What Culture Means to Me And How I Define a Waste of Time

When I hear the word culture, what comes to mind isn’t just the way people dress, greet, or the food they eat. Culture, to me, is our everyday way of life. It’s the values we hold dear how we show respect, the things we celebrate and even the small habits passed down from one generation to another. It gives us a sense of belonging and shapes the way we see the world.

Coming from Nigeria, I’ve seen how rich and beautiful culture can be. In my tribe, for example, respect is not something you joke with. The way we greet elders kneeling or bowing, depending on who you are might look simple, but it speaks volumes. It shows that you were raised right. From how we welcome visitors to how we celebrate weddings or even mourn the dead, culture is everywhere around us.

Food is another big part of our culture. In my region, meals like Banga soup, starch, owo soup, and pepper soup aren’t just for eating they tell stories. Some are cooked during celebrations, others during quiet family moments. There’s something so comforting about eating food that connects you to your roots. Even the way food is shared matters. You rarely eat alone. Food is love, and in our culture, it brings people together.

Festivals are also a major part of our traditions. The New Yam Festival is one I look forward to. It’s filled with dancing, drumming, and joy. It’s a time of thanksgiving and community bonding. These kinds of events remind us of who we are and where we come from.

Even though I’m proud of my own culture, I find other people’s traditions really interesting too. For instance, I love the Japanese way of greeting with a bow it’s simple but very respectful. I admire Indian festivals like Holi, full of color and joy. I also find the Turkish tradition of offering tea to guests as a sign of welcome so thoughtful. These are cultural practices I would love to experience one day. It’s beautiful how people from different parts of the world express care, respect, and joy in their unique ways.

Now, when it comes to the idea of a "waste of time," I believe it’s more than just doing nothing. You can be busy all day and still waste time if what you’re doing brings no growth or peace. For me, wasting time means pouring energy into things that don’t matter arguing over unnecessary issues, chasing things that don’t align with your purpose, spending hours on social media without learning anything, or holding on to people or habits that drain you.

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Time is one thing you can’t take back once it’s gone. That’s why I try to be mindful of what I spend it on. Whether I’m resting, learning, or just being with loved ones, I want my time to count for something.

In the end, culture is who we are it shapes us. And time is too precious to be wasted. So live intentionally, and don’t forget to honor where you come from.

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