I put today’s original post on hold a few minutes ago, when I heard the news that Nelson Mandela had died, aged 95.

As I imagine happened to anyone who read his autobiography Long Walk To Freedom, I was profoundly affected. Although there are many {many} quotes in the book which I love, I’ll share this one with you.

I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.

What a phenomenal legacy he leaves behind. A world so astoundingly changed for the better because he lived. He taught by incredible example to fight and stand firm for what you believe in.

One person can make a difference. May his next life be filled with the peace he fought so hard for during this one.