Kanye West has a song on one of his previous albums called "Champion." In the song, he does what Kanye does best and pats himself on the back for being a "Champion." LOL! While some may be easily distracted by this self-righteous chant, I REALLY like the song! The chorus, which I believe is sang by Lauryn Hill, says: "Did you realize you were a Champion?" Echoed behind a booming baseline, this song really entrances you. But, I digress. It is a question we should all ask ourselves, "Did you realize you were a Champion?" Would it surprise you to know that someone right now can't live without you? That you have left an indeliable impression on someone? Perhaps your family. Your children. Even strangers. I realized this most recently teaching my sexual abuse class this past spring semester. One student said the class saved her life. And the class as a whole chipped in for an engraved gift to me that read, "Picture of Success." I do this work because I love it. That's why I volunteer my time there. Those accolades from my students remind me that I am a champion in someone's eyes. This is not a boastful declaration, rather it is acknowledging the power we ALL have to influence and heal. Last, but not least, there is another line of the song that packs an even more powerful message, where Kanye declares, "To me, giving up is way harder than trying." Think about, how many times have you given up well before the fight even started, or gave a less than ample attempt to exhaust all the possibilities to achieve that goal? I know I've been guilty of that! But, as I get older, I realize that it was fear getting in the way. At 33 years old, I no longer have the luxury of fear, because I am getting older. And as I age, I realize time really doesn't wait for anyone. If you're waiting for "the right moment;" stop. There is no such thing. That's just your fear talking very loudly. So I challenge myself and you to try. Even if it's one small step today, go back and work on that unfinished project. Give it a try. You just might realize that you really are that champion!

 


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