Life and death

I am sitting in an airplane flying back from Sydney to Mauritius having just attended my father’s funeral. Thoughts of life and death cascade through my mind as I review the funeral proceedings and I replay the words we all said at the service.

One of those thoughts is that human beings often wait till the end to say nice things about each other. We get so caught up in life’s intricacies that we tend to overlook the real meaning of life. We tend to forget that kindness, love and recognition are things that all human beings crave for, from cradle to death. Most of us get so caught up in our daily crises, frustrations and ego trips that we give free rein to our basic impulses of wanting and amassing more, winning at all costs and being separate from the rest.

We tend to forget that we came into this life entrusted with a mission and many of us allow life’s challenges to throw us off our path, meandering into the alleys of despair, fear and failure. Many people believe that only the rich, talented and influential have a mission to accomplish. The truth is that each one of us has a talent which, if put to good use, can change the lives of those around us and put us on the path we were each meant to be on. No matter your corporate position or your place in the social ladder, you have an inner talent which makes you unique.

My father’s talent was his generosity. He was generous with his time, with his money and his compassion. He made such good use of this quality that he touched numerous people during his life time and the mourners present at his funeral were unanimous in recognising this legacy.

As you read these lines, I encourage you to wonder about your mission. In what ways could you be utilising your innate talent to help your organisation succeed? How could you empower those around you to help them grow? How could you contribute to making your company, your country and your neighbourhood better places to live in?  How could you play an even more vital role in your family circle to spread kindness, love and recognition?

Because one day, you will also not be here and those left behind will wonder at your legacy, at how well you accomplished your mission.  If you get into the habit of always leaving those you encounter in a better state and always giving your best in every situation, work or family, you will leave a legacy so strong that people will remember you long after you are gone.