Walking4Air

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.” ~ Nelson Mandela

With the passing of our countries beloved Madiba it has brought so many opinions and feelings to the forefront. As I sit watching the live broadcast of Madiba’s memorial service, I am moved by so many things. Since his passing many have criticised, yet many forget the true message of what Madiba brought to our land. While so many love the country that I live in, sadly so many still sit in their arm chairs and criticise the country that I love.  They focus on the negative and on things from the past and more so than ever the media overseas often paint what looks like a bleak picture. If only everyone across the world could see that it is forgiveness that heals and moves one forward. Holding on to the hatred, anger and injustice of the past slowly eats away at your soul. Sadly, unlike so many proud South African’s who actually live here, some refuse to move on, (and don’t get me wrong there are still plenty of South African’s living in the past too). If only everyone could focus on what has changed and on what is good in our land – and trust me, there really is so much good.

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Our country is growing and learning and I get it we are not perfect.  But then again what country is?

I live in South Africa, I love my country that I live in so fiercely and tonight, as I do every other night, despite the not so good bits in this beautiful land I call home, I will choose to focus on what is right and on all those who do fight for what is right in this country, for all those who actually do stand up and make a difference, even if it took them to opposite ends of the scale to reach that point for I have always believed change IS possible and sometimes you can leave a place and find that the only thing that has changed after all the years is yourself. Change can happen. It’s up to you. It’s up to me.

“There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

Through Madiba’s death, South African’s once again unites.

It is always a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.

If only everyone could focus on what is right, for what you focus on truly does expand, if only everyone could see and truly know that for sure.

Yes, I am the eternal optimist.

If you don’t like living in this country, move.

If you don’t like my country, don’t knock it to the rest of the world.

For we who live here, and those who visit South Africa, see its true beauty.

In our people and in our land.

And it is beautiful!

Today, I am so fiercely and proudly South African.

~ Happy ChooseDay Everyone ~

~ I chose to love where I live and to see the true beauty of that is all around me. What do you choose today? ~

~ Only 26 more days until I leave to climb Aconcagua for those living with Cystic Fibrosis. If you would like to make a donation towards those living with CF, please consider making a donation by clicking HERE.