The hot-tempered Serena Williams has written a blog entry in promotion of her new autobiography, the aptly titled On the Line.
Although Serena’s outburst at the U.S. Open semifinals on Saturday night was jarring to most, do U think she has what it takes to be an inspiration to many???
Serena writes:
The thought of the weight I carry can sometimes be paralyzing, to some, but for me, I enjoy it. I enjoy being told I’m too fat to win, or my career is over – I’ve seen my glory days. This is what everyone was saying about me publicly, in papers, quietly at home. But as Maya Angelou said, “And still I rise.”
In my book “On the Line” it focuses on my fall from grace.
At the time in 2003, I had it all. Fame, friends, companies ready to sponsor me, grand slams wins. I hardly ever lost. Until it all came crashing down.
It started with surgery. Will I be able to play again? No one knew that my quadriceps muscle had completely detached from my knee. The doctors had to re-attach it.
Then came the tragic violent death of my sister.
Losing is synonymous to my life on & off court, which often leaves me on the line. But the loss of my sister made me wonder, is tennis even worth my time?
In bed and inconsolable, I did not know where to turn.
In a search for clarity, as a people, we search for the letters, letters that form words, words form expression. I could find no clarity.
All I knew is I had it all, and now – now I was at the bottom of the bucket- could I rise again? Did I even want to rise?
Growing up with my family was an experience I would love to do again. I was the youngest of 5 girls, so I pretty much got my way and got anything I wanted – which you will read in the book all the “younger sister” things I did. To sum it up, I was BAD. I never thought that my life would take me to where I am now, and how grateful I have been to be apart of something so cool, so amazing.
I never thought I would be winning so many matches.
I never thought I would travel the world.
I never thought I would play and do something I adore so much for money.
I never thought I would have to fall from the mountaintop to appreciate everything.
I never thought my faith would be tested.
I never thought I would have to tell my mom, that her daughter, my sister is dead.There are many things I never thought I would even share with you all, but I really put it all on the line.
It will help you understand me, who I am. I am human, I make mistakes. I’m not a robot and I can’t win them all. I don’t even want to, because losing helps you appreciate being alive!
In my book “On the Line,” I want everyone to not only enjoy it, but I would like everyone to learn from it- how to stay strong when it seems like everyone is pulling against you.
How to stay positive, how to pull through. Because in the end, there is a light that always gets brighter- you just have to keep reaching for it.
Xxx,
Serena Williams
Thoughts???
[Image via WENN.]