What would I be, if I am stripped of all my recognitions and awards?

 I was having a conversation with a friend whom I considered philosophical last week and she read my story and asked “If you are stripped of all your achievements, what would you be?

I said, “I would be the same person I used to be” someone willing to care for the person on the right side of them and at the left side of them.

Someone who wants to see someone change the circumstances that they have inherited.

Someone who wants to see and help other people grow. That people have potential and I believe in that potential.

That I may not be able to impact thousands and millions of people but I can inspire one person.

I quoted Maya Angelou. Maya said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

People may forget what I have done but one thing I will be proud of is how I inspired just one person. Just one person.

You may strip me of all the awards, titles, and everything, I will still remain dedicated to the cause and doing the real work.

I am always glad of every chance and opportunity I have to reflect on what truly matters and what it takes to live the life that is required.

I am always grateful to friends who hold me accountable for my words and cause.

I am grateful to people who inspire me through their work and are dedicated to the same cause similar to mine.

They remind me every single moment, every single day about my why.

Hammed Kayode Alabi (c) 2021