As many people in the world pause to honour the celebration of Christmas it is appropriate to also reflect upon our life and world with the gratitude that it deserves.
Too often in our busy life we get immersed in the day-to-day business of living and working. We keep our head down, bum up and nose to the ‘grindstone’ and sometimes forget to smell the roses.
Let this Christmas/New Year period be the reminder to give thanks.
The other day I was reflecting on the life of the late Nelson Mandela and some of the thoughts and words of wisdom that he has left to the world through his lifetime.
In his book, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ he tells the extraordinary story of his life, an epic journey of struggle, setback, renewed hope, ultimate triumph and the leaving of a huge legacy for mankind.
He said, “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
This time of the year is a great opportunity to take the time to rest and admire the view of the “glorious vista that surrounds you, to look back on the distance you have come”.
Be grateful for everything (good and bad) that you have been presented with. Everything that you have and don’t have, every person in your life and every situation that you encountered are all part of the richness of your life.
Take the time to rejoice in the perfection of the unique journey that is your life. How you have dealt with those moments and situations that have defined who you are today.
The question now is around how you are going to define yourself going forward. How will you be next month, next year, next decade? Will you try and travel the same path that you have travelled to get to where you are now? Well, good luck on that one – that is the past and while it may have worked then it won’t necessarily work going forward.
The only thing for sure is that things will be different. The future is unpredictable. There will be numerous situations, events, people, places and things that cross your path. They may be bitter or sweet, happy or sad, painful or pleasurable but what makes them is what YOU make OF them.
They will offer you the options and the opportunities to exercise your ability to use your freedom as an individual to choose your path in every moment.
You have the choice to take all that life hands you as a blessing or a curse or as bad luck or good luck.
It’s up to you.
One thing is for sure – when you approach your journey with love and gratefulness you will optimise the experience.
Like Nelson Mandela, if you are alive as you read this, your long walk has not ended either. There is still work for you to do to make an impact upon the world and you will magnify it when you…Open your heart and say THANK YOU for this wonderful life.
Thank you for being the expression of your unique in8brilliance.
Mark
