Laura Langston

                   Living Large

“There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Nelson Mandela

It was on this date in 1990 that Nelson Mandela was released from a South African prison after serving 27 years for anti-apartheid activism. Mandela dedicated his life to dismantling racism, going from being the world’s most famous political prisoner to becoming South Africa’s first Black president. He also convened the world’s first Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

His struggle not only changed the course of South Africa but it set an example for millions of people around the world. The most obvious lesson we can take from him is about the importance of standing up for equality and human rights, a lesson that feels particularly relevant these days. But there are other lessons Mandela talked about after he was released from prison and had more time to reflect.

In The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela shared his belief that discipline and patience are everything. “Running taught me valuable lessons,” he wrote. “In cross-country competition, training counted more than intrinsic ability, and I could compensate for a lack of natural aptitude with diligence and discipline. I applied this in everything I did. Even as a student, I saw many young men who had great natural ability, but who did not have the self-discipline and patience to build on their endowment.”

In the same book, Mandela talked about the importance of commitment and never giving up. “Failure is only found in giving up,” he wrote. “I never lose. I either win or learn.” Mistakes, he said, were part of that process. “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

And, finally, Mandela stressed the importance of being optimistic even in the face of challenges. “I am fundamentally an optimist,” he said. “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.”

Some wise life lessons for all of us whether we’re out in the world fighting for justice and racial equality or sitting alone in a quiet studio creating art.