Today as JB was laid to rest, I came to learn a few nuggets about appreciating our torch holders while they still live. Personally, as a plug that has weaved hundreds of marketing opportunities (gigs) to almost half of the top digital influencers in the industry, my mental health has always been at stake over a hiccup here and there. And today I have learnt to put myself in the safest mode, lest I get overwhelmed by non-appreciative people.
Mentorship is supposed to be a two-way process! Unfortunately, many mentees are only interested in sucking their mentors dry to the level of feeling "empty."
As we mourn JBB, it's time to reflect, as an industry that JBB served so well selflessly, what did we do to reciprocate? Can we learn to take care of the needs of our own heroes? Do we ever become interested in the intimate lives of our torch bearers to continue firing them up?
Comrades, let's wake up! Mental health is a real thing. Let's learn to take care of our own heroes. They are only human, with real needs, including love, and meaning in life. Let's for a moment forget about the likes, followers, the verifications, etc. Let’s reciprocate good gestures, starting with simply appreciating those that pave way for us to walk on!
Much love, PW.