YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE YOURSELF IF YOU ARE IN IT

I guess that is why we always need a mirror. Recently, I was watching I Am Anis, a film by Biodun Stephen. There is a scene where the lead character, Anis, played by Shaffy Bello, is hosting an event. In that moment, she says in Yoruba “T’isu ba ti wonu odo, ko l’anfani lati riran ori ebo ara e” and translates it in English  “You will not be able to see yourself if you are in it.” That line hit hard. It reminded me of the many times I have said or lived that same truth. I remember back in college, my friends would often come to me whenever they were going through something. After talking with me for a while, they would usually feel better and whenever they thanked me, I would always say, “We will always need each other.” I would remind them that they knew my values, my principles and most importantly, my character. Then I would say, “If you ever catch me in a situation that compromises those values, and I am too blind or stubborn to pull myself out, drag me out before I do something reckless that I will regret for the rest of my life.” I even told my closest friend at the time who had my father’s phone number to call my dad if I would not listen to anyone else.What I was really saying is that sometimes, we lose perspective in the heat of certain situations. Emotions, pressure, and fear can cloud our judgment. That is why we need people we trust, people who love us enough to hold us accountable because no matter how strong we are, most times, we will not be able to see it clearly when we are in it. We will always need each other. According to Bill Withers “We all need somebody to lean on.” Let’s take a moment to sing the chorus of this song. This time, let us deliberately listen to the lyrics and let it sink. Lean on me, when you're not strongAnd I'll be your friendI'll help you carry onFor it won't be long'Til I'm gonna needSomebody to lean on When you are in it and cannot see yourself, who do you lean on? Who holds the mirror up for you and helps you see yourself? Who holds you accountable? Have you ever had someone show up for you when you were in it and couldn’t see yourself, and now you want to share that experience in the comments to encourage someone? Please, go ahead. My name is Akpovwovwo Emetekefe. I tell stories that start conversations and make you feel. Let’s connect.

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