In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s passing there has been a monumental outpouring of support and sadness.
People have suggested changing the game “21” to “24” in his honor
There is a petition to change the NBA logo to him
Regardless of anyone’s thoughts on him he was an American Icon
Few things have resonated with me as deeply as his Oscar winning film “Dear Basketball”
I didn’t grow up as a Kobe fan. I couldn’t have, he and I are the same age
When he was going to the NBA I was headed to college to play
I have always respected him as the flawed person he was and the consummate professional
I was recently reading through some quotes from him and one stuck out more than anything
It’s not about basketball and it’s not about him:
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bryant
That one hits home for me more than anything.
Maybe it’s because I’m a coach, maybe it’s because I’m a father, maybe it’s for another reason I don’t know yet
It’s part of why I write these letters to all of you
To help some of you understand that nobody is perfect and that Instagram lives are a sham
Life is tough and that struggle is what makes it worthwhile.
So here is something worth remembering:
DON’T EVER UNDERESTIMATE YOUR ABILITY TO INSPIRE OTHERS
Someone is inspired because you lost X number of pounds
Someone is inspired because you went back to the gym right after have those babies
Someone is inspired because you had the courage to leave the military and start a new chapter in your life
Someone is inspired because you only see age as a number and are fitter in your 50’s than your 30’s
Someone is inspired because you chose to beat addiction
Someone is inspired because you beat cancer
Those are only some of your inspirational stories
And that someone is me
Thank you for the inspiration
Fern
