Just Like The Waves, Nothing In Life Stays The Same ??

Rebirth from the Ocean's Depths

The last thing I remember was the sun touching the sea surface, painting the waters in mesmerizing shades of blue. Then, darkness. That image still lingers as a bittersweet memory of fragility and beauty.

On January 5, 2020, I drowned. The sea almost took me, but instead, it gave me back. I woke up later in the ICU with a faded memory of what happened in between. That day marked not an end but a rebirth. In November 2022, life tested me again, another reminder that we walk a fragile line between life and death.

Then, in a poetic turn of events, on January 5th, 2023, exactly three years after drowning, I stepped on the other side of the world, carrying nothing but gratitude and a deeper understanding of what it means to live truly.

Now, five years later, on January 5, 2025, as I complete 15 years in my professional career, I look back on those moments not with fear but with a deep appreciation for the lessons learned, the people who stood by me, and even the sea that brought me to the edge but chose to return me to life.

Reflections from the Journey

?? The Present Is All We Truly Have

When I watched the sun kiss the sea surface, unsure if it might be my last sight, I learned to cherish each moment differently. Life can change instantly, a truth I have learned twice now. Each heartbeat, each smile, and each sunrise becomes a gift. The smallest moments matter the most because the next one is never guaranteed.

Unexpected challenges can emerge in SAP projects, such as system errors, shifting timelines, or data migration issues. Staying present and addressing current priorities ensures teams remain focused and calm during uncertainty. Concentrating on the task at hand prevents overwhelm and leads to steady progress.

“Concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

?? Forgiveness Brings Peace

Holding onto anger or regret is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. I am learning that forgiveness brings peace. I am working to be the same, letting go of resentment and practicing forgiveness for myself and others. Through compassion, we find healing and peace.

Mistakes are inevitable: incorrect configurations, missed deadlines, or communication breakdowns. A culture of forgiveness fosters resilience and continuous improvement. By shifting focus to solutions and learning opportunities, teams stay motivated and collaborative, allowing the project to move forward productively.

"Forgiveness isn't for others; it frees you."

?? This Too Shall Pass

Like waves, life rises and falls. No pain, joy, or hardship is permanent. Every joy, every challenge, every triumph, and every setback is temporary. Understanding this truth helps us embrace the present while maintaining hope during difficult times. I am learning to embrace the highs and release the lows, knowing that everything eventually shifts.

Go-lives, cutovers, and testing phases can feel overwhelming, but these intense periods are temporary. Reminding teams that challenges will pass instills confidence and stability during critical phases. Staying grounded helps teams push through and keeps morale high, knowing that smoother waters lie ahead.

"Nothing is permanent. Value each fleeting moment."

?? True Wealth Is Found in Giving

The sea nourishes life without expecting anything in return. Sharing kindness, knowledge, and time without expecting anything in return enriches others and your own life. I am practicing the art of giving, whether time, kindness, or knowledge because each act of generosity creates ripples that extend far beyond our vision.

In the SAP world, knowledge sharing creates stronger, more capable teams. Mentoring, training, and supporting team members build collective strength and foster innovation. Teams that embrace collaboration and give freely of their expertise drive greater project success and long-term growth.

"Being Rich is not how much you have, but how much you can give."

?? Let Go to Find Peace

The ocean clings to nothing; it flows freely. I am discovering that holding on too tightly, whether material possessions, rigid expectations, or past hurts, only creates suffering. True freedom lies in letting go. We find unexpected peace when we release our grip on what we cannot control.

"Letting go is not losing; it is gaining freedom."

Grateful to the Sea, Grateful to Life

Looking back, I realize these near-death experiences were not endings but profound beginnings. They were nature's way of teaching me to live more fully, love more deeply, and approach each day with gratitude. Five years later, life is not just about surviving. It is about living with purpose and embracing each moment with appreciation.

As I celebrate 15 years in my career in January 2025, I reflect on the countless lessons this journey has offered. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to the sea, not only for the challenge but also for bringing me back to life. I am deeply thankful to those who gave me life, stood by my side, and shared their time and moments with me.

I extend my appreciation to everyone I have worked with along the way. Thank you to those who mentored, challenged, and grew alongside me. Your guidance and collaboration have been invaluable in shaping both my career and personal growth.

Embrace uncertainty. Live with gratitude, forgive often, and love deeply. Life flows like the sea, and the essence of our journey lies in its rhythm.

Here is to the waves that shape us and the people who anchor us. ???