[020] this storm isn’t passing
you are better off learning how to love the rain.
To the person:
Life is a series of ups and downs, calm seas, and turbulent waters. Each of us faces storms, whether they are personal struggles, professional challenges, or even bigger issues. It’s easy to find ourselves wishing for a break, hoping that the storm will pass soon. However, the key to navigating these turbulent times lies not in simply waiting for them to end but in finding peace within them.
The Eye of the Storm
In the midst of a hurricane, there is a place of calm—the eye of the storm. This is a powerful metaphor for life. Finding your own "eye of the storm" means discovering a sense of peace and stability even when everything around you is chaotic. It’s about developing a mindset and strategies that allow you to remain centered and composed, no matter what challenges you face.
Strategies for Finding Your Eye of the Storm
Mindfulness and Meditation: One of the most effective ways to find inner peace is through mindfulness and meditation. Taking time each day to focus on your breath and clear your mind can help you stay grounded. It allows you to detach from the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions that storms can bring.
Acceptance and Letting Go: Accepting that storms are a natural part of life can be liberating. Instead of resisting or wishing them away, acknowledge their presence. Letting go of the need for control can reduce anxiety and help you focus on what you can influence.
Perspective and Gratitude: Shift your perspective to see the storm as an opportunity for growth. Each challenge you face is a lesson that can make you stronger and wiser. Practicing gratitude, even for small things, can help you maintain a positive outlook.
Support Systems: Lean on your support systems—friends, family, mentors, or support groups. Sharing your experiences and seeking advice can provide comfort and new perspectives. You don’t have to weather the storm alone.
Self-Care: Prioritize self-care to keep your physical, emotional, and mental health in check. Whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply taking time to relax, self-care is crucial for maintaining your resilience.
Embrace the Rain
There will always be another storm on the horizon. Instead of constantly hoping for clear skies, learn to dance in the rain. Embrace the challenges and uncertainties of life. By developing resilience and finding peace within yourself, you can navigate any storm with grace and confidence.
Remember, it’s not about avoiding the storm but about finding your calm center and riding it out. Life’s storms are inevitable, but with the right mindset and tools, you can weather them and emerge stronger than ever.
To the player:
To me, the most beautiful thing about the game of basketball is the uncertainty that comes with it. From game to game, day to day, and year to year, you don’t know what challenges you’re going to face or what storms are going to present themselves. It may be that you work your ass off all summer to win a spot on a team only to get there and have politics rear their ugly head. Another year, it may be an injury that you face while having the best statistical season of your career. No matter what the obstacle is, every single day you get a choice: either embrace the storm and become comfortable in the rain, or run from it and complain about how turbulent the conditions are. The constant is that the storm isn’t going anywhere; it’s simply going to change form, and you have to build yourself up to be a person who can handle whatever the game gives you.
Of course, this isn’t an easy skill to learn. If you want to be great, you must work on it daily throughout your career. Develop resilience by putting yourself in challenging situations and using them to enhance your ability to deal with obstacles. Reflect on the hardest thing you’ve had to go through in your life and your career and remember that you’re still here today. The fact of the matter is you’re stronger than you think and more capable than you’re willing to admit right now. Keep going.
