Mandela Magic

I have been lucky enough to see Mandela "close up and live" 3 times. Once when the Queen visited Cape Town and, as a school child, we lined the streets to wave at her. Once at a 46664 auction at Kirstenbosch, where i managed to secure myself a waitress position to the likes of Mandela, Tutu and Oprah. And once while he was sitting outside his house, down the road from my parents, and he was happy and content and smiling his magical smile. The last time was the one I'll remember with the most fondness.

To me he represents such magic, inspiration, hope and because of his warmth and madiba style, he makes you feel like you know him personally. I couldn't help but to cry when he appeared at the World Cup final, and like every South African i know, I am so so grateful and happy that he was part of  my lifetime, my country and he has often made me a "proud South African".

So, today, my blog is purely dedicated to this wonderful wonderful man. I like this image of him, he looks happy and its from not too long ago. The quote, my really good friend, Lauren, always had in her room, she "introduced" me to it and its definitely my favourite, one that i often refer back to.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADIBA!

"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. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

-Nelson Mandela