What If? [by Ade Adejumo]
This article should be read whilst listening to the song "Touch" by Sleeping At Last - https://open.spotify.com/track/1v3HLCJoEbZe0vocQP5X9a?si=a44496a6b5ac495f
At what point in our lives can we truly say we have lived? At what point can we boldly say we are truly living?
One would argue that the question of “truly living” and having “lived” starts to trouble our minds when we are confronted with death or loss or when we, maybe, experience something as fulfilling as feeling loved and loving that special someone.
I share the sentiment that we are often plagued with questions about “truly living” when faced with some dire crisis. But as we all know, every concept is subjective to diverse perspectives.
However, what if the question of living and having lived does not become more meaningful when confronted with death or when some deep loss sets in? What if the meaning of life still wouldn’t be understood when you are at the receiving end of a terminal disease?
What if truly living does not stem from a deep devotion to some divine being? What if living does not weigh as much on our thoughts when we can meet our needs and those of our loved ones?
What if living is not encapsulated by us landing that dream job, hitting that milestone, or solving that lingering problem?
Instead, what if truly living is knowing that at some point in our lives, we won’t be able to be there for our loved ones as much as we would want, and choosing to accept this reality?
What if living is enjoying health as much as we can while remembering that death and disease will come eventually?
In all these, whatever concept of what it means to be truly living best resonates with you, the constant for us all is acceptance. Only when we have attained acceptance of all these feelings, experiences, ideas, and even beliefs can we truly say we have LIVED.
Cheers!
Notes on the Guest Author:
Ade Adejumo is a writer and a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. When he’s not busy writing, he buries his head in academic journals and has a love for rap music and football.
Your piece really resonated with me, it's thought-provoking and touches on questions we tend to overlook until faced with some form of crisis.
I appreciate how you challenged the notion that living fully is only understood through loss, love, or even faith. That idea of acceptance as the key to truly living struck a chord. It feels like the ultimate peace we seek in a world full of uncertainties, and your words really brought that to life. Thank you for sharing such profound reflections!
PS: The lyrics of the song were beautiful. I wanna feel again so badly, my life has just been me getting through everyday nothing more.