Dreams Fulfilled Beyond Adversity
By Georgia Smith , MA
T
he following is a true story …
In the third grade , a young boy ’ s teacher told his parents that their son was not “ just a slow reader ,” but that he had a reading disorder . It was at that moment that the mother understood why her son would sit for hours in tears trying to learn 10 vocabulary words . The parents hired a reading specialist who worked with him and taught him some tools to improve his reading ability . Even with these helpful tools , the specialist told the parents that he would never be able to go to a four-year university because it would be too difficult and too fast paced for him .
However , this young boy was full of life , youthfulness , and his innocence did not know defeat .
His mother and father did not accept this “ disorder ” prognosis as defeat . They continued to inspire , encourage , and instill confidence that he could accomplish anything he set his heart and mind to . The day came when he decided he wanted to go to Texas A & M University in College Station , Texas . His reading “ disorder ” was his adversity , but he made the choice to not let it defeat him . He believed in himself and had a dream in his heart . Not only did he achieve a degree in civil engineering , but he also went on to obtain an MBA from Rice University , where he graduated with honors . Life gave him adversity , but he had a dream . He did not allow this adversity to defeat him . Although he was faced with challenges along the way , he was determined , driven , and successful by taking one step at a time . He did not allow adversity to win .
The story I write about is that of my oldest son . I am his mother ! I tell you this story to inspire you to fulfill your dreams and be the person that encourages others to fulfill their dreams .
Looking forward , 2017 is a year of rebirth towards our new desires and those desires that we think are lost –– a new dream , a new hope , a new beginning . Adversity works against our dreams . The definition of adversity is misfortune , trouble , difficulty , hardship , distress , disaster , tribulation , and trauma . Adversity attempts to prevent our desires , hopes , and dreams from being fulfilled .
Do we welcome adversity ? Of course not . Sometimes the negative aspects of adversity can be utilized to drive us towards our dreams . Inspiration of a dream is beautiful and prevents us from living a dull , mundane life . Physical endeavors and boundaries would not be improved ; challenges and intellectual accomplishments would not be met . Life would be systematic with little change and growth in human expansion physically , intellectually , and spiritually . It is our dreams and visions that drive us to live life to the fullest .
What are your dreams for 2017 ?
A few basic steps to begin fulfilling both new and old dreams :
• Write down what you would like to accomplish .
• Tell your ideas to someone you trust and respect . Someone who will both encourage and speak truth .
• Begin building a timeline . Update it often .
• Write a positive statement to yourself and read it whenever you have negative thoughts . A statement that refutes thoughts of fear and hopelessness .
• When adversity comes , recognize it .
Let go of what is already behind you . The day is before you . Go after your dreams . He is a good , good Father .
Georgia Smith is in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas providing counseling for children , adolescents , adults , and marriage and family . She is also an author of two books and a public speaker . Georgia may be reached at 469-855-0256 or via email gpsmith7 @ aol . com . www . counselingbygeorgia . com
30 DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017