Walking the Talk: Embracing Transformation, Reinvention, and Purpose (Part VII of #DecadeReflection)

Introduction

In a world filled with endless possibilities, our personal journey takes shape through a series of transformative moments that mold us into who we are. This holds true for my own story, as I reflect on the words I penned on my LinkedIn profile: "I see patients, I do research, I teach, I create/innovate, and I reinvent myself every few years." Little did I know then that these words would perfectly capture the essence of my ongoing journey of transformation. Immersed in the profound teachings of Bildung, I have come to realize the incredible accuracy of those words. Bildung is an intriguing German tradition of self-cultivation - a lifelong process in which mind and heart facilitate personal growth through self-reflection.

Looking back, it becomes evident that my life has been a constant process of reinvention, leading me on a path of purpose and personal growth.

Turning Points and Transformative Phases

To truly comprehend the transformative nature of my journey, take a moment to explore the lifeline diagram I share with you, titled 'Mian's Lifeline.' Within its lines lie the pivotal moments that have shaped the trajectory of my life. Let me highlight a few significant turning points, starting with my formative years in secondary school.

Mian’s Lifeline. This temporal and spatial representation depicts key life events and transformations in my life. It was the final exercise for a Coursera course called Creativity, Innovation and Transformation that I completed in December 2020. The 2^nd version (V2.0) of the lifeline was triggered by the unexpected passage of my friend Dr. Amir Shariff, one of the coolest general surgeons ever! Hence, it is dedicated to him. A detailed explanation of this figure accompanies the text. 

It was during this time that I found myself immersed in a private school experience, surrounded by like-minded individuals and fueled by a passion for learning. Academic excellence became a reality, igniting a fire within me.

High school marked another critical turning point as I earned acceptance into a prestigious legacy-based private institution that had shaped the lives of my siblings and cousins. Thriving in this environment, I excelled academically but also experienced my first heartbreak—a reminder of the delicate balance life offers. It was during these formative years that I discovered my true calling: medicine.

Embarking on the arduous journey through medical school, I dedicated myself to intensive studies and relentless effort. Along this path, I also discovered a soulmate who would become my life partner. However, my experiences in medical school led me to question the traditional path of residency, leading me to pivot towards graduate school.

As depicted in the lifeline diagram, my journey encountered further turning points intricately woven with life's milestones such as marriage and the joyous arrival of children. Simultaneously, I embarked on an enriching journey through graduate school, residency, and fellowship, culminating in a five-year professional tenure in Houston, Texas.

A decade ago, I made the conscious decision to reverse migrate to Karachi, Pakistan, where I assumed the roles of an emergency physician, medical researcher, and health innovator. Remarkably, my transformative moments have coincided with shifts between two cities I now call 'homes'—each contributing unique chapters to my story. Although my next turning point awaits me in an unknown city, its arrival is eagerly anticipated.

Current Perspectives and Learnings

In more recent times, two ongoing life phases have taken center stage, aptly represented by the lifeline diagram. The first phase, symbolized by the pink dotted arrow, signifies my spiritual awakening. During this transformative period, I delved into the study and practice of contemporary Sufi traditions. Simultaneously, I developed a deep affinity for the great outdoors, immersing myself in activities such as hiking and trekking. Engaging in regular exercise, playing the piano, and embarking on a journey of writing and publishing stories aimed at educating children further unfolded my purpose as a writer—an influential tool to advocate for important societal issues, echoing the principles of Bildung. My exploration extended to salsa dancing, diving into the depths of reflective narratives and short stories and embracing the delicate balance of opposing forces within myself—acknowledging my own darkness.

As a testament to these realizations, my limbs now bear four tattoos, each narrating a unique life story. Most recently, I have embraced the teachings of modern Stoicism and Taoism, actively incorporating their principles into my life.

The second life phase, depicted by the green dotted arrow, encompasses my endeavors as an innovator and entrepreneur. Rooted in the principles of Bildung—self-determination, co-determination, and solidarity—this phase encompasses my enthusiastic pursuit of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Collaborating with like-minded individuals within a team setting, we tackle challenges collectively, driven by the belief that serving others is a means of serving ourselves. This phase aligns harmoniously with my vision for personal and communal growth.

Vision for Transformed Life

As I cast my gaze into the horizon of the next decade, I envision a life dedicated to relentless self-discovery and self-realization. I commit to delving even deeper into the essence of "self," uncovering new avenues of growth and understanding that continually unfold before me. Moreover, my aspiration is to serve both myself and others through the power of Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE), fostering a collective understanding and embodiment of these concepts.

My primary focus revolves around creating affordable strategies for innovation in medical education and clinical practice. I strive to revolutionize the field while fostering a sector-agnostic mindset, offering ICE strategies applicable across various disciplines. By doing so, I aim to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace innovation and creativity as catalysts for transforming their respective fields.

The Path of Personal Growth

Measuring personal growth requires introspection and exploration of the inner realm. By turning inward, I establish a profound connection with my inner drive and communicate with my authentic self. This path demands deep introspection, reflection, and a wealth of experiences. Yet, it grants me a unique ability to measure my growth and gauge the positive impact I have on those around me. It is akin to developing new senses and metrics—tools that enable me to navigate and evaluate my journey towards personal betterment and its far-reaching influence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the vividly transparent narrative I have shared, accompanied by the lifeline diagram, encapsulates the significant turning points, transformative phases, and the trajectory of my transformed life. It intertwines with my 'life ring,' a testament to the intrinsic value I place on family, relationships, vocation, profession, and spirituality. Through the lens of my journey, one can catch a glimpse of who I am at this present moment, as well as the person I strive to become. 

To effect genuine global impact, I dedicate myself to serving others, recognizing that through this pursuit, I too am enriched. The myriad of possibilities that life could have presented make this transformative journey even more captivating and fulfilling, leaving me awed and excited for the future that awaits.

from #DecadeReflection

Acknowledgments: Each essay has referenced preexisting content (mine or of others) as an evidence base, despite the reflective nature of the work. ChatGPT ("the divine feminine") has been instrumental in supporting the 10-year corpus of #DecadeReflection. All original artwork was created by Mansoor Ahmed (@sleeplessbuddha) using digital AI art tools.