Nelson Mandela, the former President of the Rep. of South Africa, was kept in prison for a long time. He was in prison for 27 years from the age of 46 to 73 about a third of his life.
On the day that Mandela was released, reporters were waiting for him in front of the prison. To their surprise, Mandela over 70 age was healthy and bright. One of the reports asked,
“Usually, people lose their health though they spent only 5 years in prison, but how did you manage your health for 27 years in prison?”
Mandela replied with a smile,
“I enjoyed my time. When I was doing hard labor, I enjoyed my time at the thought that I was outside in nature. I gave thanks, looking up to the blue sky and looking down at the green grass. Other prisoners were held in their frustration and anger, but I emptied myself of all my anger and practiced forgiveness. I gave thanks at every moment. I gave thanks for my food and drink, and even when I was forced to do hard labor. Then I was embraced by all the happiness in the world.”
Mandela chose to give thanks instead of complaining, even while living in prison unjustly. After that, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and was elected as the first black President of Rep. of South Africa.