For this Mandela Day, I would like to reflect on the lessons we all can learn from the late Madiba, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Leigh-Ann Londt. I always admired Nelson Mandela for his bravery and learning that he fought for what he believed in and for what was right.
Here are a few lessons we can learn along with some quotes I found on Property Update and Forbes.com:
Passion Produces Perseverance – This means that when you find something worth fighting for, it becomes your passion and increases perseverance.
Change can be messy – Change may often need sacrifices, it can lead to misfortunes and in some cases as well as pain. The difficulties faced however, do not mean that what you are fighting for isn’t right. Believe in what you can achieve and change will slowly fall into place.
Forgiveness is the only way to focuse on the future – Mandela forgave as he felt it was the only way for a brighter future for South Africa. We also need to keep in mind that forgiving someone plays a big role in life as it is too simply too short to hold grudges.
Source: Forbes.com
Never lose hope and never give up: “You mustn’t compromise your principles, but you mustn’t humiliate the opposition. No one is more dangerous than the one who is humiliated.” – Nelson Mandela
“If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.” – Nelson Mandela
Never choose violence as an answer: Don’t let difficulties stop you from achieving your dreams or goals. “It always seems impossible until it is done.” – Nelson Mandela
Forgiveness also comes with kindness. How kind are you? “I believe that in the end that it is kindness and accommodation that are all catalysts for real change.” – Nelson Mandela
Anyone can bond by sharing the same experience, but we should fight discrimination. “I detest racialism because I regard it as a barbaric thing, whether it comes from a black man or a white man.” – Nelson Mandela
One can’t forget the past, but you can learn from it. “We don’t have to be victims of our past, that we can let go of our bitterness, and that all of us can achieve greatness.” – Nelson Mandela
Our late Madiba’s approach to life when he officially retired was: “tread softly, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically.”
Source: Property Update
Picture: Unsplash