Limitless Possibilities.
Continuing to add to the tapestry?
I regularly visit the RAF Memorial in Egham, a place of peace and calm, where I am reminded of those who gave their lives to achieve peace. Did you know that Friday, 8th May 2015 marks 70 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe? A time to pause and reflect on what has been achieved in those years and particularly as we in the UK will also have the election results.
An election that has focussed on class, privilege, immigration, community, gender and contribution. There have been so many Facebook posts and Tweets that debate the possible outcomes with some even saying they won’t be voting as it won’t make a difference (I stand aghast at that last thought!).
So, how are these events connected?
WW2…a time when Britain called upon the peoples of the Empire to assist the fight. A call that was answered by many as they looked to Britain as the mother country. Countless more came from across Europe notably Poland.
Those on the home front also made incredible contributions and saw women, traditionally kept in home-maker roles, step into dangerous munitions work and the Womens Land Army.
Sacrifices were made across the classes with a spirit of community and co-operation and a hope for the future. A future that brought greatness of vision and gave rise to our wonderful NHS.
Maya Angelou once described diversity as a richly woven tapestry where all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value. A quote that has particular resonance for me as I too am enchanted by the creativity and beauty to be found in such crafts. (OK – you got me …I’m a secret sew-er!)
Britain is an amazing tapestry where so many have contributed to the incredible richness of our society. As an Anglo-Asian woman I stand of the shoulders of giants who have gone before me and proud to make my contribution personally and professionally towards this great nation where there is an opportunity for limitless possibilities. I am privileged to assist organisations and individuals to recognise, welcome and invest in the diversity.
I have been stunned by some of the claims made by the major political parties and media and the language they use to garner our support. Some engender an idea of scarcity, for others it is a case of ‘us versus them’.
I wonder what would happen if instead we acknowledged the limitless possibilities on offer at this time by valuing all contributions, to build that spirit of community and determination to make a positive difference once again.
To conclude…Winston Churchill, in his speech to the crowds on VE Day said ‘This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s a victory of the great British nation as a whole……I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what we’ve done and they will say “do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straightforward and die if need be -unconquered.”
With so much given for our freedom let’s not take it for granted – even if the election results are not as we would wish I know I for one will remember all those who made it possible and I will continue to seek out opportunities to make a positive change. So let’s celebrate!
How about you?
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/contributing-tapestry-judeline-nicholas?trk=prof-post