Now we need to look at what we can do to take best advantage of the current situation.
If you remember in chapter one, I mentioned that at the beginning of our mission to the Seychelles, that I was shot in the right thigh and this posed a bit of a problem, as the five of us were involved in a shoot out at the barrack gates.
We has to fight our way out of this situation and so we moved up a hill next to the barracks, drawing fire as we moved on up the hill. This would allow the reminder of our group to assemble their firearms and join us at the barracks. Under these conditions, you are driven by adrenalin and seeing your way through to a stronger position is really not a problem.
The purpose of adding this in today, is that only once it gets quiet and your thoughts are let loose, then the mind starts off on its own. I am reminded that through adversity, long lasting relationships, friendships and strong bonds are built. Only yesterday I received a wonderful email from the only other mercenary to have been wounded on the island. It was really great being in touch with Charlie again.
Friendships created during this period will be long lasting and memorable. At times like this, it is really great to receive assistance from others, but more importantly for us, it is also better to be able to assist your fellow man.
The feeling that is derived from giving, is not only good for us, but it is infectious and before long, it becomes the norm. By giving, we are blessed with a great feeling of our well being and this can help our sense of purpose.
Now back to the story at the gate. As we moved along and up the hill, drawing fire towards ourselves, I can recall how ridiculous it must have been for anyone watching the seemingly pointless effort. We had AK47 assault rifles and we were drawing fire from an anti-aircraft gun, as they kept chasing us up towards the hill top. It did the job admirably. We had bought that precious thing, called time. Later that night, I passed out due to the loss of blood. I am not sure how long I had been lying there, but I was awoken by the rain and I heard an aircraft taking off (this was not part of the plan!). I was not to know that the main party had left the island on an Air India flight (after the Captain had offered to fly them off in order to save any more loss of life).
I remember lying there cold, wet and very sore, and my first thoughts were to lay there until morning. I was shivering quite uncontrollably and I quickly realised that shock was setting in and that I had to do something, and soon. I tore my shirt into strips and made a tourniquet in order to stop the bleeding. Having done this, I was in a better position to make a plan going forward. It is always better to have a plan, any plan, no matter how small, as long as it keeps the mind looking for something – hope, escape, a route back to the hotel, etc.
Here it is important to look at your current situation, take stock and then look at where you need to get to in the next moment, next day, next week and on into the future. Remember, it is always better to have a plan, no matter how small it is. This is an illustration of how to get control of your mind.
So let us look at what we should be doing now in our life. I am sure that if you are like me there are quite a few things that I would like to change about myself, if only I had time. The good news, is that you do now have the time and it is an opportunity to reevaluate your life and make the changes that you have perhaps been longing to do. It does not have to be a long list like mine! You can start with the smaller things, like perhaps giving up smoking, a get fit regimen (start small and slowly), healthier eating habits, taking less alcohol.
There are a million things you could tackle now that will make you come out of this period in your life that will leave you in a healthier and much happier place. You will become a better person, wife, husband, parent, etc.
So, don’t waste this wonderful opportunity, and do get started – you will not regret it. This I do promise.
Stay safe and happy.
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