It’s just absolutely crazy that I was sitting there meal planning in front of the fire with my little family around me, and I just happened to grab my phone to look up some recipes and I saw a friend post about Kobe Bryant. What was a peaceful and normal Sunday suddenly turned our minds into grief, worry, frustration and determination. I will be honest and say that I did not follow Basketball, nor did I know much about Kobe and his life. I didn’t know he had four beautiful daughters and was still married to his stunning wife. I knew he was a ball player, but I didn’t realize the dedication and determination he put forth to become the best. Of course I know that pro athletes are a special breed and in order to achieve that level of success, well you must sacrifice a lot. I also did not realize how much my husband looked up to a man such as Kobe Bryant. To say that it was a somber evening is putting it lightly. I’m not sure how anyone could have a dry eye after thinking about that horrific crash, with those 9 people and especially him sitting there with his daughter. I don’t recall which reporter said it best, but heroes aren’t supposed to die. We are supposed to be able to watch them grow old and live out their lives. In a sense he just started this next chapter of his life it seems…after retiring from playing basketball he was working with his daughter to help her live out her dreams. He just had a baby last year. It all just makes no sense; when I hear this news it just stops me in my tracks because we are not promised tomorrow. So after the tears dry and the day to day routine sinks back in, we are asking ourselves what is that we are going to do? Nothing changes if nothing changes.
If you wrote out your goals for 2020, do you look at them? Have you written down action steps to achieve any of them? Are you pushing yourself a little further than you would in 2019?
What is your why? What purpose do you have to get up, get out of bed and fight for your day to be better than before?
I know that Joe and I have been hugging the kiddos extra tighter, saying I love you a little more, and though we never take our time for granted, it just seems to hit you a little more when a tragedy like this strikes. Be in the moment. Yes, BE IN THE MOMENT. Enjoy the kiss goodbye. Look your child in the eyes as you hug her. Call your mom! Have the coffee date with the friend you keep meaning to see. Share and spread your love and don’t think twice about it. Show everyone how much they matter to you, how much you care.
Even something as simple as getting up earlier has been impacted by Kobe. My alarm goes off and I don’t want to get up out of my warm cozy bed and tip toe down the stairs and feel the cold tile floor on my feet. But I get to hear my alarm. I get a whole new day in front of me. I feel like you can either sit around and complain about how awful life is, how unfair things can be and how miserable you are (aka be a victim) or you can show some respect, grab life by the balls and go after all that you desire. #sorrynotsorry
If your eyes opened today, you get to choose. We are not promised tomorrow and we have no idea when our time is up, so instead of worrying about dumb petty stuff (which at the time will not seem dumb or petty) and focus on the bigger picture. Dream your dream and then lay out your plans and just start. Do something. Do it badly. Don’t worry about being perfect or what you may look like doing it, just go freaking do it.
The time is now.
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