Life is like the game of basketball, the shot we make and the outcome rely on how we strategize and execute our plans. At the end of a basketball game, a player often reflects. Did I defend my attacks? Did I give my all to the game? Did I abide by the rules? Was I disciplined on the court? The game, therefore, teaches us to be disciplined on and off the court, to be resistant towards attacks, and how shots made in the game allows us to analyze given opportunities.
As rational beings, we become conscious that there are rules and regulations we should abide by in various aspects of our lives. Firstly, at home, at school, the court, and in our social settings. Subsequently, not abiding by these rules results in penalties and consequences that affect us in one way or the other. Hence, to become law-abiding citizens requires us to be disciplined like basketball players, who learn to be selfless, work well with teammates, and follow directions. The game of basketball is much more than shooting hoops, it is the understanding of how to be a team player on and off the court. How to take constructive criticism and how to give one hundred percent. Just like life, we cannot expect to disregard rules or do what we wish and expect everything to be smooth sailing. In playing from a defensive position, seeking advice from coaches, mentors, colleagues, teammates and friends gives us the advantage in understanding life from various perspectives.
Moreover, your defense should be your greatest strength as day to day we may be faced with various challenges and distractions. These distractions can include; misusing drug substances, peer pressure, and engaging in violent or deviant behaviours. Therefore, how we defend or attack life, demonstrates our strength and compliance to the rules of life. We never know when our teammate will throw a ball unexpectedly; hence, we have to be alert and ready for what is to come. Life will also have bystanders or spectators who will examine your every move. Individuals or society may place predictions on your success and probably even place bets. They may ignore your victories and gossip about your failures but remember the ball is in your court so you decide your outcomes. Despite their negative talk, rise above it and make your best shot, which may be your shot to success.
Success comes when we rise above the negative circumstances, using them as stepping-stones to accomplish our goals. Similar to a basketball rim, the shooter has to look at which angle will give him the best shot is the same way we have to look at life. Sometimes things might not look feasible from one angle so we have to try it from another. Before a game, the team strategizes the best way to obtain the victory.
Although every attempt that you make may not be successful and you fail to accomplish your goal on the first try, this does not mean that you should stop. Mishaps and mistakes are part of the lessons of life. Along the path of life, we may recognize that achieving a goal can seem challenging when done alone. Moreover, having a supportive team assists us in making that shot because we cannot accomplish everything on our own. With the right mindset and the right team, anything is possible. Therefore, with the basketball in hand, grab those opportunities and make that shot before the buzzer goes off and your time runs out. Remember the ball is in your court. Follow the rules, be your best defense, and make the best shots every time. For when the time runs out, when the buzzer goes off and you ask yourself, did I give this game (life) my all? Your answer should be, YES!
Written By:
Juvenile Care Worker
Ms. Sharnice Richardson
