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One of my favorite teachers of all time, Mr. Wheeler, came to a lot of our games. I still didn’t quite understand what he was trying to say until about a year ago, when he wished me a “Happy birthday” on FaceBook. He meant that even when things aren’t going my way, keep shootin’. The only way it won’t is if I stop shooting the ball.

I’ve noticed that I’ve gotten way too comfortable wasting things, like: time, energy, food, cash, and worry. I read somewhere that when we value something, we tend to be treat that thing better than the things we do not value. …because I value the things I listed above, and I know that it is a privilege to have them. Also, there are millions of people worldwide, and in my very own city who can’t afford to waste those things.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeding off all the positive energy (and a little bit of the hate, too). And I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to start working on my resolutions. When some of those things became exhausting (because they weren’t meant for me), or they weren’t “fun” anymore, I flaked out. If I know I cannot be consistent on another project, I will have to respectfully pass up the opportunity (because it’s probably meant for someone else’s purpose).

Today, it’s easy to march downtown and then head out to breakfast. It’s easy to find a quote online, or tell the world why we have a dream and add a few hashtags. While these acts are awesome (and worthwhile), let’s channel that energy and motivation each and every day I will challenge those around me to be more giving, caring, and empathetic to others (regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, etc.).