The Unexpected Moment That Defined My Journey....LOH #252

“What exactly drives me?" I have asked myself this question countless times: is it money, joy, or freedom? Guess what? I didn't find an answer to it, not until a special moment came by that revealed to me everything.

It was on a weekend. I was helping one of my aunties to sell akara (beancake) by the roadside. The sun on this particular day was different; I was sweating like a Christmas goat, and my hands ached from frying. Even with how terrible the sun was, people still came out to patronize us, asking for hot akara; some chatted with us, some just bought what they wanted and went their way, some complained, while some were even asking for extra.

This scenario, even though it looked normal or small, meant a lot to me. A little boy of about seven years old came running; he almost tripped as he crossed the gutter to our akara stand. In his hand was a slightly dirty 50-naira note. He handed it over to me and said... Good morning, ma'am; good morning, sir. Please, I want one akara.”* His eyes were wide and full of hope. I am not sure if I can pinpoint the reason, but I gave him two pieces of akara for the price of one. He smiled, and his innocent face shone, looking bright. And that lit something inside of me. I felt alive in a different kind of way I had never felt before.

And that was when it came in for me.... Passion. Passion goes beyond doing what you love. It is about the feeling you get from what you do, those little moments you did something, or where your work actually touches the life of another. Talking of profit, yes, it was present. And talking of independence, I had family and friends all around me, helping me. But neither actually mattered as much as the spark of that very moment.

Years went by; I chased money, independence, and lots of things that looked promising and impressive. There are some very great recognitions, very impressive recommendations, massive profits, and all, but all felt hollow without that spark. I recalled that boy's smile and his innocence and that feeling I felt frying akara under the hot sun. It felt like the best; it was everything.

Passion doesn’t need a certificate, picture, office, or a crowd cheering one on. It is you waking up every single day knowing you are doing something that counts, something that matters, even if it is just to one person or just a group of people. You feel relieved; their smile gives you a smile. Profit and independence are good; they can even be present, but without passion, they feel empty.

If I had to choose, I would always go for passion. It is what keeps fueling one to keep going and do meaningful things. It brings about joy in whatever you do. Furthermore, it feels to me like it goes beyond words. I am not disputing independence; it is nice. Neither am I disputing profit; it is tempting as well. But passion is what makes whatever you do feel real and purposeful.

Each time I ask myself, What exactly motivates you?" And I rushed back memory lane to that roadside stand somewhere in Kwara State, Nigeria, the little boy with 50 naira, and what I felt at that very moment. I had promised myself I would just live. Oh no, I want to really feel alive, and without passion, that is not possible.

All pictures are mine.

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