A Warm Winter Welcome and Reflection: Healing Light: Resilience in Every Step

A Light Within: Spreading Hope and Resilience

Hello, my dear community. 

As we step into December, the final chapter of this year, I invite you to pause with me for a moment of reflection. This is a time to look back on our journey, the footprints we’ve left on this planet, and the lives we've touched—both human and beyond. Were your actions this year a source of light or a cause of harm? Did you bring healing or hurt?

Dala, S. (2024). The legacy of Long Boi Duck: Transitioning from ego to eco [Digital image]. University of York.

Ask yourself:

•  How did you impact the well-being of others?
• Did you tread lightly on the environment, leaving it better than you found it?
• Were there hearts you broke or hands you held?
• Did you inspire, support, or uplift someone in need?

Our actions, no matter how small, carry immense power. They can build bridges or create divides. They can nurture life or cause it harm. It’s a sobering thought, but also a reminder of the profound influence we each hold.

A Gift from My Heart

In the spirit of gratitude and giving, I’ve prepared a small gift for you—a mental-fit Christmas card featuring the charming Long Boi, the tallest duck and a beloved icon of our university. Though some may fail to recognize the talents of others, I will never stop sharing my gifts, my light, and my purpose.

Success, for me, is not measured by the opinions of envious hearts. It’s measured by the impact I make—the lives I transform and the joy I create. As I reflect, tears of happiness fill my eyes. I am proud of myself because I gave everything I had. I tried to be a force for good, to make meaningful changes in people’s lives and for our planet.

And if I didn’t achieve all my goals? Know this: I faced mountains I never imagined, challenges that seemed insurmountable. But I learned something powerful—some battles aren’t ours to fight. Some mountains aren’t ours to climb. And that’s okay.

As we close this year together, I wish you peace, clarity, and strength to face your own mountains. Keep shining, keep caring, and never stop believing in the beauty of your journey.

With gratitude and love,

Sofonie Dala

Chevening scholar

Chevening orientation event 2024, London

"Healing Light: Resilience in Every Step" - A Mentally Fit Christmas Card 

This vibrant watercolor scene depicts a diverse group walking together along a serene lakeside at the University of York, joined by curious animals, including the charming "Long Boi" duck. The illustration, inspired by the warmth of Beatrix Potter's style, captures people of all ages, ethnicities, and abilities engaging in winter activities. Pets, representing the comfort and companionship essential to mental well-being, add to the joyful ambiance.

Dala, S. (2024). The legacy of Long Boi Duck: Transitioning from ego to eco [Digital image]. University of York.

Accompanying Message: "As we gather in the warmth of this season, may we remember the strength in connection, the power of hope, and the courage within us all. Together, let’s light the way to mental well-being.” The card embodies the holiday spirit while aligning with Mentally Fit York’s mission of supporting mental health.

"A Light Within: Spreading Hope and Resilience," it symbolizes the inner strength and community support that help guide individuals through challenges, shining a collective light for mental well-being across local, national, and international communities.

Reference

Dala, S. (2024). Healing light: Resilience in every step [Mentally fit Christmas card]. University of York. https://disk.yandex.ru/d/06drldzGlodYfA

Sofonie Dala. (2024).  The Legacy of Long Boi: Analyzing Environmental Awareness, Biodiversity, and Education through a Memorial. [Online] Available at: [https://sustainablelifestyle-angola.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-legacy-of-long-boi-analyzing.html]