If They Did It, So Can I!

I was inspired on the treadmill this morning and once again watching an African ancestry segment on the Today show, which made me late for work. Smh For me, when I see squirrels, it's a sign that my grandfather is watching over me from heaven. He was my bestie, he loved them and now so do I. As I watched them playing in the wooded area outside the gym, I got completely consumed with inspiration thinking of my ancestors and how much they went through to gain an inch of stability and independence in life. What people had back in the day isn't nearly as abundant as what's available to me today. It made me realize, that if they can do it , then so can I!

Why am I stalling on making my dreams come true? Being fearful and embarrassed of failure? I have so many resources available that my ancestors never had! My grandfather could barely read and he was able to start a business. He saw a void in his industry and created a company to fill it. My grandmother didn't go to some fancy college, but she was a celebrated homemaker in the local newspapers and on TV. She even had her own storefront business! Using the knowledge that she had about nutrition and creating home decor! I bet she had some serious haters lol. I have another grandmother who comes form dirt roads in the deep south. She moved to the "Big City" of Charlotte to make a better life for herself. Do you think she was afraid? Of course! But she did it and created opportunities for herself and opened the door for other family members to migrate along the way! She's the most giving person that I know. She saw the bigger picture! She left her small town life for something greater; proving that even the most humble beginnings can yield attainable dreams! You don't have to necessarily reach for the stars, ( I know that's terrifying) but as you continue climbing those stars seem less far away.

I'm lucky to have people like this as my influences, so close to my life, but maybe you're not that lucky. Maybe you don't have anyone that you really look up to. To that idea, I say you're not looking hard enough! There are everyday people who accomplish extraordinary things to live the most humble lives. It's not all about fame and money. It's about pride and courage! Some of the most famed people don't live courageous lives to be proud of; But you can!

Just think of the people who came to this country with nothing! From their trials and tribulations, generations succeeded and birthed you! You can take it a step further than they ever did. Further than they ever dreamed! I don't really know what I want to do in life yet, but I always say that one of my goals in life is to build a legacy.

I think each of us should do something in life worthy of telling future generations so that they're inspired just as I am by my grandparents. It's not about where you start it's about where you finish!