A Force of Mentality: Take Care of Your Internal Happiness

Hello Creatives!

Back at it again with another Force of Mentality writeup. This is my final post for this series. My next focus will stand on evaluating what is going on in the basketball community as a whole and my review on such things. Hope you guys enjoyed my conversations so far and continue to support this blog. 

I want to say that though this blog isn't my main focus, it is still a part of who I am and I want to keep this alive for those that do enjoy the readings. Whether it's 100 people or 10 people, that matters to me. If I can make one person feel inspired or even feel good from a post, then that is what TheHoopsCreative stands for.  

Anyways, moving forward. Today, I want to discuss about taking care of our internal happiness. I believe this is the most relevant type of conversation. Within the last couple weeks, I have lost someone I knew to suicide. I was in pain for a bit. While being abroad on and off for so long, I have been out of touch with some people from home. However, I still would have that same energy if I saw them again. Meaning the friendship doesn't really die. It becomes dormant until you meet once more.

The reason I brought this up was because he was an athlete and passionate about living an active life. Therefore, I dedicate this post to discussing some ways in finding purpose or light out of uncertain times. Now, I am not a psychologist or a professional in mental health. But, based on my life experiences, athletic journey, and obstacles I have had to overcome overall, I hope this speaks to you.

There are days I feel overjoyed and also alone. We are not built like robots. We are human and we have emotions. But our strongest complication and fear is communication. Not just how we feel at the moment, but the subjects that are so difficult and personal to express that your body begins to lock itself away. It doesn't want to open that wound and involve others. So, here are some tips I feel can enlighten or inspire to keep staying strong.

1: Write down your dreams, goals, and aspirations. Then talk about it a bit with someone you're close to and trust. 

If nobody, encourage yourself to email a professional via LinkedIn. Big up yourself to message someone that inspires you, no matter how popular they are. See what you can do next. I believe diaries are nice to have, but sometimes the problem with dreaming is people tend to not act on them. If you feel unaccomplished or feel your goals are complicated, maybe speak about these ideas to a professional. I believe when you reach out, the right person will take your hand and guide you onto the next thing. Not everything is fate. Not everyone is privileged like that. You have to make your own destiny.

2: Learn a new skill and then learn another. 

This one is my favorite because I think what's cool is no matter how old you are, you can always learn. Sometimes we take education and networking for granted. We take advice for granted. It really is such a strong attribute to have in life. Even though I was a hooper, I told myself I had to become more versatile. Learning to listen and gain from projects or conversations. Being able to do more than one thing is great. Not just on court, but off court. Now that I'm working remotely for a creative industry, the one thing that interested my employer about me was that I am involved in various things and can do multiple things. I told myself that I wouldn't change who I am but better myself with what I can do. What is going to be the spark that makes you stand out? 

3: Stay in touch with your friends/family and remember that you are loved.

In this digital age, we have so many ways to connect with one another. Family can be complicated and not always agreeable to your way of living. But, you know you''ll have those special ones in your life. They could even be penpals or online gaming friends too. I have met some dope people when playing playstation. Just be aware of safety and recognizing that they are not mean. Overall, as long as you're staying social, that creates less room for letting dark thoughts to play around. I also believe that even though being social is key, don't force it. Take time for yourself in your own space. There is healing in this too or else you become too dependent on others to be happy. We have to learn to accept and grow from what makes us sad. One small step at a time.

4: Love yourself, Find yourself, and Take time to heal.

Probably the hardest thing to do and what I have failed at many times. Letting go. However, it is the most honest statement. In both basketball and in my life, I have always tried to find the missing pieces to hold on to that I didn't have back then. Therefore, I was becoming dependent on this to complete me. Which is not good. Only you can complete yourself truly. I have noticed these cycles the past couple years. They are almost drug-like because it's the highest peak of happiness you currently feel, but it is not fully real. I told myself if I resonate good energies that positive things will come into my life as such. On its own time. That is a real thing, regardless if you believe in it or not. 

5: Don't be afraid to be independent and stop clout chasing. 

Regardless of the times I feel I failed in basketball or in my creative career, I always ended up accomplishing something and discovering a deeper sense of myself. The problem today is we are so consumed with being the "it" factor. I believe if you want to become something amazing, recognize that you are already are even if it doesn't go viral. We compare each other so much that it puts us in this ongoing semi-depression or full depression. We have all been there, even myself, to prove that we are worthy of being alive. When in fact, f*** that. Do what makes you happy and feels organic to you. If you do get discovered, awesome. If not, awesome. Because the endgame should never be fame. It should be having the opportunity to do what you love in your life. Or even doing multiple things. That is a blessing. Stay true to you.

I hope some of these breakdowns brings you some sort of insight today. If you are really in a dark place or feel nobody would understand you, they will. Please speak up and see someone. No matter who it is. The first step is talking about it. TheHoopsCreative sends love and wishing you safe times. Never forget that you are loved. Keep staying focused on your goals and dreams.

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