Great steps forward in history have frequently started with the inspiration of one person: a person, who looked at a situation, wished for change and then made that change happen. The lives of Mandela, Gandhi, Mother Theresa all helped to free the minds and bodies of oppressed people and changed the way they lived. Their lives highlighted the fact that one person does have the power to make a difference. But great change would not have occurred if others had not joined in the cause and played their part in pushing for change.

The Simunye Project awakens us to the fact that we all have the power to make a positive change in the world. Simunye is Zulu for ‘we are one’. The project aims to tap into the power of our oneness with each other because our humanity is bound in the humanity of others. This notion of ‘ubuntu’ means that we should reach across perceived cultural barriers and help others. In lifting others up, we lift ourselves. In giving, we receive.

Positive thinking is a mental attitude that allows into the mind thoughts, words and images that encourage growth and success. It is a mental approach that expects good results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whatever the mind expects, it finds. Every thought you think and every word you say becomes the world you live in.

The first step to unleashing our potential is to equip ourselves with the right attitude. The right attitude puts us in the correct mental framework that allows us to look around and become aware of the needs of others. Are we prepared to make a difference in the lives of others? Are we prepared to be a force for positive change in our world? The next step is to develop plans and skills that give us the practical ability to do something that will make a difference. One person, equipped with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, a plan and the relevant skills can make a huge difference in the lives of others.

All of us will encounter challenges or distractions that can negatively impact on our ability to harness our power and fulfil our potential. It could be friends who don’t support us, concerns about money, bad weather, or lack of energy. When we encounter these challenges we need to be able to keep focused on our end goal and keep moving forward.

The power of giving comes from a selfless act – where you simply give from your heart. The gift can be time, love, or money.There is power in giving because you find true joy and happiness when you keep on giving. The power of giving is unleashed when the act of giving is not tied to any special event, but is merely a time when you give from the heart because you want to share what you have and give because you truly care. This giving to others is being prepared to be unselfish in your generosity and not expecting gifts in return, rather delighting in the small milestones and achievements which occur.

One person working with purpose and vision can accomplish great things. But a group of people working together can also bring the rewards of shared experience, shared success as well as shared support in times of disappointment and challenge. Working together develops bonds of friendship that develops us as individuals. It also allows for greater creativity and energy that can generate extraordinary outcomes.

Many successful people can look back and single out a person who made a significant impact on their lives. We may never know how important we have been in shaping someone else’s life. But we know we are making a difference if we value each person as a unique individual and are willing to give them time.

We have the power to be the one who makes a difference, and join with together with others to develop our own potential and that of our local and global community. Working together as a team, we can experience the enriching world changing power of Simunye- the oneness of humanity.