When I walk up on that shore in Florida, I want millions of those AARP sisters and brothers to look at me and say, 'I'm going to go write that novel I thought it was too late to do. I'm going to go work in Africa on that farm that those people need help at. I'm going to adopt a child. It's not too late, I can still live my dreams.'
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and make a positive impact.
In this quote, Diana Nyad expresses her desire to inspire others to believe that regardless of age or past circumstances, they can still take bold steps towards fulfilling their dreams. She paints a picture of empowerment, encouraging people to act on their aspirations, whether it’s writing a novel, volunteering, or adopting a child. This message resonates deeply with the idea that life offers continuous opportunities for growth and contribution at any stage.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a motivational speech at a community center aimed at inspiring older adults.
You have a dream and you have obstacles in front of you as we all do. None of us ever get through this life without heartache, without turmoil, and if you believe and you have faith and you can get knocked down and get back up again and you believe in perseverance as a great human quality, you find your way.
In swimming, especially training out in the ocean and open water, you got fogged-over goggles, you're stuck with your own thoughts - there's great benefits to that, deep thinking like that after many hours, but there's also tremendous loneliness. You burn out. You want to run, jump, ski, do anything. So at age 30, I was finished.
Every human being on this planet has their pain and their heartache and it's up to all of us to find our way back to the light.
I am willing to put myself through anything; temporary pain or discomfort means nothing to me as long as I can see that the experience will take me to a new level.
I swam. We made it, our team, from the rocks of Cuba to the beach of Florida, in squeaky-clean, ethical fashion.
I grew up in Florida, so you start swimming at the age of 1, really. By 10, I was competitive swimming, and by 12, I had aspirations to be the best in the world.
The amount of people - and kids especially - that come up to me saying I inspire them is honestly better than any match I could win, just to know that I inspire another kid maybe to pick up a racquet or go through something they're facing at school.
Inspiration is not garnered from the litanies of what may befall us; it resides in humanity's willingness to restore, redress, reform, rebuild, recover, reimagine, and reconsider.
When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius; lift up thy head!
I wonder what it would be like if we all became what we wanted to be when we grew up? I mean, imagine a world filled with nothing but firemen, cowboys, nurses and ballerinas.
Someone once asked me... whether I waited for inspiration. My answer was: "Every day!"
No true and permanent fame can be founded, except in labors which promote the happiness of mankind.
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