The song One Moment in Time, written by Almond Hammond and John Bettis, was created as a promotional anthem for the 1988 Summer Olympics in South Korea. When Whitney Houston performed it, her powerful voice and emotional delivery transformed it into an unforgettable piece that spoke directly to the heart. Ever since, it has been one of my all-time favourites.
This song captures the spirit of self-belief and determination—pursuing your goals with courage, overcoming every trial and setback, and never losing hope. It is a tribute to all Olympians, reminding them to stay strong and focused in their quest for excellence. Each failure is an invitation to come back stronger and better prepared. And when the dream is finally achieved, the reward is beyond measure: that single moment of triumph, shining so brightly that nothing else matters.
Just like in sports, life gives each of us our own “moments in time.” Sometimes they are filled with joy and celebration; other times, they bring sorrow and challenge. All these moments have a beginning and an ending. None of them lasts forever. The happy times often feel too brief, while the painful ones seem to linger.
Joyful moments
We all carry memories we will always treasure. These include:
- The euphoria of winning a game or contest after years of effort
- Receiving a smile from someone you admired in your younger days
- Your first kiss after a first date—the thrill that felt like it could last forever
- Passing your exams
- Getting your first job after graduation
- Celebrations of graduation, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays
- The birth of your children and grandchildren, whose milestones fill your heart with pride—until one day, you and your spouse find yourselves empty nesters
- Unforgettable vacations to places you never wanted to leave
- The happiness I feel each time I finish writing an article
Moments of sorrow
There are also moments we wish had never happened:
- The heartbreak of saying a final goodbye to a loved one—a spouse, child, relative, or friend—leaving an emptiness that time may never fully heal
- Parting ways with family members who move far away
- Broken relationships and divorce
- Failing important exams
- Losing a job unexpectedly
- As an athlete, falling short of a lifelong dream
- Receiving a diagnosis of cancer or another serious illness
- The loneliness that comes from grief, mental health challenges, or difficult circumstances
- Personal, financial, or professional failures that can feel impossible to overcome
In the song’s final words—“I will be free”—we hear the promise of liberation that comes from achieving our goals or surviving our struggles. That freedom, however, is not always easy to find.
When you are in pain, reaching out for help is an act of courage. Lean on your loved ones, friends, or community. Try new activities, explore fresh environments, or meet people who can lift your spirits. If sadness feels too heavy to carry alone, don’t hesitate to seek professional support.
Over time, as you heal and rebuild, you will discover that even the hardest moments can give way to renewal—and a future filled with hope and possibility.
Excerpt from my book The Realities of Life
Special Moments
Each special moment
Has its own meaning
Forever embedded in our hearts
Each challenge we face
Demands patience, hope, and determination
From every mistake and failure
Lessons can be learned
So we can start again
Until we achieve our dreams
— Lorna Ramirez
www.lornasbook.com
