At 67, I experienced something that completely changed my perspective on life, work, health, and the importance of rest.
For most of my life, I had been extremely active—preaching, running businesses, managing schools, creating social media content, and travelling for speaking engagements. I worked continuously for decades without taking adequate breaks.
Then, sometime between May and June, something unexpected happened.
When My Mind and Body Demanded Rest
I began experiencing unusual difficulties with my memory and reasoning. At one point, I found myself asking questions about my father, who had died about 30 years earlier. My wife and lawyer noticed changes in my behaviour that I hadn’t recognised myself.
My family became concerned, and my children, including my son who is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, helped arrange medical investigations.
I underwent an MRI scan in Asaba, which revealed no significant abnormalities. After reviewing my condition, we considered exhaustion and burnout as possible explanations.
I had spent practically my entire life working, and I had reached a point where I needed to rest.
For several months, I stopped accepting speaking invitations, making new videos, attending business meetings, and handling many of my usual responsibilities. I spent much of my time sleeping, relaxing, and recovering.
Life Continued Without Me
One of the greatest lessons from this experience was discovering that life will continue whether you are actively involved or not.
I missed an important conference in Calabar, but the programme went ahead without me. My children continued their careers and family lives. My businesses continued operating.
The world did not stop because Dr. Charles Apoki was unavailable.
This experience taught me something important: Don’t kill yourself trying to keep everything running. Learn to rest, delegate, and recognise your limitations.
Build Systems That Can Function Without You
Thankfully, I had invested early in education, real estate, and other businesses.
Even when I could no longer work actively, I wasn’t financially stranded. My schools continued operating, my property agents continued selling land, and my family helped manage important responsibilities.
My son travelled from overseas to assist with school admissions and other administrative matters. My wife played an invaluable role in keeping things running.
This is why I constantly encourage people to invest wisely and build sustainable systems.
Ask yourself:
Can your business survive without your daily involvement?
Have you trained people who can take over your responsibilities?
Have you built investments that can support you when you cannot work?
Can your family maintain what you have established?
True success is not just about what you accomplish while working. It is also about what continues to function when you are no longer available.
Learn to Rest Before Your Body Forces You To
Today, I am gradually returning to my activities, but with a different mindset.
I have learned to reduce my pace, delegate responsibilities, avoid unnecessary stress, and pay greater attention to my health.
Whether you are 30, 50, 60, or 70, remember that your body and mind need adequate rest.
You cannot continue pushing yourself indefinitely without consequences.
I am particularly grateful to my wife for her love, patience, and support throughout this difficult period.
My Final Message
Life is like a flowing stream. Time moves forward, whether you participate or not.
People may miss you when you are absent, but eventually, they will adjust and continue living.
Therefore, take care of yourself. Build lasting investments. Train your children. Develop reliable people around you. Learn to delegate.
Above all, never become so consumed with making a living that you forget to preserve your life.
I thank God for giving me another opportunity at 67, and I intend to use it wisely.
I remain your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki.
