WHAT IS THE POINT OF LIFE?

The question ‘What is the point of life’ comes to me strongly whenever I hear about the death of a young person; especially one who was just on the verge of taking over the world. “She had just gained admission to medical school”, “He had just started an initiative to empower young people”, “ She wanted to be the greatest president Nigeria had ever seen”. On hearing such things I ask myself; ’What then was the point? Why did she go through four years of perseverance in Uni only to die before getting the opportunity to reap the fruits of her labour? Why was he snatched by the hands of death before he could give young people that voice that many are trying to rid them of? Why was she not kept alive long enough to help salvage Nigeria’s situation? After reading a piece three years ago dedicated to a young Nigerian pilot who died in a helicopter crash; I understood that there were two points to life-to live fully and to create a legacy.

From this Nigerian pilot, I learnt that there is a difference between living and existing. This man did not just exist but he lived. He was an Engineer, a pilot and a photographer. He did not limit himself or his dreams; whatever he wanted to be, he became. I’m sure you’ve heard this more times than you can count, but I believe it is worth repeating: you have only one life. You get just one chance. Use it. Do not die dreaming. Live fully. It is important to point out that living fully goes beyond those ‘enjoyment fit me die’ moments. To me, it is actually more about pursuing your passions. Our generation has been blessed with so much talent and we would be doing our world a disservice if we do not put that talent to use. Are you a creative or an activist? Or both? Do you want to start a business or maybe a foundation? Do you want to be a doctor but also a photographer? An Engineer with a food blog? Whatever your passion is (or are!!!) pursue it (or them!!!). Do not let anyone cage you or limit your dreams; live fully.

The second point of life is to create a legacy. One of my favourite quotes (although taken out of context) is Milli Vanilli’s “And when I die I’ll keep living”. Everyone who is born is given a certain number of years to live. It may be 3, it may be 20, or it may be 100. In that time you are given, you are to serve a purpose. If you are blessed enough to discover your purpose and walk in it, you are able to create a legacy. The sound track of my life is ‘I Was Here’ by Beyonce, and it is my reminder that I cannot just come to this world and go without making an impact. Look at people like Mandela and Martin Luther King; their names will always count for something-even fifty years down the line. That is what you call a legacy. And if you are uninterested in being known around the world, that’s fine. You can leave a mark amongst family, friends, and the people around you. Just keep asking yourself, what would people say about me when I go? And if my time is up tomorrow, what would my legacy be?

QUOTES

LIVE FULLY
“Tell me; what is it you plan to do with this your one wild and precious life?”-Mary Oliver (The Summer Day)

CREATE A LEGACY
“ The memory of the just are blessed”-Proverbs 10:7

“I want to leave my footprints on the sands of time, to know there was something that I left behind”-Beyonce.