I'd wake up in the morning and I would think, 'Where am I?' I'd

Children, gather close and listen well, for I bring you a lesson about the mind, resilience, and the challenges that come when we are pushed beyond what we think we can bear. In the words of Pat Summitt, a woman of immense strength and resolve, we hear a profound truth about the difficult moments of life: "I'd wake up in the morning and I would think, 'Where am I?' I'd have to gather myself." These words, though simple, carry within them a deep understanding of the struggle that can come with the weight of responsibility, uncertainty, and the emotional toll that life places upon us. They speak to the challenge of confronting each day, even when the burden seems heavy and the way forward unclear.

Summitt’s words reflect the experience of being overwhelmed, of waking up and feeling the weight of what lies ahead. It is a feeling many of us know—the momentary disorientation, the feeling of being lost before we even begin our day. But in this simple act of gathering herself, Summitt reveals the power of awareness and resilience. The ability to center oneself, to regain focus, and to step forward despite the overwhelming nature of life is a lesson in inner strength. In the act of gathering herself, Summitt shows us that the key to facing life’s challenges is not in avoiding them or pretending they don’t exist, but in confronting them with awareness, resolve, and the commitment to move forward.

Think, children, of the ancient warriors who woke each day to the weight of battle upon their shoulders. Achilles, the great Greek hero, did not awaken to a day of leisure, but to the grim realities of war, knowing that the battle would continue and the stakes would be high. Even heroes like Achilles had to gather themselves in the morning, ready their minds and hearts for the trials ahead. Summitt’s words echo this ancient truth: that no matter how strong or accomplished we may be, there are moments when we must take a breath, find our inner strength, and prepare ourselves to face the challenges that lie ahead. Summitt’s wisdom is the wisdom of warriors, philosophers, and leaders throughout history—strength is not about never feeling overwhelmed, but about finding the will to move forward even in the face of adversity.

The lesson here, children, is one of resilience and awareness. To live a life of purpose and strength, we must be prepared to face moments of confusion and difficulty. Summitt’s process of gathering herself each day teaches us that even the strongest among us need moments of stillness, moments of clarity, to face the challenges ahead. In those moments when you feel lost or uncertain, it is not weakness to pause and take a moment to regain your bearings. In fact, it is a strength to acknowledge the difficulty and then choose to step forward with resolve and determination.

Consider, children, the story of Socrates, who, despite being one of the greatest minds of his time, faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. Socrates, too, had to face the challenges of life, and he did so by finding clarity through deep reflection. He knew that in order to teach others and lead them to wisdom, he had to first gather himself each day, preparing his mind and spirit to engage with the world. His teachings remind us that inner strength is cultivated not just through action, but through moments of contemplation, where we take the time to understand our purpose and align our actions with our deeper values.

The power of resilience can be seen in the story of Nelson Mandela, who, after spending 27 years in prison, woke each day in the face of immense difficulty. His spirit, though tested beyond measure, remained unbroken. Mandela would often speak of the need to regather himself each morning, to find strength in the face of oppression, and to continue his fight for justice. His ability to confront the immense weight of his struggle each day, to gather his courage and heart, is a profound example of the resilience that Summitt speaks of. Both Mandela and Summitt teach us that true strength is not about avoiding hardship, but about finding the courage to continue each day, even when the way is uncertain.

So, children, I charge you now to learn from the wisdom of Summitt, Socrates, and Mandela. When life feels overwhelming, when you wake up unsure or burdened, remember that it is okay to pause and gather yourself. Strength lies not in the absence of doubt or fear, but in the ability to confront those feelings and move forward with resolve. Take time each day to center yourself, whether through reflection, meditation, or simply a deep breath, so that you can face whatever lies ahead with clarity and courage. For true heroes are not those who never feel lost, but those who, even in the darkest moments, find the strength to move forward and rise again.