A Hero Remembered and celebrated.

Nelson Mandela was remembered this week in many events around the world on the centenary of his birth. All the celebrations that I attended was a joyous tribute to his life and brought great unity and harmony to all of us gathered together .

On 18th July, we gave thanks for his life and celebrated what he stood for – Reconciliation and Forgiveness, now forever memorialised, in Westminster Abbey. The moving service was simple yet full of tradition, South African, British and Christian. The laying of a stone in his name for posterity amongst Winston Churchill, Kings, Queens, poets and others who died in the service of their country. That is the abiding and glorious legacy that he left us .

What does Nelson Mandela mean to the world? He was the ultimate mover and shaker for Anti-apartheid and shook the world so much, he eventually changed his world. Royal, lawyer, terrorist, prisoner and beloved global leader, he is the most respected modern symbol of humanity, forgiveness, reconciliation and dignity. It’s fair to say that he is most middle-aged people’s icon.

I was never lucky enough to meet him but have spent these past 2 years learning so much about him, his sacrifices, South Africa, the stark realities of an unjust society and the many people involved in the anti apartheid struggle for over 60 years. It’s been humbling and sometimes harrowing to listen to his friends, family, journalists speak about the Struggle and his eventual hard won triumph of good over evil in my lifetime.

It’s hard to write about such a giant of a man without repeating what’s been written a million times.(https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/07/nelson-mandela-freedom-fighter-john-carlin) He lives in the hearts and minds of billions as someone who fought for dignity and unity for his people, won over his enemies by his magnanimous pragmatism and respect for everyone regardless of position or colour.

He always knew that to change mindsets , you have to make people feel in their hearts, not their minds.

As a turbulent time now in our world, we must invoke all that he stood for in the face of divisive and inhumane Trumpism politics. Especially amongst our youth, who think that society has always been just and equal, with apartheid not being in their consciousness. On 17th July, President Obama gave a much anticipated and lauded Nelson Mandela Foundation Annual Lecture speech to remind us that each generation has the ability to change the world.

As part of Helmer-Fresson, being a Nelson Mandela Foundation partner in the U.K., we have been so privileged and honoured to raise funds for his personal foundation, to increase awareness of his values amongst the young and to get support for the projects close to his values, education, social justice , eradicating racism and poverty.

For me, this week has been about reflecting on our individual responsibility for a dignified community, and compassion for our fellow human beings who live in this only world we have.As a life coach who is passionate about inspiring and motivating my clients, Nelson Mandela stands out as my hero. He lived an authentic life based on his personal values of love, respect and tolerance. The world may never know another like him, but we sorely need more leaders like him to come to the fore, and guide us to peace and stability in the coming years.

“The time has come to accept in our hearts and minds that with freedom comes responsibility.” – Nelson Mandela, February 1995.