in my throat. Monday morning, I woke up with a fever. Most of the time, employees would take the ‘opportunity’ and grab an M.C. (Medical Certificate) and rejoice over the fact that they can skip work for a day and goof off at home or get some sleep.

Not me.

My sleeping pattern was already messed up by my crazy working hours. Compounded by the fact that I did not eat healthily for the past few years, lack of exercise and sleeping at weird hours, I already felt my body caving in to the pressure.

Yes, I was almost turning into a pig. I’m not ashamed to admit.

While we’re at it, I might as well include this photo. That kid’s arms look like the Michelin man. Well, so much for happy meals…

Anyway, back to my poor sleeping patterns, I already have difficulty sleeping at night. I tried getting some rest but when your fever is sky high, it makes it even more difficult to catch some snooze.

Tuesday, my condition worsened. This time, I could barely check my E-mails much less, pull myself out from bed. My fever persisted to the point that I thought that I was about to set my bed on fire.

That night I had to drive myself to a nearby 24 hour clinic and get an injection up my butt *Ouch*.

Most people recover from sickness within 2-3 days. But somehow, due to collateral damage the strange virus that I caught, it lasted for 5 days! It was some back-to-back 2-for-1 sickness sale - fever/soar throat followed by cough/flu. It seemed as though those diseases were having double dates in my body.

Eventually I started coughing phlegm like a leaky faucet and it soon I started snorting blood out of my nose.

Friday morning… at last! I was greeted by the sunshine in my window pane. I knew I had recovered. I stepped outside to smell the fresh air.

Man, I never thought I’d welcome the morning sunshine with open arms. (Most of the time I wake up at 11am)

Amidst my struggles, I saw some light. (Yes, it is true… human beings only fix problems when it goes out of control - it’s human nature after all. Just look at broken relationships and people who study for an exam at the last minute!)

Providence often works itself out in many different ways. Call it fate, call it God’s calling. Whatever you may call it, all things happen for a reason. (Okay… I know this sounds like some cheesy line I picked somewhere while watching LOST or HEROES… but I couldn’t find a better way to describe my predicament)

You see, whether you believe in God or not, I believe that God sometimes bring people into your life for a purpose. And for some of these people, they seem to appear in front of you only when you are ready to meet them! It’s something like that famous saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”

This was how it all worked out for me:

• I was approached by a fitness instructor to do a JV (joint venture). His timing was impeccable. Now I am more serious about fitness than ever. Who knows what new opportunities this will bring.
• Thinking about my health also made me realized that I had to invest in some supplements - which had led me to call up another marketer whom I’ve yet to have a chance to meet. Another opportunity arising from my problems.
• Human beings have the tendency to think that they are invincible (if you don’t believe me, try getting behind the wheel of a big car). Sickness brings us down to earth and realize our frailty.
• Likewise, when your body shows signs of serious sickness, it’s a wake up call to get in shape! I was thinking to myself, “Khai, if you don’t get in shape soon, the last thing you will be writing will be your OBITUARY!” Sounds morbid - I know. But reality often has this streak of ironic humor - you only think it is funny when it happens to someone ELSE!
• Strangely, I just couldn’t wait to get back to work! Not that I dreaded my work, but the first thing on my mind was to get back in front of the computer more than anything else.
• While you are sick, it is also important to know that there are people who are watching your back when it comes to work. Having friends to help you sort out your web site problems and a team of people to outsource your work to is also very important. After all, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. If you are swamped with work, don’t forget to outsource!
• But most important of all, it makes you realize how important your loved one’s are. My wife had to put up with the stench of my sweat drenched clothing, run up and down to refill the water and cook in spite of her limited knowledge in cooking. If you think your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend is a pain in the ass, try living without them when you are really sick, you’ll see what I mean.

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