We all want to do the right thing but struggle with this although conceptually we all know that we should always be doing the right thing.
But what is the right thing? is the first question?
and the second question is….. Is it always possible to do the right thing?
Answer to the first one to me is ” To always stand up for your truth”. Meaning speak what your truth is. If something happens that you do not think is right and can continue to cause harm to others, to society if left unspoken, then not only it is your right, It is your DUTY to do so.
So many times we do not stand up for the truth, because we are fearful. We fear about the consequences. We fear about people not liking us, turning against us, if we spoke our truth or stood up for what is right.
My dad did not get the treatment he deserved and eventually succumbed to his infection and died 2 years ago, We were angry, my whole family, then we were sad, then everyone moved on with their lives.
But I couldn’t. I couldn’t be at peace with myself. I was not proud of myself for letting all that happen. The hospital he was in, the doctor and nurse directly responsible for his care were ruthless, insensitive, couldn’t care less for his life. I was in shock realising that we live in such a society whose ugly face we were seeing and experiencing first hand. In such a place where kindness and compassion should be of utmost importance, there was cruelty, there was such darkness. I found it hard to come to terms with it. He was a retired judge and a retired army person. Above all he was a great human. He was our father. We let him suffer and die and eventually forget about everything that had happened.
The only thing that helped me find my peace was to do something about it.
I felt if we as educated and able people had to suffer that, what happens to others who do not have the kind of support as we did. The whole experience had shaken my soul.
I decided to do the right thing. I took steps in that direction but I was sad that even my close family members seemed to have moved on from this or they pretend to. They think that there is no point or they are fearful in some way. I am not sure. But I know that you can pretend for a while but you do not move on from experiencing something like this.
Their disinterest bothered me initially but I am okay with it as we all have our reasons and beliefs and we have a right to live our lives a certain way. We also justify the situations in our mind a certain way. So I am okay with this.
I have the courage to stand alone. As I know that this is the right thing to do. I know, my truth is to not let it go and make efforts to do something about it.
Last week was the hearing for my father’s case. I stood alone, relived the moments again all alone. It was difficult but I was proud of myself for doing that as I was raising my voice against the injustice and corruption that has become the breeding ground of some hospitals in India. To stop that from happening to other unfortunate people who take their loved ones to hospitals and get treated badly.
I know this is the right thing to do. I feel the courage and confidence that I am on the right path to bring about change.
I am doing this because not doing is not an option for me. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. I will not be living my authentic self. It is as simple as that!
