From getting inspired to doing inspired...

Its just gone the end of the 18th of July.  The 18th is International Mandela Day and it is recognised, actioned and supported by millions of people around the world, doing their bit by giving of 67 minutes of their time in doing something for a person or people in need.  This day for me is always extremely profound and important because it gets me thinking about the driving force behind the man we know, love and respect as Madiba and Tata.  The more I think about it, the more I realise that politics aside, this man's inspiration is deeply entrenched in his own humanity, coupled with a great humility of the limits of what one man can accomplish.  This burning humanity I think, is what has made Madiba the visionary that he is, and it is his vision that people practice humanity in the true sense of the word...for what could be more human than unselfishly doing something for someone else?  Stripped of that which makes us "better"than someone else, are we not simply sharing our existence with fellow human beings who, like us, experience all that makes us human?

I can't think of a better person to be inspired by.  Madiba has led by example, has affected change, has forgiven, forged relationships with enemies...and remains respected, awed and loved the world over...after 67 years of public service.  Wow.  I think the biggest lesson his own example teaches is that of acting on inspiration and belief. In doing.  His life has been focused on affecting change, but sometimes it doesn't have to be as big as that.  Sometimes acting on a spark of idea, or creating something new, or sharing a thought is the start of change, and in turn inspiring someone else.  I think Madiba sums it up in his own words “And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same”.  So, let your lights shine, let them burn brightly...all the while remembering your humanity with humility.

It is really with these thoughts that I travel to Washington DC to attend the semi-annual International AIDS conference...this conference brings together thousands of researchers, activists, policitians, funders, celebrities, scientists, journalists ... all with one commonality...the fight for an HIV-free generation.  Passion, inspiration, science and activism play out across the week, and I am reminded how, without people who dedicate their lives to make a difference, who really use their humanity as a driving force to effect change or research behaviour, or report on important issues, or fight for equality and justice...we could never hope to have a better world. And without inspirational people, people whose lights shine, regardless of what it is they do...where would we get the reminder that we each have our own lights to turn on? 

So...go on...flick that switch, take the leap...

More from me from Washington...

Yours in love handles....

Me
xxx