Just do it!

Do you ever struggle to get yourself to workout? I’ve worked out once in the last 2 months. (I played basketball on my birthday.) I’m always pretty active. I walk, work around the house and yard, that sort of thing, but other than that I’ve been slightly lazy and It’s time I get out of the lethargic state I’m in and hit the gym.

I know how good it feels to be in shape. I’ve been there on and off my entire life, but these days there always seems to be something that gets in the way. Something more urgent. The laundry, the bills, chauffeuring kids from place to place. Even watching TV at times becomes more urgent.

Excuses. Yes, I know they are all excuses, but how do I get going again? It all started when I hurt my toe (yes toe). It slowed me down, gave me a “real” excuse. I still could have ridden my bike, used the elliptical, things of that sort, but I didn’t, I fell into this lazy state of being (and I’ll admit, a part of me really likes it). But now its time to get after it, like the classic Nike campaign, I will start the laundry, do the dishes and then give my self a kick in the butt….and JUST DO IT!

Special Delivery

I should be jumping for joy. I’ve got copies of my book on their way, but there’s a heaviness in my soul. It’s not surprising if I think about it, my mixed feelings. I’m happy that I’ve finally reached the goal of sharing my story of recovery, but with it comes a reminder of the loss. My memoir came with a reminder of Mark, a man that will be forever loved and missed. And a reminder for me to take the time to remember those I have lost and appreciate those that are a part of my life. A perfect Special Delivery.

Believe in Your Dreams

Never give up. I’ve used this philosophy on the court and in life for a lot of years. When I told my husband I was going to write a book, he said, “What do you mean, you don’t write?” He was right, but I knew after Mark died, after I struggled to go on living and to find happiness again, after that journey, I knew I would share my experience in a book. It wasn’t easy. I spent nearly ten years writing my memoir, taking writing classes, going to workshops and putting pen to paper, and then came the hard part, getting published.

Fifteen years into this writing journey, my kids have moved through preschool, elementary school, middle school and as of last week one is now in high school. My hair has grayed (though you can’t usually tell because it’s highlighted blonde) and my Bampa, my grandpa and a huge inspiration to my writing life, has passed on. Much time has gone by, but I never gave up, and on October 16^th my memoir Back on the Court will be released.

Do you have a dream that seems beyond your reach? A goal too lofty? Nonsense, if there is something you strive to achieve, believe in your heart that you will do it, and never give up!

Human Nature Connection

Recently I shot with photographer Tim McGuire for his Human Nature Connection project. We had planned on shooting for a couple hours on Tiger Mountain and ended up hiking and shooting there and then driving over to Little Mt Si for several more hours. An amazing day.

I was drawn to Tim’s project because, as much as I enjoy my time in the gym, nature has often been my savior in life, giving me a chance to sweat, breath and open my mind. I feel at peace there and seek it out it times of stress. I’ve included an except from my book BACK ON THE COURT about one of those times. To see more of Tim's Human Nature photos go to Tim McGuire Images.

excerpt from BACK ON THE COURT…

I can feel the tension that’s been building over the past months escape with every mile and every tear. The tears are all but gone by the time I reach the lodge at Paradise and when I see that the snow pack is low enough for me to reach with a short hike, I gather myself, and head up the mountain. There is something in nature that for me helps relieve tension, and at the same time helps me feel closer to Mark. My dad has climbed Mt. Rainer many times and grew up near the Austrian Alps. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to the mountains, to nature. It’s in my blood. The love of nature, of fresh air and pine trees, is a part of who I am.

I head up the nearest trail. The hike is steep, hard for me to maneuver with my injured leg. I like it. When I reach the snow there are two young snowboarders practicing jumps. They have hiked up with their boards and built themselves a ramp. I make a miniature snowman out of snowballs, take a self-portrait with the timer on my camera, and then find a dry rock where I can watch the snowboarders from a distance. I think of Mark. He has been gone, dead, for two whole years. It has been two years since I held his face in my hands and kissed his lips. Two years since we held one another tight and made love. The what-ifs, are unthinkable.

Swallowing hard, I lower my face to my knees and cry. When I look up the snowboarders have gone and I am alone on the mountain. The tears have washed through the depths of my soul and I sit in silence as the sun moves low in the sky. When I begin my slow descent down the trail, I am at peace.

BOOK LUST - Win a free PeaceLoveBasketball T-shirt!

I’m always looking for new basketball books to read. Coaching Philosophy, Skills & Drills, Memoir, Novel. My husband and I just finished the novel BLIND YOUR PONIES by Stanley Gordon West. Six young boys and their basketball coach give their small community something to believe in. It was a great read. A bit on the long side for me (though my 14 year old daughter breezed through it) I truly enjoyed the journey. I have several basketball books that I recommend at the Reading Room section of my website www.sonyaelliott.com, and I would love to get your opinion on more to check out.

To be entered in a drawing to win a free PeaceLoveBasketball T-shirt, and give fellow blog followers potential summer reads, jot down the title (and author if you know it) of a Basketball related book that you recommend in the comment section below.

Good luck and happy summer reading!

(Drawing ends July 31-suggestions can still be added to comments after that date, but participant will not be added to drawing. Participant may recommend more than one book but will only be entered once in drawing)

Just be

I’m too old for Cattle Calls. That’s what we in the modeling industry call a casting for a job with tons of people trying out. I’ve been modeling long enough now that by the time I see a client they have narrowed their choice down to two or three possible models via the Internet. But last week I watched as one by one, girls half my age, strutted into a casting and I thought, “What the hell am I doing here?”

I have learned to ignore my initial reaction. This is another area in my life where basketball has helped me by teaching me to be courageous in times of nervousness or fear. With modeling it’s not so much the competition as the fear of not being good enough, young enough, thin enough, tall enough. Being too muscular, too small, too blonde, not blonde enough. Over the years I have learned that I cannot be what every client wants me to be, so it’s better just to be me. (okay, well maybe a dressed up version of me) J

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” ~Judy Garland

Perfect Expectations

It’s tough being an athlete. And I’m not talking about for professionals; I’m talking about for kids. The expectations today’s society puts on young athletes are crazy. I’ve listened to parents and coaches berate kids for mistakes that are just that…mistakes. No one is perfect. My husband rolls his eyes when I remind him and my kids, “Even the pro’s make mistakes.”

As a coach and a parent I am no Saint. I get frustrated when my kids don’t do the things I know they can do. But I try my best to look at the big picture.

Two weeks ago I played out of my head and scored twenty points in my basketball game. Last week I stunk. I couldn’t hit a shot, threw the ball away and made a lot of stupid mistakes. I wanted to throw my hands up and cry but I’ve learned from my years on the court to dig deep and keep on going. It’s hard for an experienced athlete to make it through the tough games and to remember what all good athletes eventually learn: No one is perfect, just...NEVER GIVE UP.

Young athletes need encouragement and support. Expect them to push themselves and work hard. Don’t expect them to be perfect.