Karma-Style blog: London 2012 - My Summer of Love

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about this magnificent city. But recent events have compelled me to write this latest piece.

This is the city I’ve known with all my heart and soul. I lived in many others over the years but this is my birthplace, my home. Yes, my roots are firmly in Africa, namely Ghana, and they are here too, in London, UK. How wonderful is that?

My mind is wide open to endless possibilities and the realness that this city brings. The good, the bad and the ugly. I have witnessed it all, yet for me, the good always outweighs the bad.

The phenomenal London 2012 Olympic Games has cemented what I always knew. We kicked some serious ass. And as for the medal tally - Wow! The United Kingdom brought them home! It was momentous, historic and an unforgettable event. Bring on the Paralympics!

The haters can keep hating, but London stands tall and represents every single time - from riots to triumph. When we’re down we get straight back up. Without question or doubt – why would we do anything less? I am truly energized and uplifted in these trying global times. Money doesn’t bring me happiness, good people and great hearts do.

For all you ‘Londoners’ out there that are weary of this special town or a little fearful – face your fears because most of the time that’s all they are. Embrace and appreciate this city for all it has given you. As what is the alternative? You leave? We live in a free (ish) democratic society so the choice is yours…

I’ve just spent most of the Bank Holiday weekend at the Notting Hill Carnival, which I’ve missed for the last couple of years. I went and celebrated life, music and people with friends and strangers. It was a spiritual moment. This is the feeling that music and good vibes always brings to my being. I got taken to my ‘church’, a place where I can feel free, happy and forget my troubles.

I can truly say this has been one of the most amazing summers I have ever experienced and so proud to have witnessed. I feel quite emotional writing this (nothing new there then ;) as we’ve had tough times as a city, as a nation and a people. I’m inspired to focus on the positives and feel elated – and ever ready to take on the future.