despite it all
When we arrive at the face of a hill, almost immediately we hear whispers of doubt, echoes of fear, and a chorus of naysayers within the walls of our mind. These thoughts are so vivid that we can picture the words coming out of the mouths of our friends, family and even strangers we will never meet.
But often, the loudest and most persistent voice of doubt comes from within ourselves. It's that nagging inner critic that questions our every move, reminding us of past failures and potential pitfalls. This voice can be paralyzing, making us second-guess our abilities and worth. We conjure up worst-case scenarios, imagining every possible way we might stumble or fall short. Our own hesitations become a formidable obstacle, sometimes even more daunting than the hill itself. We find ourselves locked in an internal debate, one part of us yearning to take that first step, while another part lists all the reasons why we shouldn't even try. This internal conflict can be exhausting, draining us of the very energy we need to begin our ascent.
These things have the potential to impact us deeply and alter the path we take.
But what if we chose to act despite these voices of resistance? What if we embraced the negativity and repurposed it as a form of kindling to start a fire inside of us that could fuel our determination and resilience? What if every positive thought, every step forward up the hill to our destination fed that fire? What if the fire within us grew so large that it could no longer be contained within the walls of our minds and the confines our being?
Imagine that a single spark of positive thought could set off a chain reaction within that could launch you towards your dreams and aspirations - despite all of the negativity and resistance trying to hold you back?
In life, we often face our own hills - challenges that seem insurmountable at first glance. The concept of "despite" isn't about the absence of fear or doubt. It's about choosing to move forward in spite of them, transforming those negative voices into kindling for an inner fire of determination.
“No Excuses” Blake Leeper
Consider Blake Leeper, the American Paralympic athlete who embodied this fiery spirit of defiance. Born in 1989 without legs below the knees due to a congenital birth defect, Leeper faced a life of challenges that many would consider insurmountable. Yet, he didn't just overcome - he excelled in ways that have inspired millions.
From his earliest days, Leeper's path was fraught with obstacles. He underwent his first surgery at just four months old and was fitted with his first prosthetics at nine months. Growing up in Kingsport, Tennessee, he faced not only the physical challenges of his condition but also the social and emotional hurdles that came with being visibly different in a small town.
The voices of doubt were deafening. Society often views disabilities as limitations, and Leeper encountered skepticism at every turn. Friends worried about his safety in competitive sports. His own body, requiring prosthetics to walk and run, seemed to agree with the naysayers. The path to becoming a world-class athlete - already difficult for anyone - appeared nearly impossible for Leeper.
Yet Leeper's inner fire refused to be extinguished. With each obstacle, he stoked the flames of his determination. "No excuses" became his mantra, a battle cry against the odds. And he lived up to it spectacularly.
Leeper's achievements came despite a cacophony of naysayers and seemingly insurmountable obstacles:
Despite being born without legs below the knees, Leeper never let his physical condition define his limitations or extinguish the spark of his athletic dreams.
Despite facing skepticism from medical professionals and society at large about his ability to compete in sports, let alone excel, he persisted in his pursuit of athletic greatness.
Despite the physical challenges and pain associated with running on prosthetic legs, including blisters, bruises, and the constant need for adjustments, he was determined to succeed at the highest levels of track and field.
Despite facing legal battles and controversies over the use of his prosthetics in able-bodied competitions, he continued to push for inclusion and equal opportunities in sports.
Despite the additional mental and emotional strain of being a trailblazer for athletes with disabilities, often carrying the weight of representation on his shoulders, he remained focused on his goals and continued to inspire others.
Leeper's journey in competitive sports began with basketball, but it was in track and field that he found his true calling. Despite the immense challenges of running on prosthetic legs, he pursued his passion with relentless dedication. His hard work paid off in remarkable ways:
In 2012, at the London Paralympics, Leeper won a silver medal in the 400 meters and a bronze in the 200 meters.
At the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France, Leeper showcased his growing prowess:
He won gold in the 4x100 meter relay (T42-46 class).
He claimed silver in both the 400 meters and 200 meters (T43 class).
In 2013, he set the American record in the 400 meters for his classification.
At the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, Qatar, Leeper continued to excel:
He won silver in the 400 meters (T43 class).
He secured bronze in the 200 meters (T43 class).
At the 2016 U.S. Paralympic Team Trials, he broke the world record in the 400 meters.
But Leeper's ambitions extended beyond Paralympic competition. In a move that challenged conventional notions of ability and disability, he set his sights on competing against able-bodied athletes in the Olympics. This decision sparked controversy and led to legal battles with athletic governing bodies over the use of his prosthetics.
Despite these additional hurdles, Leeper persevered. In 2019, he competed at the U.S. Track and Field Championships, finishing fifth in the 400 meters with a time of 44.38 seconds - a performance that would have qualified him for the semifinal at the 2016 Olympics.
Through it all, Leeper has become more than just an athlete. He's a motivational speaker, an advocate for disability rights, and a living embodiment of the power of perseverance. His journey from a child born without legs to a world-class athlete competing at the highest levels reminds us that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves.
Like Leeper, we all face our own "despites" every day:
Leeper’s courage reminds us that our greatest triumphs often emerge from our deepest struggles. Just as he refused to let circumstances define his limitations, we too can choose to act despite our challenges:
I will speak my truth, despite the fear of judgment.
I will pursue my passion, despite the uncertainty of success.
I will stand up for what's right, despite the risk of standing alone.
I will love openly, despite the possibility of heartbreak.
I will try again, despite past failures.
I will believe in myself, despite moments of self-doubt.
I will chase my dreams, despite others calling them unrealistic.
I will embrace change, despite the comfort of the familiar.
I will forgive, despite the pain of betrayal.
I will keep learning, despite thinking I know enough.
I will be kind, despite living in a sometimes cruel world.
I will stay hopeful, despite the darkness that surrounds me.
I will take care of my mental health, despite the stigma.
I will celebrate small victories, despite the long road ahead.
I will be vulnerable, despite the urge to build walls.
I will ask for help, despite the desire to appear strong.
I will trust again, despite past disappointments.
I will create, despite the fear of criticism.
I will take risks, despite the possibility of failure.
I will embrace my uniqueness, despite pressure to conform.
Each of these "despites" represents a choice - a choice to persevere, to grow, to become stronger. They are the moments that define us, that shape our character and determine our success.
To quiet the negativity and empower your journey:
1. Identify Your Despites: Recognize the doubts, fears, and obstacles that stand in your way. Naming them diminishes their power over you.
2. Reframe Your Challenges: For each "despite," create a positive affirmation. Turn "I can't do this" into "I will do this, despite the challenge."
3. Celebrate Your Victories: Keep a "Despite Journal." Record each time you push through a doubt or fear. Reflect on these victories when facing new challenges.
4. Inspire Others: Share your "despite" stories. Your perseverance can be the inspiration someone else needs to overcome their own obstacles.
Remember, it's not the absence of doubt or fear that defines us, but our willingness to push forward despite them. In defying our doubts, we truly embody the spirit of resilience. We prove to ourselves and others that no obstacle is too great, no hill too steep when we commit to moving forward, one step at a time, despite whatever stands in our way.
So, as you face your next challenge, your next moment of doubt, ask yourself: What will I achieve today, despite the odds? The answer may surprise you, inspire you, and propel you to heights you never thought possible. Let your inner fire grow, and watch as it illuminates not just your path, but the paths of those around you.