I’m Just Glad he Lived in My Time

Like most people, I’ve been having lots of conversations about Mandela today. I feel as if there’s a big, beautiful feeling engulfing the world right now, one that is reflective of the impact a truly loving and magnificent person had on all of us. I reckon we should all just wrap ourselves up in this beautiful somber mood, because what a rare treat we’re experiencing today. We’re celebrating the best of the human spirit.

I know people are sad he has left us, but I just don’t feel that way. I feel joyful that I had the privilege to be alive when he was here. My boys won’t remember Mandela, and that’s a shame, but I got to have him in my life, and I am so grateful I was able to see what is possible when one is connected to their heart.

I believe Mandela showed us all that a single person can create positive change in the midst of real ugliness. He showed us that peace is possible, no matter the obstacles. He also gave us an understanding of how bright the human spirit can shine, no matter the circumstances one faces. What a legacy. I’d be the happiest person in the world if I got to leave a legacy like that!

A colleague said to me today: “what are we going to do now without him leading us?” I just don’t think that way. He showed us it can be done, so we don’t need a leader, we all need to be Mandela. We all need to find peace and love in our hearts, every day, in every situation. We need to be kind towards everyone and acknowledge the humanness in all those around us – no matter who they are or where they fit on the social hierarchy. We just all need to embrace the magnificent qualities we admired in him, because what a world we’d have if we did that huh?

So I’m not sorrowful, I’m not sad, I’m just truly grateful that I got to live in the time of Mandela. There’s so much ugliness around the world every day, but we had the privilege of experiencing his shining light, and that is just bloody awesome I reckon.

Enjoy the feeling my friends. It’s truly a remarkable moment in history and we’ll celebrate him for another 95 years at least.

In the meantime, let's all get focused on leaving an equally awesome legacy!

Yours, without the bollocks

Andrea