Another Lesson I Learned in This Place Called Life

You’d be surprised by the kind of life I want to live. I don’t want to roll with the big boys, it’s too stressful. Ask those who have been there. I just want to wake up every day knowing I’m not wasting the days of my life, knowing that someone out there sees me, and their day is made. I want to live in a way that restores hope, challenges beliefs, and transforms systems and mindsets.

Sustainable. Positive. Impact.

That’s my idea of the good life, a sustainable life. People have changed my life, and I want to do the same for others.

However, I struggle to understand those who don't grasp the essence of humanity. When I encounter such people, my heart is filled with both sadness and compassion.

I struggle with vulnerability because I have rarely seen it benefit those who embrace it. Of course, vulnerability has its place, but I’m referring to the kind that leaves people open to being taken advantage of, shut out, and ridiculed, without the power to fight back. I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s a part of our humanity. But in a world where people often misuse trust, we must balance openness with wisdom.

I cannot stand watching people be treated that way, let alone experiencing it myself. 

Humans are complex, both loving and terrifying, fragile yet obsessed with hierarchy and superiority. Sometimes, I wonder if preaching equality is even worth it. Not just gender equality, but equality in general (big, small, rich, poor, tall, short). The truth is hierarchy will always exist. It has been this way since the beginning of time, and I've accepted that. We can't all be equal, but we can use our advantages for a greater good. The world may never achieve perfect equality, but true humanity isn't found in titles or wealth. It's in how we treat those who have nothing to offer us.

Two years ago, I had an encounter with someone who used their position of power to make me feel vulnerable. I was so hurt that I hurried to this page to scribble down my thoughts, tears in my eyes, heavily downcast. And at that moment, I asked myself: Can people ever exist without forgetting that we are all equal in the grave? lol.

I have been privileged to be in positions of power. The number one girl in my senior secondary school, when I was Head Girl, I wouldn’t say I was a great leader, but I learned a lot from that position. I wasn’t perfectly influenced by those who came before me, I was clueless, but I won't make these my excuses, looking back, I know I could have done better. Life has taught me to take responsibility for my actions. I recognized that I had room for growth. Eight years later, life has taught me greatly, and people have shaped me for better.

One of the things that influenced my leadership style back then was how others had treated me, the words I had been told. But now, Jesus, through His Word and great men, has transformed my life. Because of that, I refuse to be swallowed up in revenge, strife, or bitterness.

There is still good in this world, and it is worth fighting for. I will live and fight for this good through Christ, who strengthens me. By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will live the life I have envisioned, making Sustainable Positive Impact regardless of my position.

There is no need for the “all hail thee” treatment. I don't need it. Will it come? Yes, it will, people will always be drawn to good. But I am determined to serve for a significance greater than what men can offer.

And that brings me to the lesson I have learned in this place called life:

Power is fleeting, but impact lasts. The positions we hold, the influence we have, it all fades. But the way we treat others lingers far beyond our titles, privileges, and influence.

We can’t change the existence of power structures, but we can choose to use power for good. Whether big or small, rich or poor, we all hold some level of influence, and the real test is what we do with it.

Do you understand the true essence of humanity? Beyond power and titles, how do you use your influence to make a difference? Please, let me know in the comment box below.

My name is The Olayide Juliana, a steward, and I firmly believe that light shed, knowledge shared, and beliefs reviewed can make both me and the world a better place.