My teammate texted me yesterday to see if I was going to play in the Reignman Classic Basketball tournament this weekend. Our team plays every year.

Last year, I played in the tournament on the day of my book release party. I played in two games and then made myself presentable to do readings from my memoir, Back on the Court. I guess it seems appropriate, as the book is about finding happiness, finding love and finding my way back to the basketball court. A place I love to be.

This tournament, for me, is the closest thing to being back in college. Most players are ex-college athletes and the games are intense, fast paced and competitive. But most of the players are also half my age, and I was beginning to wonder if it might be time to hang up the high tops for this tournament. But then I got the text, the reassurance that I was wanted and I was glad, because there is nothing I like better than being on the court.

That’s when it hit me, what was I thinking, considering not playing? Playing basketball, doing this thing I love, is what helped save my life when I had nothing else to live for. There will be a time to hang up my shoes, when I can’t beat my man down the court on defense and I can’t catch the ball (because too many of my finger have been broken), but until then I will do what I love for as long as I can.

Listen to your heart and make time for the things you love.