Mandela my new Hero

Just this morning I finished the book Playing the Enemy by John Carlin. If you are looking for an inspirational read it is currently at the top of my list. The book is the story of Nelson Mandela and his role in the Springbok World Cup win of 1995, and is the basis for the recently released movie Invicticus with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon. I saw the movie before I read the book and the movie truly is fantastic, but I wanted a better understanding of how Mandela became Mandela. How did someone who was so mistreated and imprisoned for 27 years become so full of forgiveness and love? It would have been so easy for him to be a brutal vengeful leader making the white's atone for their sins against black South Africa (think Robert Mugabe).  Instead of emerging from 27 years of prison bitter and  hell bent on revenge Mandela came out and forgave, and not only did he forgive he included and befriended the very people who hated him most in his vision for a New South Africa. Mandela's ability to not only forgive but to also then embrace those who had mistreated him really is a testament to the power of the human spirit. It is amazing what we as humans can achieve if we really put our minds too it. If Mandela can forgive and emanate love in order to build a nation. I think I can get up and run those 3 miles, or volunteer my time, or go for the goal I am secretly afraid I may fail at.

His story is an inspiration and makes me feel like I need to get my act together and do more with my life. It seems like a sin to sit stationary when Mandela was confined for 27 years to a 5 square meter cell and managed to remain active and engaged in making the world a better place through love and from all accounts lots of laughter. I am free and have every opportunity to make a contribution if only I would get the courage to do it. While Mandela had a long term plan and always believed that he would be free he took things one day at a time and focused on maintaining his dignity and his spirit day by day.

My plan is to take one day at a time and try to do a little bit more each day. Whether it be to run the extra mile so my mind and body are sharp and in shape, or donate my time to something outside of myself or tell my husband I love him one more time each day I hope to get the momentum of love and laughter building in my life so I can achieve something special and worthwhile. When we were dating my husband sent me this quote and it remains one of my favorites...it is also one of Mandela's favorites.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

 

John and I in our favorite place on earth, the Luangwa Valley in Zambia. This was taken shortly after he sent me this quote and right before we left to embark on the next phase in our life. Ultimate goal is to get back to give back to the place that for me is "the greatest place on earth." Sorry Disney World for stealing your motto.