It's been a while since lessons in my 20s. The truth is, I was struggling. Feeling lost, overwhelmed, and questioning everything. But through it all, a powerful message kept echoing: "Leave the game better." These words, from the legendary Kobe Bryant, sparked a fire within me. It's not just about basketball, it's about leaving a positive impact on everyone we meet. Think about it: how can we use our gifts, and our experiences, to uplift others? Are we letting fear hold us back from making a difference?
I wish we all understood that we aren’t some tiny fish in a big pond- this has bothered me for years because I knew there was more about my life, use your twenties to find your why. That we aren’t just static. That we aren’t just one of many people being and doing what we do. That we are everything and more. That God created us with a mission, and that for every time we choose to do nothing, we give opposition one up on good. Living till you are 100 years old, is a very nice wish, but the time we have on earth means nothing, if your existence means nothing. Leave the game better.
my silence could cost someone a chance to overcome a struggle. Just like the times I've helped a friend or mentored a young colleague, the impact can be life-changing.
We all have a purpose and a mission. Let's ditch the negativity, the complaints, and the burdens that weigh us down. Let's choose to be better, to leave every person, place, and situation we encounter a little brighter.
This doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Start small. Offer a few words of encouragement, share your knowledge, or simply be a listening ear. The ripple effect of kindness is powerful.
Together, let's leave the game better than we found it.
You too must push past your fears and doubts and favor the side that supports the destinies of those you could impact if you take that one decision.
I have made decisions that saved a friend from suicide and I have also had moments I felt, if I had said something, maybe I could give this person a fighting chance. I was almost giving up to fear in an experience I had last week with just having the right words to say to a depressing soul, this is not to accolades of men but the peace I felt after doing it. It has been a burden lately to do something for the boychild, I understand how much greatness has come out from previous discussions and mentorship, and, maybe this is the time to rise again, to do something about the good burdens that we carry.
You are not ordinary- Leave the game better.
With blindfolds to the things of the world, you can leave the world better. I will say, start with one person, ensure that you have someone in your life who through your influence didn’t give up, stayed on course and never had to make the mistakes you made. There is a younger better you in such person, find it and leave it with them, also, be kind to leave them a message – PAY IT FORWARD.
Recently, I engaged the interns in my office about their impression when I just got in, just freshly out of school and decided to just check up on them daily, have 3 minutes pep talk from the part that I am an expert in, giving reasons to fight for a chance to be in the team and also acquire knowledge to become more, all I was doing was to give them something I never had- their words were soothing and this is one way to leave the game better.
We cannot keep complaining about how we were treated or savor the wounds that we still carry and nurture daily, all we need to do is be better, to leave the game (person, community, church, school, group, friends, relationships) better.
You won’t have met me in my 20s and I didn’t leave an impression of a possible greatness in you. it’s all part of leaving the game better and this is what I want to be remembered for, leaving every place and person I encounter, better.
Live well to Die well- Fr Ayo Abe.
With love,
Olajide
Wow
This is amazing,
I'll leave the game better, thank you so much for this sir.