Billy Osogo
Last week, I wrote on the plight of South Africa. South Africa is still in my scope of focus. For good reason. Just three days ago, the world marked Mandela Day. A day named in honor of the South African-born, larger-than-life, global peace icon, Nelson Madiba Mandela.
He is many things to many people. Leaders like President Obama are on record saying how his incarceration is what spun them into advocating for change and eventually seeking public office. Mandela is synonymous with peace and reconciliation. After he stepped down from the presidency, he committed himself to championing this cause world-over till his last day.
As I was reflecting on his legacy, I came across something by Dr. Stephen Covey. In his best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he writes:
"There's an intrinsic security that comes from service, from helping other people in a meaningful way. One important source is your work, when you see yourself in a contributive and creative mode, really making a difference."
There’s no doubt that Mandela made a difference, and then some.
What is it about what you do that gives you joy about your work?
Thank you for giving me so much to think about today. I was caregiver for my husband throughout his 23 year journey with Parkinson’s Disease. Even through the difficult days, there was satisfaction in knowing that I made a difference in his life, especially as he left this earth. I kept him safe, comfortable, clean and content, and I hope he felt the love I had (have) for him.
He has only been gone 2 months, and since then there have been others who have needed encouragement in their journey with their dying spouse. It feels good to be able to give hope and comfort to those who need it so badly.
Hello ๐
Yours is a selfless, inspiring, loving act of service!!
You are a dealer in hope! We need more of your kind.
Thank you for making time ๐
Every day I meet amazing people but it took me a minute to let myself be totally absorbed by their story. Iโm talking about the little cool things that people do or say. Itโs the one tool I use to get out of my head. Thank you!
Hey CW๐
That’s so enlightening. Paying attention to the small stuff. Full, engaged, undistracted attentiveness is one of the best ways to get the most out of life!
Thank you for making time ๐
Although not as grand as Mandela, I feel like Iโm doing my part working for a company that enhances corporate cultures which in turn makes peopleโs work lives better and impacts their personal lives. I donโt think I could work for a company that didnโt align with my purpose and how I want to help people in life. There is something special about helping others. โจ
Hey Ellen ๐
I bet Mandela would be proud of ๐
Knowing the companies we give our energy and time actually align with purposes dear to our hearts is one of the biggest flexes of our times!
It’s always a pleasure hearing from you, thank you for making time ๐
Thanks for another great piece, A.B. ๐ I’ve always been a fan and you never disappoint.
Same here E. L. โบ๏ธโบ๏ธ
Great question and tribute Billy. There are few things that give me as good a spring in my step as safely landing an aeroplane with over 300 passengers onboard
That’s as high as it gets, buddy ๐๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฟ
When someone feels comfortable to tell his/her problems or concerns, it’s one of thing that brings joy to me. Because not everyone can be their “comfort place”. So, when someone needs physical or mental support from me, I’ll do my best. Thanks for sharing this post, A.B. Have a great day ๐
Hey Luna!
Ah, that’s such a cool super power you have!
Thank you for making time ๐
My day job is a dental assistant. I’ve been doing that for ~25 yrs, give or take a year. And what I enjoy is talking to the patients, getting to know them, especially the troublesome ones, and figuring out why they’re acting the way they’re acting. And it’s very rewarding when I can relate to them and they calm down and become entirely different. But in a good way.
Hey KS!
Ah, yes. We all in need people like you when we are at the hospital! I saw a video of this American doctor play with a kid, get them to relax, give them a jab, and then go back to play with them. It seemed so natural to him!
Thank you for making time ๐
I am honored โบ๏ธ