In memory of Nelson Mandela ......

In my book "Going Through The Change" I tried to address all the facets of life and living in order that inevitable change might equate to a change for the better. In so doing, I sought out pertinent quotes to head each chapter, and as a result landed upon my favorite sentiment of all time. I used Mr. Mandela's words to head my chapter titled "Listening to your Inner Voice" and I would like to share them with you once again right here .....

according to Nelson Mandela,………

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 enlightening about shrinking so that other people won’t feel unsure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
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.

He was a great man, a true change-agent willing to place himself in harms way for the cause of a nation, and he did so with a brand of grace and integrity that can only be God-given. He understood the meaning of life and the intrinsic value to be gained in a life well-lived. He was brave beyond any measure considered normal in today's world, and he gave those who would try and emulate his courage permission to do the same.

As we search for ways and means to rid ourselves of negative influences in our daily lives, a good place to look for inspiration is the example of Nelson Mandela, who showed us that light always conquers darkness even against seemingly insurmountable odds. Subscribing to negativity as a manner in which to lead one's life as well as those who would follow you is a coward's way out, because it will always be found on the path of least resistance. True heroism comes from the kind of might used to draw upon knowledge and compassion as a peaceful means to settle disputes when drawing a sword or an acid tongue would have been far easier.

I believe we are all born with a perfected spiritual twin, and it is only through our hard work and commitment to excellence, we allow the Creator’s light to flow uninhibited from our perfect spiritual self into our physical being, thereby enabling us to become the vision He had for us from the beginning. No matter how much we may feel driven to succeed, the Creator’s dream is so much greater than any one of us can imagine. It is that unidentifiable force within propelling us forward, pushing us even harder when we feel we can’t possibly go on. It is what is best in us and what continues to sustain our contributions to life long after we are gone.

In essence, it’s really quite simple. Making good decisions and choosing the right path in life will continue to serve you in the best possible way, offering you the security you not only desire, but most assuredly deserve. Everyone on this earth, regardless of his or her station in life, possesses an inalienable right to feel safe and secure. However, security like love, respect and admiration is not something which can merely be had, but moreover must be earned through wisdom and hard work.