Last updated on March 12th, 2024 at 03:00 pm
“Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.” ― Nelson Mandela.
Just a month ago, I embarked on a journey from Cape Town to Pretoria, a move laden with sacrifice yet brimming with promise. Leaving behind cherished family and friends was difficult. Yet, I knew deep within that this transition would propel me closer to my aspirations, particularly in reaching out to women across the breadth of our South African nation.
Rising Above My Fears
In the solitude of my new surroundings, I find solace amidst the chaos. This period of introspection has allowed me to realign my focus and refine my goals. My resolve to empower women remains unwavering, yet I realized the necessity of recalibrating my approach. Sometimes, amid our aspirations, we discover the need for redirection, prompting a reevaluation and a renewed commitment.
Far from conceding defeat, I am embracing this juncture as an opportunity to breathe fresh life into my dream of speaking to young women across Africa. It’s a return to the drawing board, a chance to craft a more impactful strategy for empowering women through dialogue and action. The prospect of hosting a workshop for women in my new locale fills me with anticipation and hope, fueling my determination to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Amidst the upheaval of my journey, the news of Nelson Mandela’s ailing health cast a somber shadow over South Africa and the world. The proximity of the hospital to my new residence only heightened the gravity of the situation, prompting reflections on the legacy of our beloved “Tata Madiba.” His imminent absence was a stark reminder of life’s transient nature, urging me to seize the moment and glean wisdom from the emotions stirred within.
News of Nelson Mandela
During transitions, it’s often the wisdom of revered figures that guides us through uncertainty. Nelson Mandela’s profound insights resonate deeply, offering solace and inspiration in times of flux. As I navigated through my adjustment period, I found solace and guidance in his timeless words of wisdom.
Here are five inspirational quotes by Nelson Mandela that have illuminated my path and fortified my resolve:
- “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”
- “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
- “Courage is not the absence of fear — it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.”
- “One of the things I learned when I was negotiating was that until I changed myself, I could not change others.”
- “As I have said, the first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself. Great peacemakers are all people of integrity, honesty, and humility.”
These quotes serve as beacons of resilience and guidance, offering a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges and uncertainties. As I embark on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, I draw strength from Mandela’s enduring legacy, determined to make this year a testament to the realization of dreams.
I would love to end off with this amazing interview with Mandela on the Oprah Winfrey show. This is so inspiring:
May we all take inspiration from Tata Madiba’s words.
Sincerely, Sue Levy
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Sue Levy is the founder of the South African Just Pursue It Blog and Inspirational Women Initiative. She’s a motivational writer and media designer, who is obsessed with everything inspirational with a hint of geek. She thrives on teaching women how to be brave and take big chances on themselves. You can find Sue on her Twitter page @Sue_Levy.
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