Life is never a straight line. Even though we regularly plan to get from where we are, to reaching a goal, and we always hope things will play out in a linear fashion for us, the fact is our journey is full of twists and turns. And we soon discover that it is these turns that keep us moving ahead in a manner we may not have seen for ourselves.

I was reflecting on three turning points in my life that came as what I thought was a crisis, but when I look back, were some of the biggest blessings.

At age 27, I was severely ill and had to move to a hill station for four months to recover, and was not allowed to exercise for nine months. It seemed like the toughest situation as I was unable to run more than half a mile. But that experience was a turning point. Not only did I get connected in Panchgani with a wonderful global movement that has been an integral part of my life, but my conviction was also strengthened and I went on to train and run 15 half marathons, something I would otherwise never have done.

The second turning point came in the form of the established family business facing extinction which pretty much seemed like the end of the road. Whether desperation or determination, I am not sure, drove me to explore value-added opportunities linked with our business which has turned out to be the best thing that happened to us.

The third turning point was being thrown into a project I had not planned for but was entering into with pure faith and guidance. It escalated into something much bigger, not only had I not accounted for it, before I knew it I thought I was at break-point. But that initiative played out favourably and has been one of the strongest anchors.

We may have often heard that a problem is a disguised opportunity and that a good crisis must not be wasted. But these words are difficult to digest when one is going through a challenge. It will serve us well, in calm times to reflect on the fact that these turning points will come in our life, mostly unannounced, and our current reflection will be our future preparedness.

A heavy top turns on a single point majestically. But the moment it stops, it falls. We too need to keep moving during all the turning points in our life. If we get overawed, scared, and demoralised, and decide to stop, we will fall. However, no matter how tough the situation, like a top if we gain momentum with every turn, we will always come out on top.

(Picture-Yaletown harbour, Vancouver)