The fall of a yellow leaf is a warning to the green ones. Truth is always in plain sight, yet many people remain unaware of it.
Over time, we have seen and heard of people we know passing on to the next life. Somehow, the cause of their death often gives people a strange sense of comfort instead of deep reflection. Thanks to the ego’s defense mechanism of denial, many convince themselves that such a fate is “not their portion.”
In this era of social media and publicity, it has become difficult to know who genuinely cares for us. We often mistake fans for friends, altering our values to meet the standards of people we know nothing about simply because we want fame, validation, or financial success. On the other hand, some people have built communities based on ideology, passion, and principles.
So, if one day you cease to breathe, who will truly cry for you?
As you reflect on this question, ask yourself: What am I doing to keep those people close and cherish every moment with them?
Often, we only appreciate people after they are gone — our parents, siblings, friends, and even our favorite superstars. There is a popular Igbo song that says:
“I mara ihe ga emere m na nwuo, mere m ya na ndu, nwanne m, nwee ekene ka m kene.”
Meaning: If you know what you would give me or say about me when I am gone, do it now while I am alive so I can appreciate it.
It is a call for appreciation, love, and recognition while people are still alive.
What Is Your Purpose and Priority in Life?
As you delay showing appreciation or only speak well of people in their absence, have you ever wondered: What if you did not wake up from your sleep today?
This question is not meant to scare you, but to help you set your priorities right. Everyone has their appointed time and season, but the quality of your life depends greatly on how well you manage your time.
Have you found your purpose in life? Are you making an impact, even in your own little way?
There are two types of local palm wine often used to illustrate the importance of being intentional about life’s purpose.
One is called Ngwo Palmwine. It rushes quickly and fills the keg fast, but its lifespan is short and so is its quality.
The other is Nkwu Palmwine. It trickles one drop at a time, requiring patience and endurance. However, once obtained, it is more valuable, lasts longer, and has the highest quality.
Therefore, stay true to your nature. If you are Ngwo, do not compare yourself to Nkwu. In the end, quality will always be chosen over quantity.
Prioritize your life according to your purpose and work on it daily and consistently, for no one truly knows their last goodbye.
What’s the Point After All?
Some may wonder: What is the point, since everyone will eventually die someday?
There is an Igbo saying that one should not avoid war simply because death is possible, because a coward fails to understand that there is value in battle.
A land without value attracts no contenders.
My point is this: we were not created to remain in one state forever, but to transform from one level to another. Death is not the end of life, but the cessation of the physical and biological aspects of it.
Therefore, our mission is to manifest the potentials placed within us through this physical body for the benefit of humanity and the glory of the Almighty.
Additionally, it is not how long you live that matters, but how impactful and fulfilled your life was while you lived it. Many people reject family, keep malice, and create enemies, forgetting that one day both they and their so-called enemies will cease to exist.
It is my sincere intention to urge you to reflect on how you are living today — the choices you make, the decisions you take, and the circles you build.
Most importantly, enjoy every moment with your family, wife, husband, children, and friends. Call your parents. Appreciate people. Respect people. Everyone is simply a memory waiting to manifest.
Let your actions make people better. Live in such a way that you remain in the hearts of many. Create value. Solve problems. Enjoy every day you wake up.
Remember: when you cry for someone, you are also crying for yourself, because they have experienced what you are yet to experience.
So live while you are alive, because you are not here forever.
I remain your friend and brother,
Maazi Onuora Obodoechi
Pen it down. 