The Inspirational Movie, GREATER, In Theaters This Friday, Will Remind Us All That Dreams Are Possible

Disclosure: I am participating in the Greater Movie/Walmart Back-To-School promotion, in which I will be provided with a promotional item for my time.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.

Have you ever watched a movie in theaters or at home that moved you so much you found yourself stepping back and reevaluating your life, especially your purpose or getting you to think about dreams you may have once had, but put aside and forgot about, or just gave up hope on?  Last night I watched GREATER, and found myself up in the night and today thinking about Brandon Burlsworth, whom this movie is based on, and how he never gave up on his dream, and how we all shouldn't either.

Here is the movie trailer of GREATER, in case you hadn't heard about this movie, which will be arriving in theaters this Friday...

"GREATER is an inspirational movie based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth that reminds us that any dream is possible. GREATER releases in theaters this August 26."

More about the movie:

"GREATER is an inspirational movie based on the life of Brandon Burlsworth. Brandon had one dream – to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks.  Unfortunately, Brandon was a clumsy player who lacked the physical prowess to make the team.  He was written off by coaches and teased by his fellow teammates.  Undeterred, Brandon continued to show-up for practice.  He woke up before anyone else and worked harder than anyone else, until his determination paid off.  Not only was he given an opportunity to walk-on and play football – he became one of the greatest players on the field, and was drafted to the Indianapolis Colts."

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Like I said, this movie got me thinking about my dreams and goals and what steps I need to take to achieve them.  I found myself jotting down my dreams and goals and numbering them in importance.  Next to each, I wrote ways I could achieve them or at least the starting steps that will help me see that dreaming is possible...you just have to stay positive, never give up (especially when things don't look promising) and have faith.  Brandon Burlsworth was and still is an inspiration not only to me, but to those who had the honor of being in his presence during his time on this earth, as well as those who will get to meet this amazing man, when they sit down and watch GREATER (in theaters this Friday).

I could go on and on about my hopes and dreams, many which are probably on your list if you were to sit down and make one.  But, I did want to share one as many family are getting ready to send their children back to school or homeschool them, like I do with my two girls.  After homeschooling for the past year and half, I have decided this year to change up my curriculum and way of teaching the girls and pursue a more hands on approach, through a new curriculum as well as classes and programs I have signed the girls up for.  While this may not seem like a challenge, if you homeschool, you probably have experienced ups and downs, questioning yourself if you are doing things right, wanting to make sure your kids are learning all that they can, and more often than not, questioning your ability as a teacher.  

This year I will be bringing the girls to a handful of classes over 45 minutes away from us.  I am looking to teachers with expertise in fields that interest my girls -- the arts, nature and science and history, to help me teach my girls topics that I otherwise wouldn't feel I could do due justice with.  My background is in public health, and although I educate myself through seminars and books, I find that seeking the assistance and guidance of those with a background in various specialties is much more beneficial, especially when it comes to educating my girls, who are hands on learners.

One of the biggest challenges with this new way of homeschooling, in addition to the driving back and forth 3-4 days a week, will be dropping my girls and not staying for the classes.  All through preschool and with our homeschool journey I have been with my girls, teaching them and helping.  While this may not be a problem with some people, it will pose a challenge for us, as my oldest daughter, Savannah, is extremely shy.  She does not like being put in new situations where she has to fend for herself.  She has always had me to guide and ease her anxieties.  Starting in September I will be dropping her and Bella off and picking them up a few hours later.  I will not lie, I, too, will feel the separation anxiety and will find myself worrying about how Savannah will handle the situations of being without me.  But, I know that this is the next step and a challenge in our homeschool journey.  It will help Savannah grow as a person and allow her to work on her social skills, while also learning from educators in fields that interest my girls.  One thing that is comforting both Savannah and myself is that Bella will be in the classes with her, so she will not be alone.  She will have a familiar face and confident to help her transition this school year, and grow.

I love asking my girls what they want to be when they grow up, as children are wonderful dreamers. They think they can be whatever they want, and don't see the obstacles that may stand in their way.  Their answers are so pure and heartfelt, and make we wish I could bottle up their genuine love for life and everyone around them.  Savannah hopes to one day be a veterinarian so she can care for and help animals.  And, to help her reach her goals and make her dream a reality, the classes I have enrolled her and Bella in, with lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and most importantly instill in them both a desire to learn and explore, without boundaries.  Brandon Burlsworth never game on his dream of playing football, and I hope that my girls will never give up on their dreams.  Yes, there may be challenges, both big and small, but that is back of the amazing journey of life, and one I hope they take full advantage of, by dreaming big and meeting each and every challenge head on.  Yes, there will be struggles and times that they want to give up or choose a path that is familiar to them. But, I hope they see that determination and perseverance will help them achieve all that their hearts desire.  They just want to want it bad enough, like Brandon did...and, go for it!  And, this year, Savannah, although nervous and afraid of change, is looking forward to her homeschool classes and what she will learn, and all the new friends she will make along the way.  That's my girl!  :-)

As you and your family get ready for back to school, I hope you take a moment or two to talk with your children about challenges they may face, and ways in which the can tackle these challenges to fulfill their dreams.  Reminding your children that you are there for them, and that their dreams matter, will help with these and future challenges, as they journey through life.  And, I hope that this film and the story of Brandon Burlsworth will remind the adults out there that you are never to old to dream or challenge yourself.  You just have to believe in yourself and work towards your goals and dreams without giving up.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Greater Movie/Walmart Back-To-School promotion, in which I will be provided with a promotional item for my time.  However, all views shared are mine and mine alone.