Greatness

After reading the speeches from the 2008 Democratic Convention I had a moment where I could feel what it must feel like to arrive among tens of thousands of people their hands together resonating thunder and to stand under a light so bright, and it surely felt worthy. I was tempted to experience this greatness. Since I see this nowhere in the near future, I said to myself, I can at least think about this in more detail.

This kind of greatness that tempted me so much, I realize only a selected few receive. What drives millions to support a great one? Is it their need, desperation, final hope for a better future or is it the Charm, Charisma, baritone voice, portrayed confidence or is it just plain simple destiny to be the chosen one? Factoring intelligence into this equation is a dubious thought. For there have been many a case where this visibly has taken the back seat. One mistake after the next, has still led to support by millions even if it is fewer. What explains this audacity if not destiny? Not every person above the average Joe can rise to such fame through hard work, not missing opportunities and being in the right place at the right time. Destiny is what puts you in the right place at the right time. Let us not be fooled by thinking it is just our destiny. It is an extremely huge concept to tackle. The destiny that puts the chosen one into Greatness is not just entirely his or hers. It is that of everything that compasses existence. To bask in such greatness is the destiny of the chosen one and to make sure the chosen one attains greatness is the destiny of all millions making the choice. They have to co-exist.

These thoughts further lead me to think what is Greatness? Does it have a definition? It took me back to the day my father asked me, "What is beauty?" That moment I realized that there are various forms of beauty. The ocean is beautiful in someone perception, but to me it is extremly terrifying. Since there is no one definition of beauty and it has been told that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, I thought to myself, Greatness is a perception also. What is great to one may not be to the other.

My husband recently told me "Some people continually strive for greatness when they don't realize they've already achieved it. It's the perception of what greatness is, that is the true question. The answer may be different for everyone. Who is greater, the mother who feeds, clothes, raises her two kids in a well-nurtured environment or the President of the U.S.? I know what the answer would be for her children." I love this man. He always uplifts me. He is the answer to all my questions. His simple words told me that I have been looking for Greatness when I have already achieved it. As a mother of our children, we have been basking in the glory and greatness of Parenthood for almost 4 years now. It is such a blessing to have. I realized that this is the greatness I am striving for and that this is what soothes my soul everyday. I want my kids and husband and other family members to think I am great. This is what I want and pray for everyday. Family is the root of my Greatness and I plan on nourishing it with all I have.

This realization brought me peace that I am part of the equation. I don’t have to be the chosen one to experience greatness and that it just lies in my perception. Knowing that my destiny to witness greatness is part of what achieved it is immensely satisfying and no longer am I tempted by the experience of greatness.