The Sociable Player

When a child decides that they want to be an athlete, they are groomed to strengthen their skills. They learn various skillsets and techniques to enhance their athleticism. All of these things are important to the essence of an athlete but many lack something major yet overlooked; social skills.

Being a great athlete with a bad attitude is not the way to be when building a career in the sports world. No one wants to deal with them. Of course when you are an needed by the team, your attitude will be overlooked because you are bringing in wins. Once the game starts to decline, so does the support to back you up. It is very important to be able to get along with your teammates. You must be able to have effective communication skills so that your team will understand what you are trying to imply on making that win. Not only with our teammates, but with coaches, trainers, and even staff. In order to be a winning athlete and have a winning team, it is important that effective communication is being implemented. It is also important to ensure that you have some form of connection with your teammates.When you are apart of a team, you have to understand that everyone has a role and each role is equally important.  Possessing social skills will carry you a long way: even after your time as athlete end. If you don’t believe me, just look at the former athletes that are doing things after retirement from sports. Now compare them to those have to ask ”where are they now.”

Photocredit: http://www.gq.com

The Invisible Wound of a Champion

I’m all about the present ~ Monica Seles

Imagine yourself living your passion and doing what you truly love and what you are truly great at. While you are in your passion, out of nowhere, someone pulls you out of it and take your power and passion away.

Monica Seles was once a power house on the tennis court. She was ranked No.1 and showing the world why she was the best at that time. On April 30, 1993, that was taken away from her in the blink of an eye. During a break, an obsessed fan of her rival ran to her out of nowhere and stabbed Monica in her back. Even though the stab was an inch and half deep and missed her organs. She received the worst wound of all; the invisible one that created Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event. Even when the traumatic experience has passed over, the mental stimulation continues to occur. They often relive the event which causes them not to partake in the similar event.

Monica struggled to play again and decided to retire in 2008. She continues to share her story in her autobiography. She also has made appearances so that she can let people know that she is still a champion.

June is PTSD Awareness Month. Let’s remember that all wounds are not visible and are not always healed.

Photocredit: www.onthisday.com

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The Silence of Men that Creates Suicide

As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.~Anthony Bourdain

I never thought that I would write another blog about a celebrity committing suicide less than seven days from a previous one that I have written. As we all were dealing with the suicide of Kate Spade, we all learned about the suicide of Celebrity Chef and television show host Anthony Bourdain. Anthony was found dead in his hotel room at a luxury hotel in France. He was in France working on an upcoming episode for his show on CNN. Just like Kate Spade, he also leaves a young daughter behind.
When it comes to suicide, men have the highest rate of suicide (women have the highest rate of suicide attempts). Although some women do give signs when they are battling suicide, men usually suffer in silence. A lot of men are not open to the emotions and do not acknowledge when they are dealing with struggles because they are taught to be strong and fix things. Where women are asked to share their feelings, men are often told to suck it up. We have to learn how to speak to the men in our lives to let them know that they are not alone. There are many men who showcase a mask of toughness but cry in silence. Unlike women, getting men to be transparent about their feelings is hard. We have to let our men know that we are here to support them and we are here to listen to them. Men need to learn to be able to communicate their struggles with other well like men that they feel can halo them and not emasculate them. With June being Men’s Health Awareness Month, we need to ensure that mental health is being a part of the awareness.

I do not know why Anthony chose to take his life and there is a big chance we may never know. I just hope that men who are reading this blog will understand that whatever they are dealing with, there is support for them and that they are truly appreciated and love.
If you or somebody you know is battling suicidal thoughts, there is help. The suicide prevention number is 1-800-273-8255. If you do not want to talk, you can text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Photo credit: Mystylenews.com

The Fashion Spade

I hope that people remember me not just as a good businesswoman but as a great friend- and a heck of a lot of fun ~Kate Spade.
In 2002, Fashion designer Kate Spade made this quote stated on how she wanted to be remembered. Sadly, this quote is now a reality. The recent suicide of Kate Spade has shaken up everybody; including her family. Kate presented herself as a happy person who was full of life when she was really full of sadness and anxiety. Her husband, shared that she has battled with depression and anxiety for a long time yet she has been receiving counseling for it (Her estranged sister stated differently). Even though he and Kate were separated (not legally and never spoke on divorce) they talked every day and held a family knit for their teen-age daughter. So how could a person with so much fame and money want to take their own life? Well the answer is easy; money and fame does not buy you true happiness. Kate Spade left a strong presence among many women. Although many are devastated about her death, they continue to say nothing but great things about her. Her suicide has been a shocker to many people close to her. It is hard to grasp that the person who appeared so bubbly was feeling great sorrow. Kate not only leave a husband, but she leaves a daughter who did not get the chance to tell her good bye. She also leaves a traumatic memory to the person who actually found her body

What we have to understand about suicide is that is does not discriminate against its potential victims. It does not care if you are rich or poor, male or female, straight or gay. When it comes to suicide, we are all potential victims of it. It is up to us to be educated and end the stigma about suicide. We have to be able to listen to people when they feel that they can” no longer handle it.” We have to be able to be still and listen to those who are going through it. We also have to recognize when thy re are going through it and feel that we ca no longer go on.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, pleas know that there is help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available for you 24/7. You can call them toll free at 1-800-273-8255. It is also a great resource for people who need direction on how to help someone who is contemplating suicide.
Photocredit: abc7Chicago.com