Editorial: We shouldn’t stress about the little things in life

On Sept. 10, 2019, I wrote an editorial entitled “It’s not how long you live, but how you live life.” So many local people who passed on way too soon but still affected our lives inspired that editorial.

With the unfortunate helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah Chester, and Payton Chester, it unfathomably shook the world. It served as another example of how life can be taken away in a heartbeat.

But for me, this was so much more. It was a reminder that in the sports world that we worry about so many little things that we forget that allowing our youth to learn, suffer losses and setbacks, and experience the thrill of bouncing back to become better can elude us. This was what Kobe Bryant and these people were doing. They were parents and coaches heading to a girls’ basketball game to teach and inspire. That is what probably upsets me more because these adults were making sacrifices for their children.

After the accident, I posted the following on my social media page:

“As a coach/athletic director, I always have dealt with the issues of parents wanting the best for their kids. There is a balance that must be maintained between the court and the community.

But the most important thing that as coaches and a community can do is raise our students, whether they are athletes or not, is to make them better people. We are far too consumed in a society that deals with winning and losing. We are far consumed about how much playing time a kid gets instead of doing the little things it takes to be successful. We are far too consumed about getting my kids to the pro and making millions of dollars.

Instead, let us use today as a reminder that we must learn to love and appreciate the blessings we have. We must not be jealous of the abilities of others or what others can bring to the table. Instead, we must use the talents and blessings that God has given each of us to uplift each other.

Everlasting life is worth far more than silver and gold. To get to that point, we must learn to live and love each other.

Do not let envy and selfishness be your downfall. Remember to spend time with your family, friends, and children. Tomorrow is not promised, but make your impact be felt today.

Love and prayers to the family of Kobe Bryant, the family of his daughter’s teammate’s family, and the pilot.”

That statement is the epitome of what it takes to build up programs in our communities. Parents, coaches, and student-athletes have to understand that everything isn’t going to be perfect and everything will go their way. However, the lessons taught will help shape the mentality to be successful.

In conclusion, life is precious to worry about the small things that affect us. Our goal is to encourage and encourage the next generation to be great at whatever they do. The task at hand isn’t to condemn each other, but to create harmony through our actions.

To all who have lost loved ones so far this year, remember that they set an example for you to live by. Make them proud.