VENTING WITH KOBE

On Friday evening,  Kobe Bryant, superstar guard for the LA Lakers, ruptured his Achilles tendon during a basketball game. It's a serious, potentially career-ending injury.  Later that night, Kobe posted a lengthy post on Facebook, essentially venting about his devastating injury.  The post is full of raw emotion -- frustration, fear, anger, and confusion. I've never torn my Achilles tendon, but I can relate to those emotions.  I can't say I'd handle it any better, although I can bet I might handle it a lot worse.

Yes, Kobe has had issues, both on and off the court.  No, he's not perfect.  But neither am I, which is about all the perspective I need to hear someone out.

And what sticks with me most about his post is that it ends on both a practical and a hopeful note.  Yes, I hope to come back, but no, that day isn't today.  

In the end, isn't that pretty much all any of us can say when it comes to major setbacks?  You get back up, work hard, hope for the best, and make the most of whatever future comes your way.

We're rooting for you Kobe.  If you didn't know it already, welcome to People of the Second Chance.

Here's a copy of Kobe's Facebook post:

This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that? I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends.

Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.

One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence. Today is NOT that day. "If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer.

I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru.

Thank you for all your prayers and support. Much Love Always. Mamba Out