There
are popular questions which public bus or taxi drivers or conductors usually
ask their passengers, whenever a strong argument ensues between them. These
questions are; “Who are
you? And what do you think you are?”
To them these questions are
the same, and they usually don’t expect any answer from the so called
passenger. It was meant to intimidate the passenger and win their case or
argument. These questions struck me many years ago while I was in a public bus
and the above scenario occurred. For months, I could not get my head off the
thought so I was much keened in finding out who I was. For me, it was a period
of self-discovery, self-recognition and self-awareness.
Today, I’m asking you; who are you? You may
not need to answer me on paper. Seriously, who are you? Get the question. I’m
not asking who do you think you are, or what are you? Who are you really?
Many
youth have lost their usefulness because they fail to discover (find out) the
essence of their existence. They live their lives based on who they think they
are, not on whom they really are. Others live their lives based on what their
parents, siblings, relatives, community, culture, peers, spiritual leader and
society think they are. Undoubtedly, these shape our thinking, opinions and
mindset, giving us an idea of who we think we are. Also, our behaviours,
choices, visions, ambitions, characters, self-concept and lifestyle take their
cue from these strongly held opinion of who we think we are, not who we really
are.
Infact,
some of us are totally confused by our own very complex nature, and on several
occasions have asked other people who are also confused as we are, to tell us
who they think we are and their responses have sometimes baffled us. Hence, we
live our lives way behind our innate potentials and powers.
Becoming a useful youth is guaranteed the day
you are able to separate who you think you are from who you really are. Let me
break it down! Whatever your parents, siblings, relatives, peers, friends,
lecturers, school-mates, colleagues, your bosses or religious leaders told you
about yourself is just their opinion about you.
It is only God and you that can define your purpose in life. It begins
with the question. “Lord what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).
What
are those productive skills you find less stressful and, that you enjoy doing
even without supervision or with less emolument? What are those talents you
derive much pleasure in doing even without formal education or qualification?
Sometimes,
your gift might be so numerous that you find yourself at a crossroad. Relax!
Simply seek the face of God in sincere prayer and fasting. Then, allow Him to
guide your decision. You can also take that which has more economic value
considering your location or environment. Don’t hesitate to seek professional
help. Never ask for a carpenter’s advice when you want to mend your clothe.
Our usefulness in life must of utmost
importance emanate from self-recognition, self-understanding and self-concept;
knowing who you are, your likes and dislikes, passivity and impassivity,
strength and weakness, abilities and capabilities. You must understand your
emotional composition, your temperament and exactly what you are in this world
to do or achieve and how you have been wired to accomplish them.
JOIN THE YFUCC FAMILY. GRAB A COPY OF YOUTHFUL AND USEFUL TODAY!
IT'S IN YOUR MIND. SEARCH IT OUT!
No comments:
Post a Comment