"Improve yourself to change what`s around"​- Madiba`s word continue to light my path each day.

 

On Nelson Mandela International Day as we celebrate the man who changed the world with his philosophy and activism on the right to equality and dignity for all, we cannot forget the remarkable journey of self-growth and transformation of Nelson Mandela. 

 For a person who spent 27 years of his life in prison, his message to the world was always clear – peace, forgiveness and liberation. His resilience and mental strength helped him grow as a leader and engage his thoughts on how to resist oppression and move forward with dignity and forgiveness. 

 Forgiveness was the virtue that he gained during his years in prison, a quality that made him the most followed politician and one of the most celebrated men in history. His ability to forgive is what lead him to the road to freedom.

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” – Nelson Mandela

 As we celebrate the values of Nelson Mandela on his special day, there is much for us to take from his life. 

 Nelson Mandela’s remarkable journey shows us the power of our thoughts and actions. As he transformed and strengthened his focus on forgiveness, his journey strengthened. His message was always clear- the need to focus on changing ourselves because “we” are the society. And when we change for the better, society changes for the better. 

 Nelson Mandela’s life is an example of how our thoughts have the power to create our reality. It is an internal journey of exploration and discovery of our strengths, believes and goodness because lasting change begins from within. 

 A personal hero, Madiba`s humility, patience, forgiveness and determination to do what he had set out to do guide my path each day. His integrity gave him courage to stand up for the right. His practice of forgiveness gave him the endurance to constantly question the status quo. A life dedicated to community service, social justice and inspiring change- his message of ‘’take action everyday for a better society” holds as much relevance today. 

What would be Madiba`s 103rd birthday, a hope to let go off biases to envision a non-discriminating world continues to remain a dream.