Good morning, Thursday...it's been a lazy week for me- finished up a huge project and now picking up the pieces, going to the gym, and hanging out with Khan, who seems to be enjoying my down time as much as I am.
So two days ago it was one of my favorite people's birthdays- Muhammad Ali. Not only does he hail from my husband's hometown of Louisville, but Ali has always been someone who I have been in awe of - his ribald combination of brutality and grace and humor and showmanship has always knocked me out, and in the interest of full disclosure, I have always been a huge boxing fan. I remember doing a photo shoot at Gleason's here in Brooklyn and it pretty much shook me to my core- the history of that place, the blood, sweat, and tears, and the insane talent that came out of those iconic walls was no match for me. And as a younger woman, I took up boxing as a form of exercise, and it gave me a feeling of raw power that as a woman, I was not accustomed to. Plus, it made me start eating meat again and had me in the shape of my life- I highly recommend it as a workout if you are up for it. Just like Ali, it's the greatest. Screw Tai Bo or Zumba- go out there and kick some ass.
As for my obsession with Ali, I can't think of anyone who represents what it means to be an athlete- his legendary bouts had the world on its feet, and his ability to turn these events into shows of swagger and a rhythmic cockiness were genius. I also have always admired his outspoken views on politics, his desire to embrace his religion, and his unwavering status as an all American badass. I salute you, Muhammad Ali. And though it breaks my heart that you are stricken with Parkinsons, I will always look to you as a symbol of what it means to be a fighter and a hero, and one of the coolest cats around. When people talk about an American brand of cool, Ali is top of mind when it comes to what that means. You may think this is all very strange coming from a girl who loves dresses and pistachio scented perfume, but there's two sides to every story, and there's surely more to me than a well cut dress and smelling nice. I also can very easily access the more masculine part of my personality, and I'm not afraid of it in any way. Besides all of that, Ali had immeasurable style, and made sweatpants look amazing. Case in point below.
And if you've never been delighted by Ali, you simply must read "The Tao of Muhammad Ali", one of my all time favorite biographies written by Davis Miller, a sports writer who had an ongoing relationship with Ali for years, and learned much from him. It's an incredible journey of a book that will have you riveted, and most likely in tears from the tenderness of it all. I remember reading it on a flight to LA and bawling my eyes out. Link to the book below...
So as I embrace my new world order of freelancing and Brooklyn living and cold temperatures, I'm going to take some cues from Ali, and try to be the greatest I can be, toot my own horn from time to time, and take any negative thoughts to the rope and exhaust them. I'm going for a knockout in 2012- and if you're ever feeling defeated or in need of a little inspiration, take some cues from "the greatest", and get inspired by his dedication and devotion and unwavering ability to grab our attention and win our hearts. Whenever I'm asked who I'd be awestruck to meet, Ali is high on that list. I can only hope to have half of his courage and amazing ability to compete- boxing may be a brutal sport but I have always found it incredibly poetic and real. Cause that's what's up this gloves are ON kind of Thursday in the borough of Brooklyn. Always be yourself and fight for what you believe in and never settle for less. Ali once said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” I couldn't agree more. Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. XO
Read this- it's a triumph:
 | The Tao of Muhammad Ali~ Davis Miller (author) More about this product
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