Happy Holidays 2021 | Thoughtful & Powerful Quote from Nelson Mandela

With another challenging year behind us, I chose this beautiful quote from Nelson Mandela to ponder over the holiday season and into 2022.

There are two parts to this quote, but I could only fit the first part on the beautiful quote image:

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste, or any other social markers of difference.
Religion, ethnicity, language, social and cultural practices are elements which enrich human civilization, adding to the wealth of our diversity. Why should they be allowed to become a cause of division and violence? We demean our common humanity by allowing that to happen.
Nelson Mandela

Why I chose this quote for 2021

The last few years have highlighted how far we still have to go to achieve gender equality, racial equality—and many more "markers of difference". We have seen that racism is institutionalised, that sexism is alive and kicking, that people are still discriminated against for how they look or whom they love. And the question of being vaccinated has caused yet another wedge between us as human beings.

We cannot wait for governments to legislate for peace, cohesion and community—we must do it ourselves!

We cannot wait for someone to tell us what is right and wrong, I believe we know—if we just look into our hearts. We must, each of us, step up and create the peace and community we all wish for.

Every one of us is a unique, amazing and special human being—there is no-one else like us. We each bring something unique to our families, friends and communities. If we can see this, then we can apply this to other people who may be different from us: change starts with us.

• Ibram X. Kendi said: We can knowingly strive to be an antiracist. Like fighting an addiction, being an antiracist requires persistent self-awareness, constant self-criticism, and regular self-examination.
• Charles R. Swindoll said: Prejudice is a learned trait. You're not born prejudiced; you're taught it.

Here's a question for you to ponder over the holidays:

• Prejudice goes beyond race and includes (but is not limited to) gender, sexual orientation, size, age, class, education, faith and ability. What will you be working on within yourself next year?

Lastly, here's a square version of this year's quote to share:

Happy Holidays to you and yours,
with love and best wishes,

PS. If you haven't already, grab your Holiday Thank-you Gift to "Make it Happen" in your Biz in 2022 - in manageable 3 months chunks!

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