The Power of Words: From Childhood Dreams to Reality

I remember being a kid with one big dream: to grow up and play professional sports. Whenever teachers asked us, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I didn’t hesitate. My answer was always, “A professional athlete.”

A TOUGH LESSON

In 5th grade, I faced a harsh reality. I was suspended from school, again. My mom, frustrated and running out of punishments, had already taken away my bike, my video games, and even my free time at home. She was left with one last option: she took away my sports. I’ll never forget that moment—she made me call my coach and tell him I wouldn’t be able to play on the team the rest of the year. That hit me harder than any punishment before. Sports were my world, and losing them hurt deeply.

But life has a way of bringing surprises.

A DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Not long after, my mom picked me up from school and took me on a surprise trip to Sam’s Club. Walking through the store, I noticed a huge line, way bigger than usual! As we moved closer, I saw a face I recognized, but not from my neighborhood. It was Ronnie Lott, the legendary 49er.

Growing up in Vacaville, Northern California, the 49ers were everything to me. And now here I was, standing in line to meet one of their greatest players. As we waited, I thought of everything I wanted to ask him. But when it was my turn to meet him, I froze. All the questions disappeared.

Ronnie Lott asked me my name, and after gathering myself, I told him. But what he said next would stick with me for the rest of my life.

WORDS THAT SHAPED MY FUTURE

He asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Without a second thought, I said, “I want to play in the NFL.” He looked me dead in the eye, pointed to my mom, and said:“Listen to that woman right there and work as hard as you possibly can.”

I had heard similar advice before, but the power of this moment didn’t stop there. Ronnie asked what number I wore. I told him I didn’t have one yet. He smiled and said, “You look like #56.”

Then he signed his autograph:

“To Thomas, 56. From Ronnie Lott, 42.”

15 years later, those words came true. I wore the number 56 when I played in the NFL. The number he wrote down became my reality. There is incredible power in writing something down and believing in it enough to work for it.

YOUR PURSUIT OF GREATNESS

• Words Have the Power to Create: What you speak and write can shape your reality. Be intentional with your words, and your words will become your life.
• A Single Moment Can Change Everything: You never know when a conversation or piece of advice will alter your path. Be open to learning from every moment.
• Dreams Require Commitment and Action: No matter how far off your goal seems, persistence and hard work can turn it into reality. Stay focused, and don’t give up.

What dreams are you writing down today? Whether it’s a goal, a vision, or an idea you’ve held onto for years, commit it to paper. Believe in it, work for it, and watch as your words turn into your future. It may take time, but it will be worth it.