“The world cannot standstill because you are no more. It will move. It doesn’t matter how knowledgeable, rich and influential you are,” declared an anonymous writer. “When I understood how this life works, I stopped being too over serious. I loosened up. I play more. Soften a bit. I stopped chasing winds and shadows but look into the important things of life,” so concluded the writer in response to a sudden replacement of a Nigerian bank CEO that passed on in an helicopter crash. Today, let’s reflect on not making or letting anyone make a god out of you.
Do you see yourself as cannot-be-done-without and so go out of every reasonable path to be available for everyone or to let people know you’re in charge? Do you think you’re so important and have become an item of worship? Are you so highly rated at work or have unique skill that makes you the centre of attention? Do you occupy a high position and make the final decision in anything concerning people around you? Are you restless because you struggle to do “everything” since nobody else has the authority, skill or power to do? Unlike what people may make you think, you’re only as relevant as you’re occupying a particular post, discharging a particular responsibility or attending to people’s demands. With or without you, the world moves on. This was a bare lesson I learned from the demise of an intimate friend last year. The replacement of Herbert Wigwe, Group CEO of a Nigerian bank barely two days after his demise in an helicopter crash reminded me of the lesson. Or is this about the saying, “Nature abhors vacuum?”
So, live as if you’re only human. Care for humanity but recognize that if you’re not there, life will still move on. Do what you can do and leave what you can’t. While Dr. Seuss’ thought, “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world” is an excellent reminder to live a life of value, don’t let your position, power, skill, talents or devotion to humanity make you see yourself beyond mere mortal with limitations. While people may throng around and portray you as someone they can’t do without, their onky hope etc, know that the opposite is the case – the society can do without you – your family, community, religious organization, workplace etc will move on even if you’re no more. In many instances, someone will take your place few days after you’re gone. So help but don’t become Help. Be available to support people but don’t become the source of their hope. See yourself merely as an instrument. Do what you can for mankind but don’t think without you there would be no mankind. As Edward Hale counselled, “Never bear more than one trouble at a time. Some people bear three kinds– all they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have.” In whatever position you find yourself, discharge your duty as an assignment in trust for humanity and be conscious that no assignment is permanent. In all you do, don’t be so carried away or brainwashed that you see yourself as i dispensable.
As you step out, do all you can with all you have for all the people you can. Reject the temptation to feel guilty for what you can’t do or to see yourself as the Alpha and Omega. Let Edward Hale’s note guide your actions: “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Dr. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a chemical engineer, an HSE professional, a public affairs analyst, marriage counsellor, youth mentor and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He works for an international oil company and can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only)
