Dr. Caroline Herbert
How great would it be if every human being treats fellow human being with respect , kindness, and empathy. Each human being and every creation of god is not a mistake. I was born in a traditional Brahmin and Savari pillai family but always identified only as Christian. I got married to a Dalit R.C Christian. Caste, place of birth, language and religion, none of these should be used to discriminate others.
Little did I realise that love can turn to hatred by my own parents and curse was the only blessing from their mouth. I was disowned by my relatives because of marrying a dalit. They would address my children as outcastes; on the other hand all measures were taken to separate our marriage. During my first pregnancy when I was fighting for childbirth with pain my mother did not come. I was like an orphan although I had parents. Constant talk would be only to get separated and we will give you property jewelry, always take care of you etc.
I had not given up but struggled to establish an identity. I did not get away but took it as a challenge and fought every disease with courage and worked very hard to give my family the best of everything. How nice it would be to think differently and accept and live with grandchildren happily without support living alone. Principles in life need to be there, but not to adhere to it and perish and refuse to accept change.
Jesus had always been a revolutionary in his time. He drank water from a gentile samaritan Woman. He dined in the house of Martha, Maria and Lazurus. It is very important to be strong in mind and never give up to do something different. I love to take care of elderly senior citizens and treat them free of cost and love to see smile on their faces. God has a purpose in each person’s life and if each human being goes an extra mile to bring a smile on another’s face, the world will be a better place to live. Let us join hands to march forward as soldiers for creating world free from discrimination of humans.
Fighting depression is not just about challenging negative thoughts it’s also about finding the right mindset. This means, changing your perspective and adopting a more rational thinking style. Life is never black or white; most situations are sometimes in the gray area, it is we who choose how to interpret what happens. With the right set of positive affirmations and alternative thoughts, life can take on a new meaning. One mistake does not make someone worthless or incompetent.
Problems at workplace are multiple:1. Inadequate job description, 2. Lack of training, 3. Ineffective job performance reviews, 4. Lack of two way communication, 5. Ineffective employee recognition, 6. Lack of job related accountability, 7. Improper or excessive company policies, 8. Lack of equipment and facilities, 9. Lack of charitable community involvement and finally a lousy manager. In these situations, think differently and try to turn each negative thought into a positive fruitful outcome.
There have been times when I had to fight cancer as well as be a bread winner of the family. Each time going for chemotherapy would make change in appearance, color will become dark, hair will fall, nails will become brittle, mouth will be full of ulcers, skin color will change and aged appearance will be there in young age but fighting bravely not minding the appearance, getting back to work, to work for the family, thinking about completion of treatment with the time together with family reunion always made me fight bravely.
When every part of the body with cancer treatment would be like piercing a nail into the body, I would only picture in front of me, the cross and Jesus nailed to the cross. So his stripes and shedding of blood for me would heal me was my only belief. Throughout the treatment the words of the bible would give me new strength. Multiple surgeries, multiple blood loss, financial crisis, falling into a pit will make me rise again and get back with grace of God and faith.
So religions are made to amend the beastly behaviour of a human being and religions are not made to behead each other and shed blood in the name of religion. Each human being has the right to live peacefully with pride, rather than regretting and living in fear and in fear of being killed in the name of religion, caste , color and racism. So arise as warriors to create a world far from discriminations, dividing the people into multiple cults and rebel groups.
About the Author:
With a medical experience of 30 years, Dr. Caroline Herbert continues to offer her services and expertise, currently working as a hospital administrator in GGHC Chennai and practices as a physician and diabetologist locally. She is trained in critical care, emergency and trauma care, cardiac care, geriatric care, palliative care for Cancer patients. She is also trained in bariatrics. She is trained in UK and graduated with MRCP from the University of Edinburgh.
