Monday’s Pen to Paper: Good Pride
I’m coaching a girl’s basketball camp this week. They are 3rd though 8th graders. One of the things that we do, along with a lot of basketball, is keep a journal during snack break. I give two or three questions for the girls to write about, and discuss if they like, with their group. Questions like, “What’s your favorite animal?” , “Where would you like to travel?”, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” or my favorite, “Write about something that you are proud of…”
I love to watch the girl’s minds spin.
Helping my little sister with homework. My grades. My piano recital. When I sat with my grandma.
What is something that you have done in your life that you are proud of?
WRITING PROMPT: Write about something that you are proud of.
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Finding Your Way
About once a month I speak at a massage school during their trauma unit. I was a trauma patient after I was hit by a train back in 1991, and receiving massage was a huge part of my healing. I was also a Liscenced Massage Practioner for 18 years (but life got in the way of me actually doing it for a living) so I understand both perspectives.
When I meet with the class we gather in a big circle and I share my experience with trauma and massage, and I invite the students to ask as many questions as possible. This week when I was talking I was reminded again of how important basketball was to my recovery. Having something I was passionate about to focus on, helped me to stay motivated when rehab was tough and believing that life was still worth living was tough. I would grab a ball, roll it around in my hands, breath in the sweet smell of leather and hit the hardwoods. First it was just dribbling back and forth all alone but eventually I was back on the court, doing what I love.
If you are going through tough times, find something that you are passionate about to help you find your way.
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Surround Yourself with Positive
In Friday’s PeaceLoveBasketball blog I wrote about how a person’s energy can affect a group. Our friend’s favorite holiday became our favorite holiday (at least for the day). We donned the parties theme attire – red, white and blue 70’s – and came prepared to celebrate. I related this concept, how one person’s enthusiasm can change or alter the opinions of many, to basketball, but of course it relates to life and writing as well.
Writer’s often work alone. So one person’s input and energy can have a great impact.
Years ago, when I started my book, Back on the Court, a writing coach read through bits and pieces of my first-draft. She was so positive and encouraging I felt inspired to move forward. A couple of years later (yes, a couple of years, that book was a 10 year project), an acquaintance, and fairly accomplished writer, read my much improved manuscript and had nothing good to say about it. Initially I was devastated, but after I sorted through the hurt and irritation, I moved forward and reminded myself that his opinion was just that, an opinion.
It was also a reminder to surround myself with positive energy. That’s not to say that a person can’t, or shouldn’t, have readers and editors that suggests changes or recommend new ideas or tell you that a portion of your writing isn’t up to par, because that is why you have people read your work, to help make it better, but this help can come with a gentle heart.
Surround yourself with people who share your ideals and support your hopes and dreams with enthusiasm.
WRITING PROMPT #1: Write about a positive, supportive writing experience. Write about a negative experience.
WRITING PROMPT #2: Della and Jonathon joined the party just as…
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: A Fire of Energy
The 4th of July is one of my friend’s favorite holidays. I have alway liked the day well enough, but it’s interesting how one person’s enthusiasm can change or alter the opinions of many. I now have a group of friends that are excited about celebrating the day. Today we will be dressing red, white and blue 70’s style.
This type of energy can do the same thing on the basketball court. If you get one or two players with positive competitive enthusiasm, it will spread like wild-fire. (Of course this can happen with bad energy and that fire needs to be put out quickly.) Whether you are a coach, player or fan, spread positive energy on the court and enjoy the game!
Happy 4th!!!
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: Life In Triple -Threat
I had the opportunity to speak to the seniors at my old high school. And when I talked to them about setting goals and making choices, I brought basketball into the mix. It may not seem like there is a connection but let me explain.
When I play basketball my goal is to win, and in order to do that, our team must get more points than the other team. So, I play tough defense and every time I catch the ball, I catch it in triple-threat position, facing the basket (my goal). Triple-threat means I am a threat to the opponent in three ways, I can shoot, pass or drive. I must read the defense, assess my options, and make a choice. Just like I do in life.
If I’m open and in my range, I might shoot the ball. If I see […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Time To Soar
I don’t remember having National College Declaration Day when I headed off to school. Is all the attention on this choice a good thing? I’m not sure, because it’s already a stressful time for seniors. There’s a ton of pressure to make the perfect decision on a school to attend, during a time when they are smack in the middle of taking AP tests, finals and applying for scholarships.
I know, because my daughter has been going through this over the last few months and it has been stressful. Her original college choice ended up being WAY too expensive. It had been our understanding that with merit aid, etc, the cost would be close to the University of Washington, it was not. Even with scholarships she was looking at paying $51,000 a year. We couldn’t, and wouldn’t, pay $240,000 for four years of college. […]
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: Take Pride
My full-time job is being a mom. Raising kids is such an honor and most of the time I love it, but sometimes I feel like I’m going CRAZY! It’s hard work (not to mention that you don’t get a lot of credit for being a mom). It’s morning until night, constant, from the first years when you’re nursing and changing diapers until the days when you’re getting ready to send kids off to college.
My kids are both in high school now and my duties today include; packing lunches (I know I don’t HAVE to do this, but I want to. They do get their own breakfasts), doing laundry, ironing my daughter’s dress to wear when she performs in a talent show tonight, walking the dogs (also mom duty), picking up my son’s computer and dropping money off […]
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