In the Declaration of Independence, our founders declared Americans to have inalienable rights which included Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Within those rights echoes the Nation’s philosophy of the American Dream; and as a people we fall in suit, dreaming all types of dreams. Not all come to be and sometimes we squander the dream placed inside of us. It was Langston Hughes who wrote about a dream deferred, posing the rhetorical question, what happens to it?
Watching the 2012 Summer Olympics has been a great example of dreams brought into fruition. Not only is it a great pastime for me, but a pleasure to see people representing the country that I am proud to be a part of. I am confident that my newly discovered patriotism resided in me far before the Olympic season, but it was recently awaken. Not just by the mere fact that I was saddened when Michal Phelps took the Silver in the 200m breaststroke, or that my heart was made glad when Gabby Douglass “hit it” on the uneven bars, aiding her fellow gymnasts to take first place in the all-around competition; but that these are the dreams of so many, brought into reality by hard work and dedication to their craft.
I looked at the U.S. Olympians, hand-picked and committed to the success of their sport. They have devoted their lives to ensure that the athletic conditioning of their bodies is not only comparable, but at times exceed that of the competition. They have worked to show mastery and given all that they could in efforts of ensuring that as they progress, they are giving their best, for themselves, their team, and their country.
I may not ever be able to manipulate the balance beam like Aly Rasiman or swim the 100m like Nathan Adrian, but I can take comfort in knowing that I can give my all to obtain my goals. One of my goals is to lose 50 pounds; a seemingly large undertaking, but definitely within my capability. Here, now 35 pounds into my commitment, my lifestyle change lacks the luster it once had. But this past week, I have been refueled and reignited; I see the Olympians as a representation of what happens when you give your best. Henceforth, I have renewed my commitment, refocused, and promised myself to give my best, and it is completely liberating.
Many are familiar with the benefits of losing weight, from decreased health risks to buying smaller clothing. Along with those benefits resides the ignition of a new sense of peace within the individual. I attribute the peace to the understanding that all has been exerted to achieve a particular goal. Of course there are obstacles that await confrontation, yet it is the desire and will to press on that separates those who win from those who do not. For instance, had Phelps opted to succumb to his second place title, he would not have gone on to help win the gold in the 200m relay; continued perseverance is extremely rewarding.
In light of this Olympic Season, I challenge you to go for the gold in your life. Give your best in whatever your dreams may encompass. It is only after you give your best, will you understand that which you are truly capable of, push past your limitations, and seize your golden opportunity.
By: Da’Vet Williams
Educator and Social Commentator
