Assist and Steal

I was kinda stuck about what to write today. So, I decided to talk about assists and steals. Those terms mean more than just basketball references. Here is some food to go along with your juice.

I just got home from doing errands and told myself to always have a plan. Even if not true to the goals, it keeps me busy. I'm the type of person that can't stay bored for too long. It gives me too much time to my thoughts, and this is never always a wise decision. We are naturally overthinking creatures. Some more than others. It's only because we care and worry about the matters of life.

Anyways, I have been watching NBA games with my grandmother lately. Staying in tune to the game and learning some new things. But, another bonus has recently occurred. I am finally listening to some new tunes for once. Jhene Aiko dropped her new album, "Chilombo" and it has put me into the spiritual space I needed. 

I always felt her music lined up with events that happen in my life. More than just love, but family and friends. The mindset of a hooper but the soul of an artist. Feeling the words in music is so important to the growth of internal strength. A reflection of where you are going and what to think about. It has made me see deeper into where I need to heal vs forgiveness. Regardless if people like it or not, what makes music so great is that nobody can tell you how to think about it. Your body will tell you and that's the craziest thing, right? The physical being of self-synchronization.

I call this an "assist". When you see your teammate open or set up something that results in a bucket, that feeling is exciting. Just because you didn't score, doesn't mean you didn't make an impact. Not everyone sees that side of the game, as people only pay attention to those who score. That is how music is. There are artists I am unknown about or might not even like, but it doesn't mean that they don't assist anyone else. That's the mission of it all.

Not only did I get to open up myself again about things I feel indifferent about, but I also got to flex too. The world was blessed again with the presence of Lil Uzi Vert. He dropped his experimental genius, "Eternal Atake". Listening to this brought all this energy I have been missing for a while. Sometimes, new music can reinvite this side of you that gives a clear reminder:

"you're a bad***". 

Nobody can tell you who you are. You know there are people that are going to judge you. I have dealt with my fair share of jealousy and haters, whether true or not. Many hoopers can relate to that hustle, knowing these obstacles are nothing new. Uzi brings in positive cockiness, which is important because you can't stay silent. Artists like this helped me out of my shell growing up and encouraged my "tougher player side" on the court. I play to compete and my aim is to "steal" the W. 

We have scorers. They are also known as the MVP. Then, there are team players that create assists for a shot. Finally, there are stealers. They are the sixth man. The game changers that, when putting in the work to make the other team struggle, make the difference. All of a sudden, the whole world is watching and observing this new person they are seeing. Players like this are elite in their own way and can bring energy to the whole team with just their presence. A rare find in a sea of hopelessness. They stay true to their plan.  

Music defines a lot of things, but only we can create a definition of ourselves. In this game of life, you have to play to win. Remember why you started. Balancing assists and steals.