As many people in the world pause to honour the celebration of Christmas this week it is appropriate to also reflect upon your life and world with the gratitude that it deserves.
Too often in our busy life we get immersed in the day-to-day business of living and practicing. We keep our head down, bum up and nose to the ‘grindstone’ and sometimes forget to smell the roses.
Let Christmas be the reminder to give thanks.
With my recent visit to South Africa and the tour of Robben Island off Capetown, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and the streets of Soweto I thought it would be useful to reflect upon some of the thoughts and words of wisdom of Nelson Mandela that he has left to the world through his lifetime.
In his book, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ he tells the extraordinary story of his life, an epic of struggle, setback, renewed hope, and ultimate triumph. A true hero’s journey.
He said, “I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended.”
I am sure that if you are like most chiropractors you have experienced many ups and downs this past year. There were many challenges. There were challenges to your profession’s very existence and indeed your right to exist. Your competence and scientific validity was challenged. Ignorance, misinformation and blatant malicious attack was levied at you both from outside and inside your profession.
This Christmas take a leaf from Mandella’s book and take the time to rest and admire the view of the glorious vista that surrounds you. Look at the lives you have impacted by being true to the principles of chiropractic. Look back fondly on the distance you have come. Be grateful for everything (good and bad) that you have been presented with. Everything that you have and don’t have, every person in your life and every situation that you encountered are all part of the richness of your life. They are all a necessary part of your unique journey that makes you, you.
Say thank you
