Is there any sanity left in this insane era?

Dear South Africans,

How on earth have we allowed ourselves to get to this stage of anger, bitterness, hatred and intolerance? It’s unfortunately so easy to get caught up in the wave negativity that dominates most of what we read in the media. I find myself riding this wave all too often but tonight I want to believe that there are still lots of us in this country that sing off the same song sheet. This song we sing is one of hope and understanding. To understand someone’s plight and bitterness does not mean we are weak or spineless, understanding means you have learnt to listen with compassion, without judgement – and zip your mouth. Listening to someone does not mean you jump in as soon as there is a gap in conversation with “yes, but…..” Let’s stop accusing each other of things long gone. It’s like when you are married; it does not help much to constantly remind your partner of what they did wrong many years ago. What matters is what you are both doing now to build the relationship, to make things better.

This country of ours seems to be on a knife edge. We look at each other with suspicion; we live in fear of our lives in our homes, in our malls and in our cars. It is easier still to point fingers and blame all this on people and institutions. Do not get me wrong, I am not wearing rose coloured specs. There is far too much that has for too long gone undressed by our government. We all know what was promised but under delivered: Basic education for all children, quality healthcare, housing, schools with infrastructure and books and of course jobs, jobs and jobs to mention just a few.

We would all love to believe that a magical fairy will fly over our land tonight with her wand and sprinkle miracle dust and tomorrow we wake up and everything is fabulous! No, that will not happen, but what each and every one of us can do is change our attitudes. Attitude adjustment is our biggest challenge. And no, it is not sitting back and pointing a finger and saying “them, they, and others” must change, it is I, me, myself.  I leave you with this quote:

“Be a lamp, or a life boat, or a ladder”

Rumi

God bless you, God bless South Africa.