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Kaleb Roberts

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Have you realized your potential?

How did you do it?
Did you just one day wake up, work hard and suddenly you're at the top? Or are you struggling every day, not realizing it, sitting at a desk, watching these TED video's and praying for a better life.

If I may ask, what are your individual stories behind your passion and potential?
Was it starting a company in you're basement, knowing that you could do something better? Or inside a multi-billion dollar company starting in the mail room, then suddenly working on the thirtieth floor?

People's stories, especially on topics like this, really really interest me. I want to learn from them, so maybe I can realize my potential. Any thoughts?

Topics: Life Lessons education personal growth
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  • Marlene Goncalves

    • +3
    Dec 27 2012: The day I realized my potential was the day my son was born. From a broken home , a runaway discarded child of parents who both had new and improved version of the American dream that of which I didn't belong I was constantly looking for a love strong enough to make feel as if I was worthy of being loved. That came in an amazing package of a 7lb 12oz ball of love that was all my own! My son didn't grow up with a father but with a mother who was more then both. No one could possibly be loved more then him, no one! Some years ago when I fought colon cancer my son at the age of 16 stayed by my bed while I suffered through chemo sickness and wouldn't let me wallow in my sickness he made me bed dance with wii! He also carried up and down the steps so I didn't feel like the walls were closing in on me. When people found out I was sick their first thought wasn't oh poor me it was what would my son do without me. We have always been that close. I beat cancer in no small way because of my son, the same way I beat the helplessness of my childhood with totally pure love. My son is on his way to becoming a surgeon and seeing the amazing gentleman he has turned into I know I reached my potential. I was put on this earth to be his mother and every other accomplishment I've made in my life dims in comparison with the pride I feel knowing he has never known one single second of feeling unwanted or unloved! And that from a runaway-thrown away child who my parents didn't deserve!
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      Kaleb Roberts

      • +2
      Dec 27 2012: Mrs Goncalves,

      That is absolutely amazing! Congratulations isn't near enough. I've honestly never looked at a single mum in this light, it's entirely different. I really hope that sometime in the future (The near future I hope) when I have kids, I hope and pray that I will always be able to look at them the way you look at your son. Thank you, your point of view is a breath of fresh air.

      • max golding

        • +2
        Dec 28 2012: I think it's wonderful how many folks seem to learn to see themselves more fully after having children.
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          Colleen Steen 500+

          • 0
          Dec 29 2012: Hi Max,
          I think/feel children teach us a LOT about curiosity, trust, honesty, compassion, respect and unconditional love....they demonstrate all the "potential" we have as thinking, feeling, growing human beings.

          Then we are told to "grow up", and sometimes we lose sight of our potential.
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      Juliette Zahn 50+

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      Jan 9 2013: Marlene - I send you and your son love:-) your story is one of the most beautiful stories I have read in all my life !

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