Learn to start living now.
The death of Chadwick Boseman, the “Black Panther”, was a shock to the entire world. Especially those who were big fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Everyone knew we lost a hero. But there’s more we can learn from the death of the superhero. Here are 5 important facts we can learn from him to improve our lives and live better.
1. Your Circle Is Important
I think Chadwick had been in a secret cult with his closest relations because the ones he let in about his health condition are people with good hearts and genuine morals. How the entire thing was hidden from the public should be accredited to his close circle. Much respect to them for honouring his wishes.
Choosing the kind of people you let in about your personal battles is very important. If you’re someone that loves to go around handing out your secrets to everyone, sorry to break it to you, your secrets will blow off like the bomb went off in Japan during WW2.
When your team does not leak secrets, it shows they really respect you. The loyalty they had for him was real. As humans, whenever we screw up, we always want to turn back to the few people that won’t judge us based on our weaknesses and strengths, but people that just understand. Chadwick had those people around him. Such people are rare.
So the big question is “Do you have such people in your life?”. Get yourself some real ones around you.
When your team does not leak secrets, it shows they really respect you. Click To Tweet2. Everyone faces their own struggles
You might not know this but everyone out there are fighting their own inner battles. Most people assume that people ignore them because they’re feeling too important — no. That’s a sickness; it’s a toxic behaviour. That person you think is feeling too important might be fighting an inner battle which they can’t talk about. For some people, it’s like WW3 in there. For real.
You may think you really know someone, maybe you don’t have a grasp of what’s going on in their private lives, but it’s never acceptable to insult them. It’s toxic.
"No one likes feeling judged. Back off and let people live. We're all on some type of journey, all evolving and growing." Click To TweetThe only people who really understand these battles are those that are fighting them. People need to stop judging other people based on their thoughts about them, it’s wrong.
While Chadwick was fighting his inner battles, people criticized his social media appearances which then contributed to straight-up mockery over his altered appearance. It’s up to us to remember that what we see doesn’t reflect anything close to the entire story. It’s on us to practice being respectful of and compassionate towards everyone, always.
3. Find your purpose
One of my favourite quotes from Chadwick talks about purpose. A life without purpose is one without a destination. Boseman said:
“When you are deciding on the next steps, next jobs, next careers, further education, you should rather find purpose than a job or a career. Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you.”
Boseman graduated from Howard University in 2000, then returned to the historically Black Institution in 2018 to give the commencement address. He spoke mainly on purpose; here are the keynotes:
“Sometimes you need to feel the pain and sting of defeat to activate the real passion and purpose that God predestined inside of you.”
“God says in Jeremiah, I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
“Purpose crosses disciplines. Purpose is an essential element of you, it is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfil, whatever you choose for a career path remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose.”
These quotes say it all. Find your purpose.
4. Be kind to all
I find it thrilling how Chadwick was a hero on and off-screen without showing a sign of weakness. Man even visited kids in hospitals with terminal illnesses. Man’s a real legend, no cap.
In June 2018, Boseman gave his MTV award for “best hero” to James Shaw, the man who stopped the Nashville Waffle House shooter in April of 2018. That was exceptional.
“Wherever there is a human in need, there is an opportunity for kindness and to make a difference.” — Kevin Heath.
Be kind to everyone!
5. Live!
I still can’t explain how someone would film 10 trailblazing movies in 4 years while going through chemotherapy and countless surgeries. Chadwick didn’t live forever but created something that will live forever, something that will be praised for generations to come.
The point is, you have to live the moment no matter what you’re going through. Life is tough, I get it. Pain isn’t forever, but you need to realize that tough situations build strong people.
So now that you have your life, please dear, I’m begging, start taking chances, start jumping on opportunities, tomorrow isn’t certain. You have to begin to do what you must do to feel fulfilled at the end of it all.
Quit that job, plant that rose, write that code, develop that skill, execute that contract, spend time with that friend, design that apparel, start taking risks, start doing what makes you happy, find true love, face your fears, visit that country, and live your life to the fullest.
“Never allow waiting to be a habit, live your dreams and take risks. Life is happening now.”
Stop dreaming, start doing!
Live your life. Live dear, Live!
“In my culture, death is not the end. It’s more of a stepping point.”
