Long Walk to Freedom

Last night I watched Long Walk to Freedom (so, no, the post heading is not a clever play on the walk to the end of a PhD) and it was obviously a very emotional, and in places difficult movie to watch. I think it is really well done despite the fact that last night I had nightmares about running away from the police, stray bullets and erupting fires... Then this morning I was listening to KFM, and there was a Lead SA advert requesting people to do 20 hours of community service between now and the 27th of April to commemorate the 20 years of democracy. (Champagne worthy event!) This got me thinking...

Cape Town city hall awash with love
in the week after Mandela passed away
I wrote about it in my blog in Dec '13

LWtoF made me realise how amazing and brave people can be, and what selfless sacrifices they can make for something they really believe in. Every day there are awesome people doing incredible things just because it is the right thing to do. Unfortunately it frequently requires revolution or exceptional circumstances (or sport) to get the majority of people to unite in making the country a better place. I don't think that South Africa can afford to stop fighting for a better South Africa. Or, for that matter, can anyone in the world be complacent about their own lifestyles when people are still fighting to survive and dying to obtain freedom and respect.

The beautiful, free, Ardene Gardens in Cape Town.

I am no revolutionary, I am just urging people to do small things every day that will make your world, and the world of those around you a little nicer. Let people in in the traffic, smile and wave when people let you in, small, every day things that don't cost you anything. Or, bring cake to tea (thanks +Emily). Do them often enough that it becomes a habit, and then add something new. I love the idea of Guerilla gardening; I particularly like the idea of planting fruit or veggies, so that, in time, if someone is hungry they can pick something for free. Today I planted a fig, that my good friends had given me off their tree. I love the idea of free food. I hope that fig grows and brings happiness to someone. I also advocate using public spaces, the more people that use the space, the safer they will be, and (pragmatically) the more likely the Council is to spend money maintaining it. I study marine biology because I want to make a difference in the world, maybe it isn't only the big differences, but the little differences that add up... 

OK, so idealist rant over, I copy and pasted a message on to my Facebook page the other day and haven't had many takers. Sad face! I am going to repost it here, and if you comment I will do something nice for you. (I am poor - don't expect something expensive but I will try to make  it something meaningful.)  You can put it on to your Facebook or not as you wish. I am doing this to pay back some of the love I have had from people reading my blog!

One of the messages at the Cape Town city hall 

"To start this year off in a good and giving way I'm participating in this pay it forward initiative. The first five people to comment on this statues with "I'm in" will receive a surprise from me at some point in this calendar year! Anything from a book, a ticket, a visit, something home grown or made, a post card, absolutely any surprise. There will be no warning and it will happen when the mood comes over me and I find something that I believe would suit you and make you happy! These five people must make the Same offer on their FB statues and distribute their own joy. Simply copy this text onto your profile. Let's do more nice and loving things for each other in 2014 without any reason than to make each other smile and show that we think of each other. Here's to a more enjoyable, friendly and love filled year!"