WHAT IS GREATNESS @LADA STONE

Greatness. What a word, right? It rolls off the tongue like honey, sweet and sticky, but it can also feel heavy, like a weight pressing down on your chest. I’ve spent countless nights lying awake, wrestling with that very question: what is greatness anyway? Is it the accolades, the applause, the recognition? Or is it something deeper, something that resonates within the core of our being?

You see, I’ve come to realize that greatness isn’t a trophy you can hold in your hands or a title you can wear like a badge. It’s not about being the best or the most successful. It’s about the journey, the struggle, the relentless pursuit of becoming more than you were yesterday. It’s about the moments that take your breath away, the ones that make you feel alive, even when they’re wrapped in pain or uncertainty.

I feel greatness in the quiet moments, when I’m alone with my thoughts, reflecting on the choices I’ve made and the paths I’ve walked. It’s in the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of a hug, the way the sun breaks through the clouds after a storm. It’s in the small victories, the ones that often go unnoticed but are monumental in their significance. Like the first time I stood up for myself, or the moment I chose to let go of something that no longer served me. Those are the moments that define greatness for me.

Greatness is also about resilience. It’s about standing tall when life tries to knock you down, about rising from the ashes of failure and disappointment. I’ve faced my share of challenges, moments that felt insurmountable, and yet, each time, I found a way to rise again. That’s where I feel greatness most acutely—in the grit and determination to keep moving forward, even when the odds are stacked against you. It’s the fire that burns within, the unwavering belief that you are capable of more, that you can create a life that reflects your true self.

But let’s be real; greatness isn’t always glamorous. It’s messy and chaotic, filled with doubt and fear. There are days when I question everything, when I feel like I’m stumbling in the dark, searching for a light that seems just out of reach. In those moments, I remind myself that greatness isn’t about perfection. It’s about authenticity. It’s about showing up as your true self, flaws and all, and embracing the journey, no matter how winding it may be.

I’ve learned that greatness is also about connection. It’s about the relationships we build, the love we share, and the impact we have on others. It’s in the way we lift each other up, how we inspire and empower those around us. When I see someone else shine, when I witness their journey towards greatness, it ignites something within me. It reminds me that we’re all in this together, that our stories are intertwined, and that our collective greatness is what truly matters.

So, what is greatness anyway? It’s a feeling, a state of being that transcends the superficial. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are and what you stand for. It’s the courage to pursue your passions, to chase your dreams, and to live life on your own terms. It’s the ability to find joy in the journey, to celebrate the small wins, and to embrace the lessons learned along the way.

In the core of my being, I define greatness as the relentless pursuit of authenticity, resilience, and connection. It’s about living a life that reflects my values, my passions, and my truth. It’s about leaving a legacy that inspires others to find their own greatness, to embrace their unique journeys, and to shine their light in a world that often feels dark. And that, my friends, is what greatness means to me.