Not so long ago, I waited in line to become poor. I've known hardships my entire life. From a childhood marred by the fear of gang violence to uninspiring school days where I accomplished nothing beyond a "C," I had no great dreams about my future.
Yet, on this particular day, I waited in line to "officially" become poor. That's what it feels like when you're forced to apply for food stamps. When you're broke and starving. When the father of your 8-month-old son apologizes to you from a dingy phone behind prison bars.
You've heard that life is full of possibilities, but when you're waiting in line to sign a paper and admit defeat, admit that you're unable to provide for your child? Right then, life is only about temporary relief, only about making it to the next day. However, this is a story about America. A story about facing a challenge and rising above it in ways that never seemed possible.
I did not like being defined by my poverty and I strove to change. There are thousands of people in this country living under the same -- or worse -- circumstances. However, in America, if you follow certain steps and stick to your dreams no matter what -- you can achieve anything.
America is one of the few places in the world that celebrates you for having a positive mindset. What does that mean? You have to know that you can push past limiting beliefs, take on new opportunities with confidence, and succeed in getting what you want out of others (and yourself). Knowing precedes your ability succeed and paves the way for you to bring your abilities to the table. You need to take responsibility for your thoughts, your actions and -- perhaps most important of all -- your reactions to what daily life throws your way.
Only in America can your imagination become reality. You -- and you alone -- have the power to bring about the future you envision. In fact, envisioning is the next step after creating a mindset for success. Envision how you want to change your life. Daydream as you're walking through the streets. Fantasize about a better life as you're scrubbing dishes. If you become motivated enough, your thoughts and feelings can you take you places you never thought possible.
America defines "leadership" in many ways. You don't have to be a politician or a business executive to be a leader. Do you play a role in the well-being of your family? Whether you take care of the home, or work hard to put food on the table, you are already a leader. Repeat that to yourself over and over again until you know in your heart it's true.
America rewards you for taking risks. You need to trust your own intuition. A leader knows how to fail forward -- to look for the lesson in any failure and move forward with greater clarity and answers on how to create new opportunities. A leader makes decisions in accordance with their highest values.
America tells you it's okay to be afraid. Fear is something to embrace. Fear helps you make the right decisions. Fear makes you stronger. Any action you're afraid to take is the one worth pursuing. Look fear in the eye and overcome it.
You don't have to do it alone. America continues to grow from the influence of people from every imaginable background. Don't discount your family and friends. If you share challenges, work through them together. Discuss and share ideas. Come up with plans, start something new together. Build a team. We're not meant to navigate life by ourselves. Every person you know is a potential asset to create a better future.
I did not accept where my life was headed and I changed. I suffered along the way, but I succeeded. I don't say that with pride. I only say it to assure you that you have that same power. The tools to take command of your life are here -- and always will be. That is the one great story about America.