REFLECTION: Jersey 24/8

Today is a really difficult time for the Bryant family mostly and the fans of Kobe Bryant. Many said today last year that this death hit a bit different because of his legendary status. He was not just a basketball player. He was a role model for many in his most important roles a husband and as a father to girls; the Girl Dad. He also served as an icon in business and sports. The most common words you would know and hear about No 8 is that you do not have to be a fan of sports or basketball to be aware of who Kobe is or his impact on the lives of so many others. The untimely death of Mr. Bryant and his daughter taught me so many things that looking back also played a role in me posting blogs today.

Last year this time I was still in the shock and denial stage of my grandmother’s passing. At first I didn’t think that that in any way was connected in anyway but during the world grieving there were a few videos that I watched because I really wanted to know why the world really was/is so sensitive at this time, especially when someone so famous dies unexpectedly. I learnt that we all are connected as humans (duhh, but I am concerned if you didn’t know that or didn’t think so by now). I also learnt that most times when we hear about the death of someone especially if they are someone like Kobe, our emotions from having lost someone resurfaces. It is like we also feel for those who have lost. God really knew what He was doing when He made us. But let’s get into me last year this time.

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Basketball is something that draws my dad and I together. Hearing how shocked he was sounded scary enough to me. I knew something was wrong. It really had me shaken up. I don’t think I am still able to wrap my head around the untimely passing of #Mamba, but it is something that I think the world needed to place a different level of attention to, as it relates to believing in yourself, being successful, supporting others and staying loyal to what you believe in. It was not just basketball that these beliefs could be applied, and I think that was what hit many individuals, his diverse impact.
Many persons may have put 2020 aside and wait on 2021 in their focus, but I think the starting of the year is a way of testing just how strong we are as individuals and as human beings coexisting. Imagine completing and achieving the impossible in a year and decade that started so horrific. I think that God is showing us enough signs to get right, not only for ourselves, but for those that endured before us and has proven “believe in yourself”. The only thing we can do as humans is to keep the Bryant’s family in our prayers. Pray that their mental and emotional state does not hinder their potential. Pray that every step they make is not in fear, but in confidence that they were able to experience a legend and potential legend.
Whether you believe in God or a higher power or none of the above, we all have things we need to work on to improve as humans and live gracefully, loving, forgiving, and understanding of each other. We all have something that drives us to doing what is right, what is truthful, what is self-fulfilling, and empowering. The world needs YOU. Your voice, your art, your quotes, your advice, and your love.
Ensure that you are loving life and living every second as your last. Literally. So laugh if your joke funny to you. Cry if the ants bite too hot and go to that restaurant that you think makes the best pastries.
This is a sign that 2020 [this time around, 2021] is what you make it and it is not promised.
Show love. Don’t let this generation fool you into not being able to express what you feel, it can all be too late. Words can’t reach when they no longer can be heard.
#kobe

Regardless of your past or my past, we should all live knowing that we are not more than the other. We all are made from the same dirt and going back to the same Earth. We should help each other in any way possible.

So keep it clean, save the turtles, drink your water, add Lemon to your warm water, stop calling your older folks annoying, and make breakfast for your siblings. Thank God for making it home and on your way to wherever you go.
Listen to your uplifting music and keep on checking on yourself, at least an hour everyday.

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I wanted to share what I said last year this time just so that we can look at how my perspective was during this time and what this meant for me.

I never looked on life the same because I knew that life is short. We hear this every day we hear it everytime someone dies. This time I saw that my grandmother lived a full life and did all that she wanted to accomplish if not most without fear. Bryant was very accomplished and he also was doing what he loved. No one knows when their day will be and his death really pushed me to do what his legacy told us. To keep going. To push for what you want. Don’t wait on it. So those two things fueled me to know and understand that I cannot wait for the life that I want. I have to create it and that starts now. I don’t just know that I want to forgive someone, I do it and I tell them. I hug people when I need to. I apply for everywhere and every thing. I work really hard at my craft. I travel on my own if I need to (my grandmother? Top tier). So this is my salute to a great man and a young girl that I really look up to. She worked hard for the dream she wanted and was passionate. That is me. My little girl came alive again and I’m going to work on my passoon and dreams regardless of those that think I’m reaching or those that are in doubt trying to limit me or just those that do not believe in me. I want it and I’m going for it REGARDLESS. Thank you Lord for using this to teach us all that what we desire is already in us and our purpose must come to completion. I’ll work on mine and guys, please work on yours just the same. Don’t sit and watch others start their businesses or living their best life. God doesn’t have favourites. That is for you too. Just start.

~🇯🇲 The CreatOR creatED a creatIVE – Queen Ruthie 🇯🇲~