Serving Others

By on August 3, 2011 in Work & Life

Question:

I have recently returned from Kandahar, Afghanistan. I was fortunate enough to be chosen to "serve those who serve" as a civilian in a 6 month contract position. I found myself working in an environment that was stressful, had extremely long hours and no days off. If you had told me prior to my departure that I would flourish in such a venue, I definitely would have argued. The truth is I have never been more content. I was eager to work 7 days a week, volunteered outside of work hours, and smiled continuously. I now find myself at home in my comfortable abode, yet so desperately unable to adjust. I miss everyone and everything about the former experience and although I am thrilled to be amongst my family, I have a huge void in which I cannot seem to fill. I find the trials and tribulations of society mundane and annoying. I no longer even enjoy the company of former friends.  Is this all just yet another adjustment period? I thought I would return so complete having served in such a manner. Are my reactions and emotions normal in this situation? I have been home for 2 months now yet wish to return to my old surroundings (which were not that comfortable or safe). I cannot seem to stay "present". I value your opinion and if you can shed any light on my situation I would greatly appreciate it

Answer:

It seems that you would still benefit from a situation that would allow you to serve others the way you did in Kandahar. Perhaps there is a contract position stateside where you could continue helping veterans here. That way you can still be near family and in  safer and more comfortable surroundings.

  One of my first jobs was working at a Veterans Administration Hospital in Massachusetts in the early 70’s and I know how rewarding it can be to help servicemen and women.

Love,

 Deepak

deepakchopra.com

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Deepak Chopra

About Deepak Chopra

Time Magazine heralded Deepak Chopra as one of the 100 heroes and icons of the century, and credited him as "the poet-prophet of alternative medicine." Entertainment Weekly described Deepak Chopra as "Hollywood's man of the moment, one of publishing's best-selling and most prolific self-help authors." He is the author of more than 50 books and more than 100 audio, video and CD-Rom titles. He has been published on every continent and in dozens of languages. Fifteen of his books have landed on the New York Times Best-seller list. Toastmaster International recognized him as one of the top five outstanding speakers in the world. Through his over two decades of work since leaving his medical practice, Deepak continues to revolutionize common wisdom about the crucial connection between body, mind, spirit, and healing. His mission of "bridging the technological miracles of the west with the wisdom of the east" remains his thrust and provides the basis for his recognition as one of India's historically greatest ambassadors to the west. Chopra has been a keynote speaker at several academic institutions including Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, Kellogg School of Management, Stanford Business School and Wharton.His latest book is "Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the Soul."
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2 Responses to Serving Others

  1. rogercarr August 3, 2011 at 12:16 pm #

    It is amazing how our perception of time and work changes when our focus is on others as we help meet an important need.

  2. Diablo August 3, 2011 at 3:16 pm #

    You will eventually snap out of that funk!