Growing up my dad, brother, and sister loved watching sports on TV. Basketball, baseball, football, tennis. My mom and I could take it or leave it. I did enjoy being around my family in the TV room soaking up some of the joy they felt even if I didn’t understand the rules or why they cared so much about it. I mostly focused on the commercials or occasional human interest story about the players.
When it comes to professional athletes I can appreciate raw talent, hard work, and drive but what I tend to zero in on is kindness. Are they a person that I feel good about rooting for? For me the person who fits all of the above is LeBron James. He uses his fame and platform to make the world a little better than he found it.
He also has a meditation series in the Calm app that I have been enjoying lately. If such things still existed, I could listen to him read the phone book and when he tells me relax and be present I am never annoyed by his voice. In a recent meditation he discussed all the people that influenced who he is today and talks about each of their unique impact on him as a person, not just a player.
It reminded me that one of my favorite Storied interviews to do is the short and sweet 'gift interviews' where you share what you love about someone using stories to illustrate what they mean to you.
If talking to me and having it recorded isn't for you, take a moment to look at a few of these questions and share your answers with the first person who comes to mind. Write them, call them, text them, just tell them.
My best sports analogy related advice is this: In the game of life be more of a LeBron than a Brady.
Your Ted Lasso loving friend,
becca