A few days ago, my cousin’s LinkedIn post hit me hard and shook me. It transported me years back to the carefree days of childhood. In a poignant yet thought-provoking post, he evoked the devastating loss of Patrick, his beloved brother, a decade ago. He highlighted the impact Patrick left behind and how the lessons he learned from his brother have shaped his journey and influenced his professional path.

By Roula Kmeid
Patrick was one of a kind. He was a talented Master of Graphic Design with a great sense of humour. He created stunning visuals that impacted and inspired many. He was known for his pure heart and dedication to serving communities and helping needy people.

Patrick strived to improve the world through his selfless spirit and commitment to humanitarian causes and philanthropy. Guided by a deep sense of spirituality, he lived a life of service and tragically passed away at the age of 33, having been missing for two days to be then found on the shores of Amshit due to “rough seas”.

I intend not to dwell on his death but share the valuable lessons I have learned from him. His absence serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that individuals leave behind once they are gone.

One of the most profound lessons was the importance of staying True to oneself and one’s values.

Indeed, his unwavering emphasis on values, spirituality, and service to others is a powerful testament to what truly matters in life. Such qualities help us navigate professional challenges and enrich our personal lives. The world desperately needs more people with such attributes in business and personal interactions.

We often prioritise achievements and success and chase them relentlessly, forgetting that the true essence of life lies not only in professional success and material wealth but more profoundly and genuinely in the relationships we forge and the blessings we take for granted. Small acts of kindness and care, like a smile, a listening ear, or a sincere compliment, can transform others' lives. These seemingly insignificant gestures can make a world of difference.

Another lesson is how important it is to stay true to our core values in the digital world, where social media pressures can constantly pull us in different directions, urging us sometimes to conform to unrealistic beauty standards or to project a certain lifestyle.

Pressures can lead us to wear masks that do not reflect our identity—posting reels that are not our real identity and sharing quotes that do not quote our beliefs, creating a digital mirage that blinds us to our real authenticity. These actions can erode the sense of self-worth.

A third valuable lesson is the importance of remaining true to our core principles, even when tempted to compromise them to pursue success and wealth. This includes refusing to act unethically in professional settings or forming alliances with indecent people to seek financial gains or higher positions on the corporate ladder. 

Staying true to oneself is the most important quality one can maintain in times of challenges, crisis, temptations and greed. And that’s what Patrick unknowingly instilled in those around him, including myself.

By staying true to ourselves, we act with integrity, navigate challenges with resilience and foster authentic relationships. Who remembers when staying true to yourself led to a positive outcome in your life?

To use the exact words of my cousin’s LinkedIn post:

“How have the lessons from those you have admired shaped your journey and influenced your professional path?”

Enjoy the trip down memory lane.