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In this video, James Motlhamme shares his experience of orienting to each new day with a sense of contentment and optimism. He reflects on the fact that no matter how dark it gets, the sun will rise, and we will try again.
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Questions for Reflection
What moved you most about James’ story?
How might you awaken to each new day with a sense of possibility?
We invite you to share your reflections below the video transcript that follows.
*We are transitioning the format of our Grateful Changemakers series in an effort to deepen the ways in which we “celebrate programs and projects that serve as beacons of gratefulness.” Our film series partnership with Green Renaissance represents one such possibility. Stay tuned for more!
Video Transcript
When I start my day, when I see the sun, there’s a song that plays in my mind… let the sun shine, let the sun rise.
Whenever I hear that song play in the back of my mind, I think ok, here’s another opportunity to start and try and be happy and be content with our lives.
I grew up in a space where people’s opinions are very important. I was fed the idea of success according to the people around me. Success was linked to materials, money, the places where you end up living. Things on the surface. Had I became successful according to people’s expectations and had been sad at the same time without them knowing, and I died, I would have died successful to them.
The darkest moments are when I cannot find myself. When I can’t hear myself thinking, and my expressions and my thoughts are affected by people. It’s so easy to get lost in all of that and forget about myself.
Rejections has been a problem for me. Rejection from family or the people that you love or the people that you look up to. And the most painful I’ve experienced is when my father was like… yeah, telling me that I’m not good enough. I’m not good enough. And he would compare me with all the people that he doesn’t like.
I don’t understand. Or maybe it’s because I’m the stepchild. But, yeah, because I never understood why. Rejection most of the time doesn’t come with detailed explanation. Most of the time they’re shutting you out. I love listening to people, right? And their opinions and stuff. But they are that exactly, they are opinions, and they come with their understanding.
I do not really give people power to change how I see the world, especially to the things that matter to me. I think it goes back to loving people and appreciating people’s roles, people’s role, in my life, but at the same time prioritizing and listening to the person in me. And no one is going to listen to myself and try to understand myself like I do. So if I’m going to do that, I also have to honor myself by treating myself with respect.
When you go to nature, it seems like time extends. The idea of the two hours in the city and the idea of two hours in nature is different. Being in nature does wonders for me. Like when I’m looking at the sunset, sunrise, I’m thinking about my wellbeing. I look around, am I really ok? And sometimes the answer is no. In those moments I make peace that days won’t be the same and it’s fine. But just like the sun rises or sets, I can go sleep and try tomorrow.
Despite all the challenges, despite all the scars, despite all the misfortunes, the rejections, I’m in a good space mentally and spiritually. The most beautiful moments that I’ve had, the most beautiful views that I’ve seen, the most beautiful places that I’ve been, are not necessarily easy to get to. But it doesn’t take away the good and the beauty of it.
As long as you’re still optimistic and you’re still trying, I think that’s living.
What moved you most about James’ story? It is the whole story what James told about himself, it’s true himself. I think definitely so, too. To be oneself, is a home.
As long as one is alive, there is always possibility.
We absolutely agree – there is always light – we have the choice to wake each morning and face the day with a smile in our hearts.
Sending you happy hugs. Justine and Michael (Green Renaissance) x
I just shared this with my community on Facebook for those living with chronic conditions because his is a message that we need to hear often. I love where he says that “success” to him is when he feels he is in a good space mentally and spiritually. Many of us with chronic pain/illness lose our occupations, abilities, hobbies we enjoyed, and sometimes even significant others or friends we once had. We can lose our identity and embody a “less than” view about ourselves. My goal is to share with them that there is way more to who we truly are than what we do for a living….it is more in what kind of living we DO. This exquisite piece drives that home and I am GRATEFUL to Green Renaissance for these incredible ‘a ha’ gems that they gift us with to remind us of the good stuff.
Deeply moving Lauren. We so often tend to define ourselves by our physical capabilities, or our careers. But there are so many beautiful layers to our being, so many incredible ways to make an impact and a contribution to those around us too. Thank you for doing what you do, to remind us to live with purpose and meaning. Sending hugs. Justine and Michael (Green Renaissance). x
There’s a lot we can learn from James, particularly about love, acceptance and positivity. How sad that he has felt so rejected. I feel the loss is really with those who rejected him. He is a joy.
Beautifully said Judith – spending time with James is a true joy – he radiates love and compassion. And he does so much for those in his community, truly living the spirit of ‘ubuntu’.
Sending you love. Justine and Michael (Green Renaissance). x