Just back from a trekking trip to Naag Tibba with an amazing group of friends. All went off very well. Clear weather, fresh mountain air, cool breeze, the beautiful sights of the Himalayan ranges and step farms, herds of goats and sheep, mules grazing quietly, streams of refreshing cold water, bonfires and singing old songs with friends, the fun and laughter.
I would have missed all this had I given in to my fears. I must admit that I have claustrophobia and also travel sickness in the mountains. Also I am not fond of wet, cold weather.
So when the day to go for the trek was approaching, I was taken by this annoying fear of sleeping in a tent (closed space ) in the cold, what if it rains? and also travelling on the serpentine mountain roads. I have traveled a lot and also slept in a tent earlier but this time somehow my mind was in a ‘panic mode’. Everyday about a week prior to our scheduled departure, I would get up in the morning pepping myself up to go and by the evening I would be a bundle of nerves almost on the verge of tears fearing the trip that lay ahead.
This anxiety was ruining my thought process and I was increasingly drawn towards all negative aspects that I could imagine going wrong in the trip. In fact I asked my husband, Rajiv to proceed for the trip but cancel my ticket.
Talking to family and friends about the same would quieten down my anxieties but soon I would go back to the overwhelming ‘ I DO NOT WANT TO GO’ mode.
Finally after a couple of doses of Aconite and Ignatia ( Homoeopathic medicines), I became calm and gave my consent to go.
Back of my mind still had about 20 % negativity left which did not bother me as much as before but did manifest on our trek – something I wasn’t able to control – which my dear friends must have been witness to ( I sincerely apologize for the same and thank you for bearing with me ).
But I am thankful that I took a positive step in taking the right decision which helped me to ” kill my demons”.
Had I not gone for the trek, I not only would have missed the beauty of the mountains and fun filled time spent with friends, but would have never been able to get out of my phobias.
After this experience I can firmly say – it is all in the mind. The day we set up ourselves to do a task, we can fulfill it only with positive thinking and overcoming our fears. It is alright to push ourselves a bit out of our comfort zones for new memorable experiences.
DO NOT LET YOUR FEAR OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN MAKE NOTHING HAPPEN !!!!
Ruchi Srivastava
I salute you , for the courage you should in fighting with your demons. Not everyone acknowledges and work on it.Way to go Ruchi!
Thanks a ton Anjali…. great to have friends like you who understand
Ruchi – Very beautifully written. But you missed the point of encouragement from hubby and friends to take this trip. Just joking…
Need to take such trips more often. The time spent together was worth all the pains and aches.
Thanks Vikas …. Was indeed great to have you all to encourage me.
Beautifully written and expressed. How true to so many things we don’t do in life because of fear of failure or unknown. Very inspiring. Also just read the bougainvillea article. Now I look upon the plant with much more respect:)
Ritu… Thanks for your comments.
Beautifully written Ruchi. You have great sporting spirit. The trek would not have been so enjoyable without you.
Thank you Jyotir. It was wonderful to be with you all.
Truly loved the trip and believe me you were too good and strong despite your phobia. Keep trekking and keep writing. God Bless You!
Thank you so much Harpreet for your encouraging comments.
a true story very sincerely narated.
Thanks Papa. Trying to be positive all the time… learning from you and Mummy