Hey! Heyy!! Heyyy!!!
There has been a lot going on in the world. So much that Aaron is taking notice of it. I have been following the silent protest of Colin Kaepernick that was started in the NFL. One day Aaron turns to me and asks me, “mom why is he kneeling and why are people upset that he is kneeling?” I had to educate him on the matter to the fullest extent. This was definitely not a conversation that I wanted to have with my son at such a young age. But I want to be the parent that is completely honest with him even if it makes me feel uncomfortable.
Within having that conversation with Aaron I had to explain to him that Colin is simply standing up for what he believes in. He is not letting the bullies change his narrative and he continued to peacefully protest what his beliefs were. This possibly could be a lot of information that a seven-year-old can handle. However, I would rather be the one educating my child about certain topics instead of hearing about it on the playground or even another adult.
Recently Nike has endorsed Colin Kaepernick as the face of Nike and has started putting up different ads including Colin and a few of the top athletes in the world. The ad made me tear up. If you haven’t watched the ad, you can watch it here. The ad is very profound and part of what is said is, “If people say your dreams are crazy. If they laugh at what you think you can do. Good. Stay that way. Because what none believers fail to understand is that calling a dream crazy is not an insult… its a compliment. Believe in something even if it means sacrificing everything. Don’t ask if your dreams are crazy, ask if your dreams are crazy enough.” I had Aaron watch the ad that featured Lebron James, Serena Williams, athletes with one hand, athletes with no legs and he was asking, ‘how are they doing that? How is that one guy playing without a hand? How is the little boy wrestling without legs?” I had to explain to him that they practice being the best. Just because the football player doesn’t have two hands doesn’t mean he can’t play football. Just because the little boy has no legs doesn’t mean he can’t wrestle. They have hard work and determination. They dream to be the best there ever was even if they are different. They are aren’t letting their disabilities stop them from doing anything.
These people are so inspiring and they are the epitome of what it is to follow your dreams. That is something that I am trying to instill in Aaron. I want to teach him that it is okay to color outside of the lines. The athletes in the ad had been coloring outside the lines for years just so that they can make their dreams come true. I’m sure they had people telling them throughout their journeys that the couldn’t do x,y, and z. They are paving the way for other athletes. They are showing that you don’t have to be what society calls “normal” to chase after their dreams.
There will be people along the way telling him what he can and can’t do. But I will be the one by his side telling him HE CAN. I will make sure that my voice drowns out those haters that don’t want to see him succeed. I don’t want him to limit himself and only think he has to do what society tells him. Everyone’s journey won’t be the same path. Some paths will be straight, while others might include hills and detours. AND THAT IS OK! Some things can come easier to certain people, and for others, they have to work twice as hard for it. I pray that Aaron always gives 200% at everything that he puts his mind to.
Teach your children to follow their dreams and always be their number 1 supporter!
Thanks for reading! Until next time.
xoxo,
Donna B 🌺
Mommy Mode 