How do you define a meaningful life, and do you feel you are living one?
Life is one thing that is difficult to comprehend. The life we live is a product of many factors and the meaning we attach to different lifes are a product of different ideologies and societies. In some society, a meaningful life is measured by material prosperity or wealth. To some, the longevity of life and that is why anyone that dies at a very tender age is regarded as a "wasted life". In a society where material possession seems to be the measure of how meaningful a life is, the poor ones are regarded as someone whose life is meaningless.
Bringing that to my immediate environment, I mean the present Nigeria, many will use material possession as a measure of a meaningful life. As my student do jokingly say that "what is life without cars, houses and traveling round the world" This has been a major influence on many of them because the society celebrates people who are wealth and you see them on the pages of different magazines.
I am of the opinion that a life is meaningful when you are making impact and influencing life's positively. Whether someone is wealthy or not shouldn't be the issue but is this person contributing to his immediate society, or what is the essence of long life without you raising or helping others. That is why when some die the society rejoices because they were terror while they were alive irrespective of their wealth. A meaningful life in simple terms to me is a life of positive impacts.
Moshood Abiola of blessed memory will never be forgotten in the history of Nigeria because he fought for democracy even with his dear life and till date we celebrate him. that is on the positive side, on the other hand, Gen Sanni Abacha was also a leader but no one has spoken good of him. One thing that have always been my major word of advice to my learners is "what will I be remembered for when I die" a meaningful life will always be celebrated even at death. We do not have control over the number of days we are going to live but we can decide the type of life we want to live. I will always give example of the Hausas, you hardly see them waste money on building mansions, they invest and help each other. You will see a wealthy Alhaji in just a small building just to house his family and many farmlands to cultivate crops to feed the members of his community and also sell at affordable prices and I know we have many unsung heroes across different ethic groups.
I am not a millionaire yet but my impacts are worth more than millions, I shape destinies, I give back to my community in my own little way. Being a teacher to me is a privilege because I get to encourage the next leaders of tomorrow. I'm already occupying a page on the magazines in the heart of my learners. I know if I die today I have lived a meaningful life not only to my student, to my immediate family because I do my part to see the growth of everyone around me.
In conclusion, a meaningful life is a life that can be remembered for their positive impacts within their immediate family and society.
Thanks ladies of hive! For the opportunities to share different ideas by bringing up topics that integrate people across the world.