Playing with Purpose: A Reflection Story

For today's HoopsCreative Post, I wanted to talk about the reasons why I keep playing and still have love for basketball. When I arrived back home, it was nice to just be with family again after all this time. After several conversations and meetups between a variety of people, I slowly began to feel out of space. I love seeing my family, but I also love going abroad even more. 

Being home also allowed me to try to see one of my relatives again. I won't speak on whom but they did make my childhood quite difficult. He did terrible things and involved himself with the wrong crowd. Many people have told me to just forget about it. But, it's tough when you know you're the only source of light this person has. Ironically, he is someone that was known as a basketball player in the area. He was supposed to eventually play pro, believe it or not. He was that good. 

Sports were big on his side of the family and therefore, it makes a connection to the talent I possess now. However, I don't believe I had this automatic "natural gift". I had to work very hard for it. Maybe my talent lied within my will and determination? Regardless, I found myself to be quite different than that side of my family. It's not a bad thing, but it does open the doors in my mind about how people utilize their own choices.

As I entered his house, I see this relative again and It's like watching something decay. Slowly but surely. He makes me laugh and sad at the same time.

In life, there are people that you care about so much and want them to be better. To grow from the pain they have endured, as well as cause. I watched a man that was supposed to be the hero of the story become the villain for the rest of his life. I am the reader that sympathizes with this, even after everything that happened. I know his story is cold and broken.

Exploring between abroad and home, it has really changed me on a mental and emotional level of understanding. I know this relative will never be the person I want them to be because I can't change their habits. They haven't ultimately changed. Ever since I picked up a ball for the first time. 

I look back at those hard workout sessions. Playing against boys because I wanted to be fearless and overcome this pain that stays with me. Even playing with those that I knew were better than me, allowed me to push even harder. Allowing myself to grow a tougher mindset. However, those thoughts always linger back to that relative. I wouldn't have existed. I also wouldn't have grown this desire to be better than him. As I grew older, I told myself I would never be like him. I would never dive too deep in darkness because I have too much light to live for.

Family can be difficult. But, my love for the game and people I have grown with allowed me to see the truth. It's important to recognize who you give your energy to and how you want to live. I play basketball because I have seen at a young age what I never wanted to be. This person always had dreams. I will live for those moments. But, it will be my own path and decisions. My love for this person will always be there but at a distance. All I can do is pray and continue my journey as a creative. For every shot I took, I will never forget the reason why I started.