Taking a Step Back

JamesOn Curry, pronounced James-On Curry. I remember him playing college basketball, he was a good player at Oklahoma State. He went to the NBA and now holds the record for the shortest NBA career in history. He played a grand total of 3.9 seconds. Now, I’d imagine when he checked into that game there was no way he thought his career would be 3.9 seconds. There’s no way walking to the parking lot that night to his car he thought, “well that’s it I will never do that again.” There’s no way he truly appreciated the moment of achieving something that very few people in this world will ever achieve, even if for only 3.9 seconds.It reminded me of what my college coach, Mike Madagan said to the team once, “none of you have ever appreciated the moment, you’re just too young to realize things end. When you played in high school you only worried about playing in college. Now you’re in college and you’re only worried about how to play more or play professional. You aren’t enjoying the opportunity you have.”I thought about that when he said it and he was right. I did not enjoy high school basketball the way I should have looking back. I was thinking if I score enough points, get enough rebounds, maybe then colleges will give me a scholarship. If I had an off game I didn’t think “that’s okay at least I had fun.” I would think what do I need to do next game to balance out my averages to impress colleges.I am still guilty of it and although I am more aware of it, the fact remains I always want more out of my life. I don’t believe it to be a bad thing, but I try to remind myself, enjoy the moment because moments will eventually turn into the “good old days.” I try to enjoy these toddlers destroying my house because one day they’ll be adults who only come to visit. I try to appreciate everyone who buys or sells a home with me because it might a pivotal moment in their life to have more children, pay off debt, or fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a home.So if this is you and you get consumed in what’s next I encourage you to take a step back and look around. Enjoy “what is” even if it’s a struggle because a struggle can turn into a triumph.