“9,000 days were set aside,
9,000 days of destiny…”
I recently saw the film “Invictus”. It’s the story of Nelson Mandela’s creative and ingenious efforts in bringing the country of South Africa closer together in unity, to be the “rainbow nation”, by rallying everyone around their national rugby team’s drive towards the 1995 World Cup.
A centrepiece of the film was a small poem after which the film is named, written by William Ernest Henley:
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be,
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
It was said to have been a source of inspiration for Nelson Mandela during his time in prison.
When I hear people speak to the idea of being in control of their fate, of creating their own destiny, it often seems to be in the context of literally being able to control what happens to you in your life. But we all know we can’t dictate what happens to us, what life throws our way. What we can do however, is control our response to it. Dictate the manner in which we choose to face it. Determine the actions we take in light of the opportunities presented before us. The poem, the film and it’s theme song, “9,000 Days” speak to this so beautifully. And from that song, two lines in particular:
“9,000 days were set aside,
9,000 days of destiny…”
The 9,000 days speak to his time in prison. What an image. Looking at those 9,000 days as having been set aside specially for Mandela, that he might take up the call and fulfill a destiny the likes of which history will not soon forget. He truly did become the master of his fate by being the captain of his soul. By taking every adversity and hardship as the opportunities they were, to do more, so much more.
Made me think about my “9,000 days” and reflect on the purpose it’s served. The purpose it’s still serving. And how I have faired in the face of it all.
We all have faced those “9,000” days. Many of us still do. Will you be the master of your fate, the captain of your soul?
Dare to Evolve,
Shane.
Fantastic article! I absolutely love the story, and remember very well when South Africa pulled off the impossible in 1995, even though there was very little coverage in America.
Thanks Vlad! It’s a pretty incredible story. Perhaps it didn’t have the lasting effect (yet), but showed what is possible:)
s.
That’s heavy, bud. We are all capable of greatness. All it takes is a decision that is fueled by desire and pursued with a plan of action. Having accountability and nerves of steel helps, too 🙂
“Having accountability and nerves of steel helps, too”
Haha, indeed it does! I guess we all have nerves of steel, just to varying degrees. A matter of making it stronger and as you said, finding that ever important accountability. Invaluable! Thanks John.
s.
Excellent post, Shane! Thank you for sharing and for continuing to write and pour out your thoughts.
Thanks very much Kathrine. Happy it resonates:)
A beautiful article! No, we can’t control what life throws at us, but thank you for opening my eyes. I just finished watching the movie Invictus. Beautiful. The story of South Africa is inspiring, and until today I could still see the world evolve into something so much more unified.
Thank you Midoki:) And thank you for sharing your thoughts. I too think we have so much more to go, so much more capacity to grow into, so much closer to something I think we all want to see.
All the best to discovering your part in it!
s.
I reluctantly watched the movie on the plane the other day (I live in NZ and didn’t want to see the All Blacks beaten again!) and it touched my soul. Those two lines at the end of the poem and the idea that Mandela saw the 9000 days as a gift, inspired me beyond words. Thanks for your article – it made me cry all over again.
John Shack
Thanks John. I’m glad to hear it connected in a meaningful way….even at the reminder of a less than glorious day for the All Blacks;). But then I suppose that was the whole point of Mandela’s actions at this particular time. Bringing about the expression of a universal principle that speaks to all, transcending the motive of a sport, beyond the sport itself.
At that point, no one really loses. They just do their part to the best of their ability, to make the power of that motivation come to fruition. Without the All Blacks unyielding part in it, SA’s win wouldn’t have meant as much:)
All the Best,
s.
Hi Shane .. I happened to see the movie recently and I must admit almost every scene and frame of Mandela and the Springboks is truly inspiring especially given the circumstances they were in. I have a blog on my personal life and one on movies exclusively. Your article was very insightful and I felt the same things while watching the movie and also while reading the poem 🙂
Thanks Kenny:)
I just saw this last night! great movie and quote!
Yeah…Eastwood has a great way of moving you through the story with all the subtlety in the world and having it grow within you after you’ve left. A true talent. Perfect person to have share this story.
s.
Wow! Really well articulated post, Shane. I love this movie beyond words and have seen it about 20 times. I also love the song. Both have touched my heart and soul in ways I cannot describe.
But you have captured my core belief in your statement, “[w]hen I hear people speak to the idea of being in control of their fate, of creating their own destiny, it often seems to be in the context of literally being able to control what happens to you in your life. But we all know we can’t dictate what happens to us, what life throws our way. What we can do however, is control our response to it. Dictate the manner in which we choose to face it. Determine the actions we take in light of the opportunities presented before us.” This captures precisely why I find myself leaning upon the morale of this movie and the song as it were a person.
It has made me feel that I will not sink beneath the weight of life’s circumstances, but I can make a decision to use my 1000 days (caring for a mentally ill mom) to dictate a positive reaction and postive path for my future. I want to one day have those close to me see that my 1000 days of hell were a blessing and paved the path for where I will be in 2011 and beyond.
Well done, Shane, well done. Besos from Brooklyn!
“I want to one day have those close to me see that my 1000 days of hell were a blessing and paved the path for where I will be in 2011 and beyond.”
And by doing so you give them permission to do the same for themselves, becoming a gateway for many others. Thanks very much for sharing Elise. I wish you (and your mom) all the best. Through great tests, great strength is unearthed. And i don’t believe we are ever tested beyond our capacity. I imagine your strength and capacity is immense. 🙂
Take Care,
s.
great posting 🙂 i watched this a while ago and love it very much (for sure).
The song you quote : 9000 days is very touching. the best soundtrack in this movie.
Anyway, Lets be the captain of our own soul, and master our own fate. When we truly wish for something, universe conspires to make it happen for us. (somehow, i believe it 🙂 )
Aye. aye. Captain!
Right there with you Santi:)
s.
I’m a bit late compared to all the other posts, but I wanted to let you know that your article, even long after it was posted, is still touching and powerfully effective.
Thanks so much for writing it. I am one of those people in the midst of my own 9,000 days, and the movie Invictis, Nelson Mendela’s life, and your post have been very inspirational to me. To think that those 9.000 days were set aside… for destiny – it’s such a different way to think. Such a positive and powerful way to view the harsh circumstances that life can throw at you.
Thank you so much for writing this. I will have to remember to return to this site whenever I feel the storm is too harsh to bear.
Thanks Jenny:) And thank you so much for sharing. It’s tough to acknowledge the storms that rage about us. Sometimes feeling like if we just ignore them, then they don’t exist. Or that we try to push them out of the forefront of thought, because they feel insurmountable.
Yet looking to the storm, to see what gifts it brings, what opportunities it provides, offers so much more. And whether a smattering of rain on the face or a full out hurricane, I truly believe there is no storm we can’t navigate, making us a much stronger, cunning and more wiley “Sea-Dog” as a result 😉 Allowing us to further explore the immense capacity’s and true depths that lie right before us.
All the best,
s.
I just found your blog because I just was able to finally see Invictus and was moved to find more……thank you.
Thanks for reading Gail:)