Thought of the Day: Being Grateful

I didn't  realise the extent of my pessimism until I saw this quote on my twitter feed this morning, and I must say, it got me thinking.

My friends always told me that I'm pessimistic of another kind, but I would dismiss that by saying "It's called realism". But that does not happen to be the case.

I don't think that I was being realistic by being such a negative person. If anything, I was being entirely ungrateful for everything I have. I've always had insanely high expectations/goals for everything, so I started to think that everything below that benchmark would be classed under failure. I fell into the trap of "a B grade is a fail", which is quite unhealthy or "I'm so ill" (for having a typical flu that is). But now, I realise that a B grade isn't failure at all - it's just I know that I have the potential to do better.

Most importantly, I realise how lucky I actually am for everything I have. There are millions of children around the world that haven't any access to education, and a similar number that don't have access to professional healthcare facilities or anything similar. Whereas, I live in a country where I can freely exercise my rights, have unlimited access to education and healthcare - and yet still I'm moaning.

There really isn't anything to moan about. If anything, I should be entirely grateful for everything I have. I should be optimistic and hopeful, rather than being pessimistic and downcast. There goes the popular saying, "Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance".

Just a simple thought of the day.

From a Political Prisoner to a Founding Father: A Tribute to Nelson Mandela

“Let freedom reign” he once told us, “the sun never set on so glorious a human achievement”.

Growing up, one of my main icons alongside Martin Luther King was the legendary Nelson Mandela. Endless reasons explain why I was hugely inspired by him, but wholly, his lifestory is a perfect compendium for the millions who adore him worldwide.

From utter defeats to acclaimed successes, his contribution to world history will forever remain amongst the highest of ranks.

In my opinion, one of the most striking aspects of Mandela’s life was his vigorous courage and valour. His determination to destroy apartheid and to bring the values of democracy and brotherhood to his country is one of the most formidable achievements Africa had witnessed. His ability to stand alone and repeatedly advocate against wrong is one that demonstrates total bravery. Viking boldness some would say.

Twenty seven years of seclusion followed by anticipated release. Becoming the first South African Black President quickly pursued. International recognition. A Nobel Peace Prize.

“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.” - Long Walk To Freedom.

Thank you for bringing something special to humanity. May you be a paradigm for the future generations to come. 

Remembering...

It’s been 95 years since the Great War had ended, and although bloodshed had halted, the consequences of sacrifice became ever so more apparent. “Your country needs you!” was the popular catchphrase of the day. Those who decided not to intervene with military matters were deemed as conscientious objectors. Women ditched their campaign to political rights, instead, demanding the ‘right to serve’. But despite patriotic fervor capturing the hearts of many Britons, little did they know of the catastrophe that was to unfold. With 995,939 military losses and a total of 1,663,435 deaths in summary, disenchantment grew. Society came to one question; what does it mean to be a hero? To die for your country knowing that you’ve taken part in the effort to defend it, or to simply walk away? Saving yourself from the mental scars that was to be engraved due to brutality.

Below is one of my most favourite poems; Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen. A perfect compendium. However, we must remember those who sacrificed their lives for good and prosperity. Vital lessons were to be learnt from the terrible tragedy – but for now, let’s remember.

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of tired, outstripped Five-Nines that dropped behind.

Gas! Gas! Quick, boys!---An ecstasy of fumbling,

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time;

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling,

And flound'ring like a man in fire or lime...

Dim, through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams, before my helpless sight,

He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams you too could pace

Behind the wagon that we flung him in,

And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,

His hanging face, like a devil's sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,---

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori

x

The 'A 100 Women Series': An Introduction

“A woman is like a teabag…” suggests Eleanor Roosevelt; “…you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Ask yourself this question, how much have women been acknowledged for their successes and incredible triumphs? Not as much as men I would argue. Some feminists would go further by accentuating that there is a complete lack of female representation and voice through the writings of history, or the concept of ‘women’s history’ is non-existent. Additionally, when the discipline of history is closely examined, women have appeared as fictional characters in folk stories, some a negative portrayal. But is it all accurate? Does it denote the full contribution of women in history?

The answer is no. The contribution has been such that some of the effects are still engraved in today’s societies but we may not see them directly. Women have founded many institutions that are vital for today’s survival, yet, some of us my not recognise that achievement. It might have taken a long while for the emancipation of women to establish in many fields, but I strongly believe that their prime contribution to history should still be acknowledged on the same terms as men.

The aim of the ‘A 100 Women Series’ is to celebrate the indelible mark women have created, and their utter commitment to achieving what was right for both themselves and humanity. I will be exploring those who have broken the glass ceiling, defied conventions and for those who have fought tooth-and-nail to accomplish their goals. Women may take most of their rights for granted nowadays, but how much have you thanked those who struggled endlessly to make those dreams a reality? Those who have put their lives on the line, or have even died for their cause because they were convinced that it would serve humanity right? That it would break down the barriers of subjugation and build the solid walls of women empowerment.

I will be congratulating the pioneers, the political leaders, the social advocates, the academics, the educators, the believers, the thinkers and lastly, the dreamers. Those who flourished in the fields of science and technology. Those who have excelled in film and television. Those who have blossomed in the world of business. Those who have thrived in the domain of sports. I will be acknowledging them all.  

This is pretty much the herstory of history. Of course women have contributed and have, additionally, been recognised. But not all of them. Achievement isn’t all about winning awards either. Legacy is much more essential, vital in fact. If the legacy is long lived, that’s an achievement in itself.