Not long ago, my family and I visited Jamaica. Located in the Caribbean, this country is still in my heart.
Recently, I watched the I Am Bolt documentary. I Am Bolt is a 2016 biographical sports documentary that follows the life and career of Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
No athlete in modern history has defined a sport quite like the Jamaican sprinter, Usain “Lightning” Bolt. Widely regarded as the greatest sprinter of all time, Bolt electrified the world by shattering records and dominating the track with unmatched speed and charisma.
His most mind-boggling feat is the unprecedented “Triple Triple”: winning gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at three consecutive Olympic Games (2008, 2012, and 2016). He is the current world record holder for both the 100m (9.58 seconds) and the 200m (19.19 seconds)—records that stand as monumental benchmarks of human speed. Bolt’s towering 6’5″ frame, signature “To Di World” celebration pose, and playful demeanor made him a global superstar. He didn’t just win; he entertained, transforming track and field into a must-watch spectacle and cementing his legacy as a true legend in world sport.
Interestingly, I became close to my first love, who ended up abusing me, through our school track team. He wrote in my yearbook, “Keep running… you might just maybe get a track scholarship or maybe run in the Olympics.”
Well, that wasn’t on my journey.
However, I love to see the resilience and mindset shifts of great athletes. How they think. Bolt discusses how he wasn’t taking his training too seriously until he saw a video of USA sprinter Justin Gatlin talking about how he was going to beat him and win. Watching that one video is all it took for a mindset shift in Bolt. He began by saying normally, for his first race, he was always nervous, jittery, and not acting like himself. His coach reminded him to “relax, calm yourself, take control of the situation, take charge.” One thing I love about Jamaica is the “No problem, mon” attitude and atmosphere.
As Henry Cloud would say, how coincidental is it that my grandson was Bob Marley last year for his first-ever Halloween?
He dressed up twice this year for our trunk-or-treat rounds: once as Michael Jackson, and on Halloween, he was a boxing Champ. My daughter had told me he would be a boxer on Halloween. However, on my way to meet them, she sent me a picture and the maker of the outfit: Melissa’s Stitches. I couldn’t help but notice the red paint under my grandson’s feet. Lots of meaning through the spirit to me—not just within my own life, but the miracle of Jesus giving his own for us.
On Halloween, the trunk-or-treat we visited was at First Baptist of Belmont, the church where my parents were married.
We parked in front of the Junior High School track team I ran on. Trunk after trunk in the church parking lot—the place I attended preschool and have the best memory of riding the halls on the Roller Racer, a.k.a. Flying Turtle.
Trunk after trunk, we saw the themes: Daniel in the Lion’s Den (“God is my judge”), God’s Love is Purrrrfect, I want to Bee more like Jesus.
How true.
Are we living it?
Melissa Shepherd McDaniel, M.Ed., LCMHC, NCC
Melissa Shepherd McDaniel is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, life coach, author, and speaker with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals find healing, clarity, and purpose. Her career began working with survivors of sexual assault, where she developed a deep passion for guiding people through trauma and restoration. Over the years, her work expanded to support those seeking accountability, behavioral change, and personal transformation.
As the founder of Shepherd Way Counseling, Melissa walks alongside clients facing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions, offering compassionate care rooted in resilience, faith, and hope.
Melissa is also the author of the memoir Loved Just As I Am and the children’s book One Road Leads to Another: The Heartfelt Drive. Through her writing and speaking, she explores themes of healing, identity, love, legacy, and the courage to embrace one’s authentic story. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help others recognize their worth, reclaim their voice, and move forward with strength. Both books are available on Amazon and on this website.
Reach out today to schedule a session, book Melissa for speaking, or explore her books for deeper encouragement.
