Nelson Mandela 1918-2013
Even though Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, many would say that he lived out those imprisoned years as a free man.
He was released in 1990 and as he negotiated an end to apartheid he organised the 1994 multiracial general election in which Mandela led his party to victory and became President.
In 32 years he went from Prisoner to President.
My belief is that he lived his years in prison with dignity and an ability to self nurture. You could say he practiced all the qualities needed to be President from the confines of a cell.
He looked after his mind and body, he focused passionately on the end goal and he kept taking the next step in front of him with enthusiasm, dignity and grace. He looked after himself the way he wanted his countrymen to look after their neighbours. That is living with freedom.
He remained free inside no matter what challenge was in front of him and so: no matter what challenge you are facing you can stay free inside, you can look after your mind and body, focus with passion on your end goal and keep taking the next step in front of you with enthusiasm, dignity and grace.
Like Mandela you may not know with certainty how you are going reach your destination but you can, like he did, feel passionate about wanting it. You can, like he did, feel determined to commit to yourself and your destination. You can, as all great leaders do, stay free inside as you take each step and negotiate each fresh hurdle you can celebrate every small achievement. This will create inner confidence that will then create momentum that will help you to leap over the larger hurdles.
Life can be an exciting adventure or it can be a self imposed prison.
My wish for you is that you choose to live your life with inner Freedom.
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