What a blessing it is, in our lifetime, to have witnessed the incredible capacity and leadership of Nelson Mandela. A man who held a vision for humanity and paved the way for miracles with deep insight and sensitivity, he awakened a sense of hope and optimism. Mandela taught us that "It always seems impossible until it's done." His life is an extraordinary testament to turning the impossible into reality.
On Nelson Mandela Day, we are reminded of his legacy and the profound impact he has on the world. He calls us forward to stand for, to stand up, to hold strong: "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead." The calling then for us is to reflect on how we can make a difference in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
He was well known for his fabulous brightly printed ‘Mandela Shirts’. They were a way to change the game, bring us together, create equality and at the same time leave space for pizzazz! Making a difference is a commonplace everyday thing; did you bring a smile, reach out, hug, share an idea that creates new value, joy, success today?
Mandela knew education is the game changer: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." As we celebrate his day, let us also commit to learning and growing, both personally and professionally in our workplace, and as a society. Learning is about being open to things you never knew, that you have no way to connect with and not trying to make sense of something through the lenses you already have. Mandela had to go wide, go outside of any parameters and think in new ways, wisely sharing, talking and holding firm on essential ideas that would change the game!
Madiba's life presents a beacon of hope, showing us that even in the face of immense adversity, we can triumph with resilience and compassion. He said, "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb." This journey is not just Mandela's but ours too. We must continue to climb, inspired by his courage and determination.
We invite you to be inspired by Madiba’s leadership, to strive to infuse everything we do with a profound sense of humanity and togetherness so that we are moved to a deeper capacity to serve humanity through our legacy and find our way towards our own infinite wisdom and purpose.
"It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."
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