Monday’s Pen to Paper: Learning How To Walk In Peace
This weekend I had a woman, who is trained in self-defense, come to the gym to work with our girl’s basketball program. (We did this last year too, and both times it’s been a hit.) The girls have a blast and I love knowing that they are that much more prepared for life. Thanks so much to Sheri Hashemi (International Krav Maga Seattle) for her time and energy in working with our girls!
“International Krav Maga Seattle’s mission is to provide practical self-defense training to those who seek the knowledge so that they too can walk in peace.”
It’s important to be prepared for life and remember to always walk in peace.
WRITING PROMPT: What does “Walking in Peace” mean to you?
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: One Day At A Time
The high school girls that I coach had another big win this week. I’m happy for them, they have worked hard thus far to get in shape and develop their basketball skills. Still, they have a long road a head of them if they want to achieve all of the lofty, yet attainable, goals that they have set for themselves this year.
One day at a time.
A philosophy that works on and off the court…
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Check One Thing Off Your List
The house is quiet and I like it. The Holiday break this year was amazing but there is nothing like a silent house that helps me to unwind, even when I’ve got a long list of things to do already this New Year. The quiet makes it all seem less daunting.
I woke up early this morning, threw in a load of laundry, made lunches for my kids to take to school and then pulled out my dreaded paperwork. I figured I should knock things off my To-Do list right away. I have ASB and Booster Club deposits and expense reports to complete for basketball, so I spread papers and recipes across the kitchen table, (it felt like I had started on my taxes early this year, which I probably should) and got to work. It was nice to start the process, because it’s the paperwork that alway hangs over my head. Like most people (I’ve heard complaints), I hate it, but there is nothing better than the feeling I get when it’s done.
So with my paperwork complete and a quiet house and late practice ahead of me, I will have the perfect opportunity to carve out some writing time.
Check one thing off your New Years To-Do list and feel lighter.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write a list of things you need to do in 2015. Write a list of things you WANT to do in 2015.
WRITING PROMPT #2: Kelly hated making New Years Resolutions so instead she…
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Give Yourself A Break This New Year
The Holidays are always a little hectic for me, especially since it comes smack in the middle of basketball season, and this year the day after Christmas our basketball team met at 4:00am to catch a flight to California and returned December 30th at 10:30pm. We met friends early the next day, stayed out late New Year Eve and had friends over to watch football on New Years Day. I had a great time but today I was tired.
I could really tell I was in need of a break when my husband asked me to go play basketball after my practice this morning and I said, “No.” I waffled several times after my initial response, (because there was a part of me that wanted to be on the court), but for once, I didn’t REALLY want to play.
I am way behind on my To Do list and since I had been going non-stop all week, I decided to stay home and work, but as soon as my husband left, I couldn’t get motivated. Finally I gave up and moved to the couch. Thirty minutes later the front door flew open and so did my eyes and amazingly enough I felt refreshed and ready to stat our last basketball game and put away Christmas decorations.
Sometimes we just need a break. Maybe it’s an entire weekend away or maybe it simply means taking the time for a quick nap to recharge for the day. Do what you need to keep yourself healthy and happy this New Year!
Wishing you all the best in 2015!
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
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PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Tired Team? Time For Some TLC
This part of the season can get long, for both players and coaches. I’m not coaching this year, but my daughter reminded me of the fact yesterday (I’m visiting her at college where she is playing basketball). She said that she and her teammates are all really tired right now and having a hard time getting motivated. Suddenly I was transported back my years as a coach, and I remembered the look on the players faces, uninspired, distracted, anxious (finals were usually taking place at this time) and bored. They were burnt out and tired. Tired, not because they were out of shape (like my husband insisted) but mentally fried. It happened every year.
This was always the moment that I felt the urge to run them until they wanted to cry. Go all “old school” on […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Opportunity
Recently, when I was frustrated with the way I was playing, I reminded myself of how lucky I am just to be on the basketball court, working out and hanging out with my teammates. So I dug a little deeper and kept at it and when the game was over (though we lost by two points) I was thankful that I had been there. Thankful that I can still play this game that I love.
When you’re frustrated with your game. Keep working and remind yourself of why you play.
Monday’s Pen to Paper: The Write Place
Where is your favorite place to write? I’m enjoying testing out different coffee shops in my neighborhood. And it’s interesting that each one has done its job and helped me to sit down and focus on writing. I don’t allow myself to get on the Internet; I just grab some tea, find a table, open my computer and write. It’s a beautiful thing.
Last Tuesday when a table behind me got really chatty I found that the noise melted away as I began to write, when I got chilly at another place I simply asked for more hot water for my tea and wrapped my scarf around my neck and last Friday when the only spot left in my chosen café was a battered old sofa, I thought about driving to a different location but instead curled up with my […]
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