The past couple of weeks have kind of been a lot. With school starting as well as the chaos of trying to get into a routine, stress and anxiety can often take over and make you feel like you can’t handle the next slight inconvenience thrown your way. I know that I’m guilty of letting my anxiety take over, even in the little challenges I have in my day-to-day. During times like these, it is easy to lose sight of the things we have in every day life and how we often take them for granted. Personally, during these times, I try and step back from the situation that is causing me stress and realize that this time will pass.
As many if us have seen through the countless articles and social media posts, Kobe Bryant as well as his daughter, Gianna Bryant and seven other people passed away in a helicopter crash. Personally, I did not follow his career but I knew of him and his significant role he played in not only the NBA but in the WNBA as well. I was honestly shocked when I found out that he was involved in the crash. I obviously did not know him personally, but it’s strange to hear so much about one person and then reality sinks in that they are actually gone forever. When I heard that his daughter passed away in this crash with him, I instantly felt a wave of sadness and grief for what those families must be going through. I couldn’t even imagine what that pain is like for those families. Knowing they started their day most likely giving their goodbyes to their loved ones not knowing it would be the last time they saw them is truly heartbreaking.
I’m using this example, one among many tragic stories like this one, to remember to take the time to appreciate the things in life that you have. Whether that may be family, friends, pets, really anything. Make sure to give the ones you love a hug, or maybe even a little reminder that you love them. It is easy to take these things for granted and not acknowledge the things we have in life. The ultimate truth is that life is precious and cannot be taken for granted. After a tragedy such as this one, it almost acts as an eye opener to realize and appreciate the simple things in life. Putting oneself in the shoes of the families who lost their loved ones is unimaginable. This eye opening reminder make us realize to appreciate every moment that we have with each other and be grateful for the life that we have.