Kobe

Imagination. Obsession. Inspiration. Artistry.

Genius.

These are words that come to mind when I think about Kobe Bryant. I sit and write this with he inability to truly wrap my head around the fact that he is gone, and even more tragically, that his 13-year old daughter is gone with him.

These are moments when we are forced to collectively acknowledge the fragility of life. We take the time to let those around us know that they are loved, appreciated, and important in our lives. Through tragedy, we prove the resilience of the human spirit, the innate compassion that exists in all of us, and the shared inspiration that we draw from those who instill it.

Imagination. This is the word that I have heard all day when peers recollect times with Kobe. In imagination, there are so many factors at hand. There is curiosity, creativity passion, diligence, enthusiasm and confidence. Imagination drives progress. It is the vision to conceptualize to others what may seem impossible, and push yourself to make that impossible a reality. Think about an 81 point game. This is something that only a true madman would imagine happening in the modern NBA. Kobe Bryant made this impossible a reality in front of our eyes. Let him be your reminder to imagine, visualize, and create everyday.

Obsession. Kobe Bryant was obsessed with the game of basketball. He was obsessed with not only winning, but doing so at the highest level possible. In obsession, exists determination, tactical precision, tireless work habits, and a bit of insanity at times. Stories of his work-ethic are those of an insane person. My favorite being the fact that he watched film of sharks stalking their prey in the wild in order to guard Allen Iverson. Normal people don’t do that. Kobe Bryant was not a normal person.

Artistry. Kobe Bryant represents a rare breed of individual who transcend the traditional concept of their industry and exist on a higher plane. Through obsession, imagination and inspiration, they become something greater. They become artists. The way that Kobe Bryant played the game of basketball was not normal. It was a work of art. The ingenuity to take risks that aren’t considered acceptable moves the needle forward in all facets of our society. To visualize angles of attack, create shots, and perform moves that have never been seen before require a level of knowledge and fearless thinking that only few possess. The court a blank canvas, and we were privileged to see him paint his Sistine Chapel for 20 years.

During times of great loss, we are tasked as a society to look in the mirror and ask “How can we be better?” Our only hope is that we move forward with a sense of understanding and appreciation for what was taken away from us. Often those who embody the very same characteristics that we are celebrating Kobe Bryant for today, such as risk taking, removal of self-doubt, and attempts to create, are belittled by those around them. It is imperative to appreciate and love those who are bold enough create, as they are the ones who inspire the next line of creators to be better than their predecessors.

All of this to say, today is a very sad day. We lost a rare breed of individual and his daughter, who no doubt would have contributed incredible things to this planet. I task you to look yourself in the mirror today and ask how you can be better, and that you are honest with yourself. With honesty comes an understanding that perfection is impossible, and the desire to improve does not have to be a self-destructive process. Understand that you are never a completed project. Understand that you are good enough. Remove self-doubt and create something incredible. Lace your boots up and climb YOUR mountain– whatever it may be.

Without the Kobe Bryants of the world, society remains stagnant. Progression is vital to our very existence. While it may seem impossible, the journey to the peak of your mountain begins with the confidence to take the first step. Imagine the detriment to society if Kobe Bryant never touched a basketball. The inability to utilize your gifts is a disservice to your peers. Draw inspiration from the Mamba, and take the first step up your mountain.

Finally, thank you Kobe for everything you’ve done. The world is a worse place without you here, but we will not only endure. We will prosper.

Mamba Out.