Play big...

Nelson Mandela is an amazing man...For many, many years he has been a shining example of what it means to be a public servant, a lover of his nation, a man with vision, and a person who plays big. His passion has always been to create a land where all people, regardless of color can have equal access. 

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison, 20 of these on Robben Island...during that time he worked with other prisoners to help create a plan for a new government. By the time he left, he was on the path to becoming the first black president of South Africa. During the 1995 Rugby World Cup, he encouraged the black South Africans to stand behind their countries rugby team, the Springboks. This was a game that was not loved by the black South Africans. Mandela saw that this was an opportunity to join together...meet where each person was. Afrikaner and black South Africans were joined by a common love and common cause, cheering their country on to victory. Nelson Mandela was playing big...

Each of us have a choice...play big or live small. Mandela had a passion for his people, for the life he envisioned for them. He was willing to stand tall and hold the hands of his countrymen...whispering his vision to them as well. He wanted to spread his passion throughout the land...for all South Africans to see themselves as unified...sharing a vision for their country.

We need to be willing to make a stand. Say what it is that we have a passion for...why we do what we do. Each of our choices should support this passion moving us to play big. If we settle with living small, we are giving up all the things that we find important in order to satisfy someone else. When confronted with choices, we shrink like a violet pulling away from the sun. Playing big? That requires us to act as a sunflower...tall above the others, strong and bold. Willing to stand up against the odds, regardless of the criticism...Playing big means being willing to weather the storm...be patient about an outcome, not be tied to immediacy...

I am working on building a life (teaching career included) of playing big...one with focus, hope, common sense. I am ready...I am willing. I want to play big in all areas...I am excited to see what you have coming in your future...Let your passion shine...if we don't lay it out there...we will never know,,,find it within yourself to play big...