Dear Mr. Mandela, "Your playing small does not serve the world …" Only a man whose soul was not locked away with his physical body in a prison cell for so many years could compose a speech so eloquent, so inspiring, so demanding. I’ve tasted freedom of body all my life, yet realize my spirit has been caged by bars I’ve constructed myself … so rigid and so inflexible that no one could break in, yet swords of steel I could have swept away like the weight of a feather by my own hand at my own pace, whenever I wanted. I guess I never wanted to … until now. Yes, Mr. Mandela, you have the audacity to tell me that “Your playing small does not serve the world.” You have the nerve to tell me I’m not fulfilling my obligation in this world. You have the rare courage to remind me how I’ve let myself down, and that is the far greater tragedy. Your searing words have the strength to push me not only into finding my place in the world, but my place in the universe, where greater wisdom awaits to fill me until I can no longer drink … until I swallow and continue to replenish my soul until my dying breath on only this world. You’re right, Sir, that my playing small does not serve the world. I’ve wasted far too many months and minutes fearing myself and what a pity for those I love and those I want to love on this vast planet. I always feared my voice would never be up to the challenge of being worthy enough to be heard. I always feared my eyes would not be powerful enough to look into someone else’s soul. I always feared that I would never find the words to captivate, to encourage, to entertain, to enlighten, to uplift, to soothe, to heal … to show the world that alas, I am only human, too. After nearly five decades of this life, I accept your challenge, Mr. Mandela. I will acknowledge my human shortcomings and stretch them into great teachings. I will seize ears and weary souls that crave comfort and insight and words of truth. I will stand before the masses and speak to each individual as one … each my new friend, each my old companion. I will not only serve the world, Mr. Mandela. I will truly live. Monica Vest Wheeler