Freedom Day & Legacies

Today we celebrate Freedom Day in South Africa, and let me tell you this: I've never been more proud of my country or of being a South African as much as I am right now. Yes, even (and especially) after 31 days of being "locked down".

This day celebrates freedom and commemorates the very first

democratic,

post-apartheid,

non-racial

elections that took place in South Africa on 27 April 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as our President.

Today, 26 years later, I am still grateful for the legacy Mandela left for us. Does it not excite you to think that you too were created to make an impact - big or small? That you are here to leave a legacy - big or small?

Everyday we make choices that determine the type of life we live. Some are hard choices. Some we do not even think about for a second; they just come naturally. But all of the choices we make on a daily basis end up determining our quality of life and our levels of happiness & satisfaction.

I feel overwhelmed at times by thinking about what I contribute to the universe. Am I doing enough outside my home? Or to think about what I am doing to enhance my environment or my community and to improve the lives of those around me. Should I devote more of my already limited time and resources to these things?

I've learnt that by being actively aware of my different roles (wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend, employer, creator) and of my values and by shifting my focus to why I was created, that my "doing more" (inside and outside my home) also comes more naturally.

"if you want to change the world, go home and love your family"

- Mother Teresa

A simple act of kindness can steer you in the direction to fulfil your purpose and help you create your legacy. I want my husband, our children, our families & friends to remember that the world was a better place for me being in it.

I want them to remember me as someone that can love hard & laugh a lot. As someone who cared for them more than anything in this world. Someone who feeds before she eats and gives before she takes. I want them to remember that I did more than care, I helped. I did more than teach, I practised. I did more than dream and talk, I DID.

"peace, like charity, begins at home"

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

I hope this inspires you. I hope you want to take a few minutes & write down what you want your legacy to be. I hope you have the courage to start now, and work towards it. x m