When was the last time you had the courage, confidence and determination to do what you believed in - however bumpy the journey was or is?
Nelson Mandela finally made that 'walk to freedom' in February 1990 when he left the South African prison after twenty-seven years. There were many cheers and tears of happiness and hope.
The anti-apartheid icon said "I have been saying throughout let bygones be bygones. Let what has happened pass as something unfortunate but which we must forget."
Sometimes we can hold on to the past and let it dictate our negative attitude and angry demeanour. Where will that really get us?
In a moving tribute to Nelson Mandela, President Obama said "His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings and countries can change for the better."
These words tell us that we can make changes - not only in the world but also in ourselves. It's up to us to choose the choices to make it happen.
It's also up to us to choose how we react to any situation that we need to overcome in our lives.
Simple things like road rage and being stuck in a traffic jam won't get us anywhere faster. Breaking up from a relationship that caused stress and heartache or losing a contract you've been working on for months can be part of life's roller coaster. Maybe you're going through an illness and need to find the courage to stay positive and strong to keep the fight going inside you.
Never give up. Imagine holding a candle with no flame. Light it. See the flame flicker and the colours dance. Feel the warmth and brightness. If your candle goes out, keep relighting it. Nelson Mandela kept relighting his.
Step back from a situation and think how you can react differently. What inspiring directions can you give yourself?
Exercise your mind with positive self-talk. One session in the gym won't get results. Repetition is the key. Remember what you want to achieve. Take your walk to freedom away from worry, stress or anger.
Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to us all. He overcame so much and made it happen. If he can do it, so can we.
Prime Minister David Cameron said "Nelson Mandela was not just a hero of our time but a hero of all time. The first president of a free South Africa. A man who suffered so much for freedom and justice and a man who through his dignity and through his triumph inspired millions'
The new film 'Long Walk To Freedom' based on Mandela's autobiography gives powerful insights into having hope, belief and determination.
President Obama said 'The fact that he did it all with grace and with humour and the ability to acknowledge his own imperfections only makes the man that much more remarkable. As he once said ' I am not a saint unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying'."
When did you achieve something that you were passionate about - or did you give up because your journey was too bumpy? Brad Pitt called Mandela a 'world changer'. Change your world by implementing your vision.
Oprah Winfrey said on a twitter post - "He was everything you have ever heard and more. Humble and unscathed by bitterness and he always loved to tell a good joke. Being in his presence was like sitting with grace and majesty at the same time. He will always be my hero. His life was a gift to us all."
We can learn from Mandela that by having humour, kindness and understanding in our lives, success will come.
A client I was working with dreamed of having her own hairdressing salon. Her partner was helping fund it. As she went to sign the lease he changed his mind and left her. She was devastated. I helped her regain self-belief, confidence and determination. She relit her candle and raised funds for a salon through freelancing. She now has a thriving business.
Hugh Jackman commented: "Mandela was one of the greatest examples of peace and how peace is possible - even how forgiveness is possible. Even in the most extreme circumstances."
If you are going through challenging times in your life forgiveness can help you have more peace, belief and hope.
What are you now going to achieve that you are passionate about?
When are you going to take action to take your 'walk to freedom' and make an impact?