If Not Now...When?
I, like you; and most of the entire world, am shocked by the devastating news that Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and several other yet to be named people died in a tragic helicopter crash Sunday morning January 26, 2020. Kobe was without question among the greatest NBA players in history and a living legend of epic proportions. His accomplishments are too vast to list here but the very mention of his name says it all. At only 41 years young, his sudden departure is a startling reminder to all of us still living that no day is promised. As we grieve his loss, my family’s heart, prayers and condolences go out to the Bryant’s and the other families involved in the crash. Kobe’s breathtaking example of living a life of excellence full out woke me from my sleep with the burning question, “if not now…when”.
As I’ve recently shared with those that have read my Daily Inspirations, the past year has been one of the most challenging of my life. As I’ve gone through the struggle, I’ve been constantly met with an answer I’ve denied and repeatedly pushed back into tomorrow. The answer has been twofold,
Write my second book “Believe”
Publicly acknowledge all of the people that have influenced my life to the world
The first is a goal that I accomplished 25 years ago in 1995 as the author of my first book, ‘USA Wrestling’s Coaches Guide to Excellence’. ‘Believe’ has been on my mind for over a decade and I’ve failed to find the inspiration to complete it until now. Kobe Bryant’s life was an example of not putting off tomorrow what needs to be done today so both the individual and the world at large can receive the benefit of the gifts only you can provide. Stay tuned for its completion and release shortly.
The second answer is born out of a deep understanding that no one here does anything of magnificence alone. The developer of chiropractic, B.J. Palmer’s timeless quote, “you never know how far reaching something you think, say or do today will impact the lives of millions tomorrow”, pounds in my head like the constant thud of a bass drum setting the tempo for a song. There have been so many people that have poured themselves into me of which most may have no idea of the impact they’ve spawned by their impact on my life. Not publicly acknowledging this ends now.
Here’s the first – Kobe, though I never met your personally, you we’re a shining example of our Vision, ‘that all human beings discover their full potential’. Though devastated by your loss, I’m inspired by your brilliance, achievements and commitment to excellence that you embodied by showing us all what is possible to those who believe in themselves Thank you for your example which has inspired me to pay it forward into the world as you did for all of us. Ironically, one who I knew the least, is the one who’s meant the most to me at this critical point in my journey. Go to https://www.brettpenager.com as a brief stop on your journey to discovering your full potential.
The question, “if not now…when?” has a timelessly simple answer; TODAY. Eternal love and gratitude for you Brother Kobe. Mamba out. Believe…