“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all,” observed Oscar Wilde. Benjamin Franklin once wryly noted, “Many people die at twenty-five and aren’t buried until seventy-five.” These poignant insights highlight the tragic reality of a life where the spark of curiosity and passion has been extinguished by the weight of routine, fear or life challenges. Let’s reflect on the profound importance of staying spiritually and mentally vibrant, ensuring that our internal flame continues to burn brightly until our very last breath.
Do you know that many are dead though still breathing? Being “dead before you die” is a state of existence characterized by a loss of wonder, the abandonment of dreams, and a mechanical adherence to daily obligations without any sense of purpose. It is a slow, quiet erosion of the self that occurs when we stop seeking new experiences, stop questioning the world around us, and stop allowing ourselves to be vulnerable or moved by the beauty of life. This phenomenon often manifests as a deep-seated complacency, where we settle for comfort over growth and security over the exhilarating risk of truly being alive. We become spectators in our own stories, watching the years pass by in a blur of gray monotony, convinced that our best days are behind us or that we are simply victims of our circumstances. Breaking free from this inertia requires a conscious decision to reclaim our agency and to recognize that vitality is not a product of youth, but a byproduct of an engaged and active mind. It involves rediscovering the psychological space where we are so immersed in our passions that time seems to disappear. When we choose to remain stagnant, we are essentially mourning a life we are still physically living, neglecting the incredible potential that resides within every heartbeat and every breath we take.
So, enhance your capacity to embrace the unknown and cultivate a spirit of relentless curiosity that defies the passage of time. Actively resist the temptation to retreat into the familiar and instead seek out the challenges that force you to expand your horizons and redefine your limits. Invest your energy in meaningful connections, lifelong learning, and the pursuit of creative outlets that give voice to your unique perspective on the world. This is more than just staying busy; it is about intentionality – choosing to wake up each morning with the deliberate goal of contributing something positive to the universe and extracting every ounce of joy from the present moment. Volunteer for causes that stir your soul, travel to places that shift your worldview, and never stop asking “why” or “what if,” regardless of your peculiar circumstances of life. Know that by fostering this internal dynamism, you build a fortress against the creeping shadows of apathy and cynicism that often accompany the aging process. Remember that the world is a vast, intricate tapestry of possibilities, and you are the weaver who decides how vibrant the colours of your journey will be. Always remember that life is an active verb, a continuous process of becoming, and it is your responsibility to ensure that your narrative remains compelling, adventurous, and authentically yours until the very end.
As you step out each day, carry the conviction that your vitality is a gift to be nurtured and shared with everyone you encounter. Whether you are pursuing a grand ambition or savouring a quiet moment of reflection, let your presence be a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. May you live so fully and love so deeply that when the end finally comes, death finds nothing but a spent and satisfied soul to claim.
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Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
