In May of 2007 I wrote an article, The Measure of a Champion. In today’s article I want to recapture the meaning of a champion through the use of that article. For many of us living with disabilities – visible or invisible – we can find ourselves buying into the notion that because we do not meet a set of criteria, we could never consider ourselves to be champions. In my experience, I have found that nothing is farther from the truth. What I have discovered is that the truth of the matter is that being a champion is a process, not an event or a destination. What I discovered is that being a champion involves a series of choices and decisions that I will share in the following article my friend. As you read the article, may you be encouraged by the reality that you are a champion.
And now, The Measure of a Champion Recaptured
Welcome back. I am glad you decided to stop by and visit. You are always welcome here. I enjoy our times together. I have been thinking about what makes a champion — a champion — and then who certifies the individual as a champion. Society as a whole seems to promote several notions that, by nature disqualify most of us from believing that we are champions. Some of these notions are included in the following scenarios. Being a star athlete or a professional athlete who makes millions of dollars. Being an Olympian who has achieved a bronze, silver or gold medal in the Olympic Games. Being a race car driver who wins a certain amount of races or someone who has won the Nobel Peace Prize. I am sure you could think of other instances where society deems a person worthy of being a champion. Each of the scenarios stress achievement and recognition that many of us may never be able to achieve or grasp. Some of these measures are based on a subjective set of group expectations and judgments.
From an early age, many of us get duped into believing that being a champion is the goal to strive for in life. Consequently, we set off on personal crusade to win the prize and become a champion. I spent many years of my life attempting to qualify to be some one else’s champion. My belief drove me to pursue this goal because I thought that my worth and value as a individual was connected to being that persons champion. I was convinced that if I could just win the prize (education, athletic superiority and a high paying job) then I could, too be their champion. Through my process, I learned a valuable lesson. If I am waiting for some one to validate, approve or certify that my efforts qualify me to be a champion, I may never be able to celebrate the champion that I truly am in this life.
To read the conclusion of this article, please click on the following link. Thank you. Living with a Disability — The Measure of a Champion Recaptured Part 2
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