God day to you: What is your purpose for the day?

WE WAKE up and we say: “Good morning.” That is really saying “God morning”, because only God (whatever your religion) can provide another day of life.

We then say who we are, not who others say we are. Each one is unique. There is not another one like you, and that is your purpose for the day. It is the main imperative you serve.

It is not as austere as Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative, but it comes close. If you are a mother, be the best mother you can be today.

It doesn’t depend on artificial commercial constructs like Mother’s Day. Every day is mother’s day. Insist on the recognition that is due to you.

The same applies to whatever role you perceive as your own. Be the best you can be. Unclutter your mind from the expectations of others. You know who you are.

Society provides you with health care and education, recreation and creativity. Society even accommodates your shortcomings.

You are ready to be a good citizen, no matter how hard others are going to make it for you.

You owe society a debt for nurturing you, for providing infrastructure and the possibility of self-actualisation.

We say to the children: you must work at being children, and not miniature adults. Know your place. If you don’t know your place, let me help you learn.

Say to your partner: you are my partner. We are meant to share and not dominate or control. Emotional equity, not egotistical tyranny.

We say to the taxi-driver: it’s not just about you and your frenzy to earn a living through vehicular terror.

We say to the teacher: your role is to teach first, then test.

We remind the learners how good they are, not how badly the system sucks.

We say to the doctors: stop milking the medical aid funds and do some meaningful healing. Don’t be so quick with the compressed-powder bullets (called tablets).

We say to the preachers: use church services to cater for our spiritual needs, not to lay out the budget for improvements to the building.

Find your own category to address. See how many people dragoon you into serving their selfishness. Remind them of their essential roles. This includes even the president of the country.

There is no need for you to apologise for the colour of your skin, the length or texture of your hair, or the language you speak.

It doesn’t depend on the constitution or on corrupt politicians. It depends on you. It starts from within.

If we do that quietly and collectively, we shall soon attract attention and influence those around us.

We shall all begin to walk tall and free as emancipated human beings. Small beginnings. Big endings.