Guest Post: The Journey

Guest post from The Coach that resides in our home, this year is a particularly sentimental one for our family, some of our kids (because any part of the basketball family is just that - family) that we have spent countless hours with, in multiple cities and states over the summers are graduating in a few short weeks and it is really hitting home. Below he speaks out, which he hardly ever does, about his journey with a special group of young men over the course of two, three, four or five years on being in the huddle on the sidelines with them. He talks about how all chapters in life, no two alike, end as a new one begins and what you take with you when you go is most important. --------------------------------------------------The Journey-from beginning to end and this is what I’ve learned ------- Charlie Pack Are there things I’d go back and change? It’s only natural to say yes, but then we would not be where we are today and we wouldn’t be as wise as we are today, we wouldn’t be the people we are today. A journey consists of many things, many hours of pounding the stone hoping to just have a chance at the end. There will be highs and lows, you will sweat together, you will cry together (both of happy and sad ones) and you will be your brother’s keeper. Those that have support you,  embrace them, those are the people you can talk to about your dream, your journey and they will understand you, understand your determination and destination. Ignore those that doubt you, if you let them in they will only bring you down. Instead use their words, their doubts as motivation on the days you feel like quitting. There will be arguments, regrets, adversity, disagreements, and your character will be tested. Don’t let the obstacles overshadow the love, laughter, hugs, smiles, and bonds you build along the way.

And just as everything in life does, the journey will come to and end, people will move on and start anew. And with that change all you can do is hope that the relationships that have been built will outlast time. You hope that  the lessons you have been taught and values that have been instilled in you on this part of the journey help you achieve more in life and guide your path.

The beginning is scary, the process is fun and the ending is sad - that’s the complete journey. Letting go of things at the end of each chapter of your life can become emotionally draining. And you must start all over again. Developing new relationships, figuring out goals and what brings purpose to them. What are their goals on and off the court? And just like with every process, it is a challenge at first, but when you stick to what works, when those relationships blossom it is a beautiful thing.

Our journey has been a beautiful thing and it has made us who we are today. We can’t live in the past, we can’t go back and change it, we learn from it, let it make us better and brace for the future because nobody knows what’s ahead of us. Focus on the present, prepare for tomorrow and learn from the past and grow.  

The journey is not always easy but, it is worth every single second. Wins and losses don’t matter, it’s the relationships, smiles, hugs, and knowing you have helped them along the way and they have helped with yours that is truly what makes the process of the journey beautiful.

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