By Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED.
I learned early in life that you should never try to be “just like” someone else. My parents taught me to be true to the gifts that God gave me. They said that I could admire and respect what others did, but never try to be just like that person. I was responsible for setting my own realistic goals.
Upon graduating from high school, the “Be Like Mike” campaign hit the airwaves. Millions of young men dreamed and desperately tried to be the next Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, this goal was unrealistic for all of them—including LeBron James. No one can be “just like” somebody else, but they can learn from others and set realistic goals that are within their personal reach.
After years of being a size 18 and well over 200lbs., I took the initiative to not only lose weight but to help others do the same. In 1998 I became a fitness instructor. By 1999 I became a personal trainer and was a lean size 10. However, I needed to learn more and wanted to do more for the whole person. Upon entering the fitness arena, there were very few people that looked like me and were doing what I wanted to do. However, there was one diamond that stood out: Donna Richardson. She had a mind, body and soul workout which was very similar to what I desired to do.
In December 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting Donna Richardson-Joyner. We were both attending a Christmas party in Florida hosted by Attorney Willie Gary. I was elated to finally meet the world renowned fitness instructor who I admired and who looked “almost” like me. She was African American, beautiful, highly motivating, and full of energy. At the time, the noticeable difference was that I was a full figure fitness instructor. Marriage, two children and life had overtaken me and added more weight than I had before.
With much confidence and admiration, I kindly walked over to Donna and Tom and introduced myself. I let her know how she had been an inspiration to me on my plight towards fulfilling my vision in health and wellness. I remember sharing that I wasn’t the size that I wanted to be, but I was on my way to getting it back. She encouraged me and let me know that there is room (in fitness) for me too! She was very humble, encouraging, and vibrant. I immediately connected with her and was more driven to set realistic goals for myself.
God didn’t design me to be “just like” Donna Richardson-Joyner. However, He created both of us with our own individual purposes. Donna, thank you for being you and for encouraging me to be me.
