I want to begin by sending my deepest condolences to family of the late Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) who on Thursday, December 5th, came to the end of his life long journey at the age of 95.

In one of his most memorable quotes, he once talked about the meaning of life.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” – Nelson Mandela.

It is hard to believe that Mandela spent 27-years of his life in prison for sabotage and conspiracy to overthrow the government. When he was freed in 1990, he would later become President of South Africa to lead his country and unify the divisions that existed from past governments.

But while in prison – he had a poem which kept his spirits alive.

So while there is so much to cover about his lifetime and his impact on history, I wanted to show my condolences through this powerful poem  called “Invictus, by William Ernest Henley.

It is quite simply one of the most amazing pieces of literature that proves how the written word is so powerful.

Please share this with your kids, your loved ones and anyone who could use it – in times of need when your back is against the wall, when you feel you have nothing left to give, when you feel like giving up. It just might help you through the tough times, as it did with Nelson Mandela through those 27-years.

BY WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY