For many in developing countries, securing a visa to a Western nation feels like winning the lottery. It’s celebrated as a monumental achievement, symbolizing freedom, opportunity, and success. But why have we turned this into the ultimate milestone, and in doing so, have we lost sight of what truly defines success in our lives?
The Visa Obsession: A False Symbol of Success
For many of us, gaining a visa feels like a life-changing moment. We celebrate it with family, throw parties, and proudly announce our success on social media. However, have we stopped to question why we view this as the height of our accomplishments? Our villages and hometowns, which we once cherished, now seem like distant memories. We romanticize these places when we are far away, but when we had the chance to improve them, why didn’t we invest in their prosperity?
Why We Idolize Foreign Lands
The reality is that Western countries thrive not just because of visas, but due to their mindset. People in these nations have a profound understanding of leadership, community, and long-term planning. They don’t chase after visas or celebrate residency because, for them, it’s merely a formality. They are focused on building systems and structures that benefit future generations. Meanwhile, we become fixated on the idea that relocating abroad will solve our problems instead of working to enhance the very places we call home.
What Are We Really Celebrating?
Consider this: when someone in a Western country achieves permanent residency, do they throw a party? Do they feel as if their lives have just begun? For them, it’s often just a legal requirement—something they might not even think to share online. However, for many of us, visas and residency status have come to define our success. We’ve made them our primary goals, overshadowing what truly matters: personal growth, community building, and making meaningful contributions to society. Are we genuinely free if we rely on a visa to validate our worth?
Losing Ourselves in the Race
In this relentless pursuit of visas and residency, we risk losing touch with our identities. We find ourselves perpetually busy, chasing jobs, statuses, and documents. But at what cost? Are we settling into lives that ultimately leave us unfulfilled? Our ancestors built communities and took pride in their contributions, but now our ambitions often tether us to foreign lands where we might feel like outsiders, even after gaining residency.
Redefining Success in Our Own Terms
Perhaps it’s time to redefine success. Is it truly about leaving our homes for distant lands, or is it about crafting a meaningful life regardless of our location? Instead of chasing visas, we could focus on building lasting legacies in our own communities. We can work on enhancing our villages, nurturing our culture, and leading lives filled with purpose.
The world is changing, and so should our perspective. Success doesn’t have to hinge on a piece of paper or an overseas address. It should be about living intentionally, creating value, and leaving behind a legacy that resonates.
Let’s rethink what we celebrate and strive for. In the end, it’s not about where we live, but how we choose to live our lives.