Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has revealed that he once took out loans to maintain a lifestyle built around impressing others, admitting that he lived what he now describes as a fake existence while chasing material validation.
Speaking candidly about his past habits, Egbuson recalled how deeply his obsession with material possessions once ran, using his former perfume collection as an example.
There will always be a newer watch, a newer car. I used to be a perfume collector. I had about 150. But I realised that I could have invested the money I spent acquiring perfumes in purchasing land.
He clarified that his reflection was not a judgment on enjoying expensive things, but an invitation to examine the motivation behind such purchases.
I'm not trying to talk down on having a nice car or watch. But are you doing it for yourself or because of peer pressure? Are you genuinely happy with it? And without it, would you still be happy?
Finding happiness beyond possessions
Egbuson also spoke about learning to separate his happiness from his financial circumstances. He said that even during difficult financial periods, he made a conscious effort to maintain the same outlook on life.
There are times when I have been broke, but my energy is always the same because I found a way to be happy with whatever I have.
Turning to the pressures faced by public figures and content creators, Egbuson stressed the importance of honesty about life’s inevitable low points. He warned against continually projecting an image that does not reflect reality.
For people who are watching me, I always try to let them know that there will be bad and good days. And if you dwell on the bad days and you can't find yourself, you can't step out or create content, that means you are living a lie. And I wonder how long you can live that lie.
Reflecting on his journey away from that mindset, the actor acknowledged how far he once went to maintain appearances.
I used to be that guy who lived a fake life and borrowed to impress people. But not anymore.
Source note: The remarks and photograph were supplied with this report. Izon Daily did not independently confirm the original interview recording.
