“You have to seize the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity”.
Lynn Davies, 1964 Olympic Gold Long Jump
This quote is one I heard for the first time from Welsh legend Lynn Davies during my time in Wales. Davies is a former gold medalist in the long jump in the 1964 Olympics. Although we may not all have the chance to win a gold medal, this quote still raises an extremely valuable question. Will we be able to seize the opportunity when it presents itself?
For myself, the opportunity of a lifetime was Transatlantic Storytelling 2024. No matter what I do next or where I end up going, there will never be another opportunity like this in my life. Not only did we get the chance to tell some incredible stories of outstanding athletes, but it was an opportunity to forge forever long friendships and to reflect on the blessings in life.
I was extremely blessed to be able to take this trip with my brother, Tyler, who is also a part of Sports Link. But little did I know, I was going to make a new family while thousands of miles away from most of my blood family. From the talented and personable Cardiff sixteen, to the students at Cardiff Met University who I only knew for 10 days, I was able to establish a new group of lifelong friends that I now call family.
We experienced so many moments and memories that simply cannot be replicated. A newfound sense of peace and laughter, a collective passion for the art of storytelling, a blatant realization of how special life truly is, and finally, the most important part, we experienced it all together.
As the weeks continue to pass, living the normal life back in America, I keep coming back to one phrase that I continued to tell myself while in Wales: “Be where your feet are”.
Jordan Klimes
People have begun to ask me if the trip feels real. As the memories continue to age and reality continues to kick in, the cop out answer would be to say that the trip does not feel real. But when thinking deeply about all the adventures, I am glad to say it all feels so real.
The blessings of that trip are real. The memories from the trip still exists. The love that Wales wrenched into my heart still burns strong.
The reality is, the person that I was when I arrived in Cardiff and the person that I am now are simply not the same. Am I the best version of myself? Not yet, in fact, nowhere near it. However, this trip was the opportunity that we all needed to make one transatlantic leap toward the betterment of the people that we can be.
So, what is my takeaway from the trip? I’ll give you three.
The people that surround us, that help build us, they are special and are not to be taken for granted. Be where your feet are and take in every moment, good or bad, because each breath is a blessing. And finally, seize the opportunity in your life.
Whether it is the “opportunity of a lifetime” that Lynn Davies spoke about, or whether it is the opportunity to smile and love your way through each day. Open your eyes to the blessings around you. Open your heart to the joy this life brings. Seize the opportunity!
