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LeBron’s decision offers lessons on life

5 min read

LeBron James is going home! As I was preparing this week’s commentary, I was interrupted by the announcement that so many folks were waiting to hear. I think that this news is my Godwink and I am going to use it as inspiration for our conversation today.

LeBron James is leaving the Miami Heat and going back home to the Cleveland Cavaliers. After weeks of speculation, a possible slip-up notice from his wife’s social media account, and fans camping out on his lawn, King James announced his plans via an essay issued in Sports Illustrated.

The 29-year-old four-time NBA MVP gave a very subdued and different announcement when compared to his 2010 decision to join Miami’s team. This time, LeBron opted for heartfelt introspection and written communication rather than a major media event. In his essay, he conveyed his love for his hometown and the importance of his growth as a player, a husband, a father, and a man. He says, “These past four years helped raise me into who I am. I became a better player and a better man.”

Isn’t it amazing what we can learn about ourselves from reflection and from our reflection? Wait a minute — is she repeating herself? No — I assure you that I am not. Read the question again. You see, we can learn a lot about ourselves by reflecting, thinking back on our past, our decisions, our thoughts, etc. We can also learn a lot about ourselves by viewing our reflection, our image in the mirror.

We know that a mirror is used to show us our reflection. What we see in the mirror is our home. The man or woman in the mirror is who we are. We must check-in with home base so that we can intentionally grow into the person we are destined to be. We can only grow, when we know who we are and consciously choose to add value to ourselves. Law #3 is the Law of the Mirror.

Dr. John Maxwell says, “You must see value in yourself to add value to yourself.” When LeBron left Cleveland, he saw the opportunity to add value to himself. In his essay, he doesn’t apologize for leaving the Cavaliers. He equates the experience to “going away to college,” a time typically marked by considerable personal, academic and professional growth. He understands that he needed to grow away from home so that he could be the leader that he is now.

From reading this article, many may think that I am a LeBron or Cavaliers fan. Honestly, I’m not. I love Blake Griffin – more so because he is cute. I mean he is talented too but he is a cutie. I haven’t really followed professional basketball since it was real basketball — like the Jordan/Pippen era (before Michael ever retired). Anyway, back to the commentary.

LeBron’s story of personal growth is relevant and timely. The ability for one to look in the proverbial (and physical) mirror and reflect on his/her life in order to make critical decisions to grow is essential to fulfillment. When we look in the mirror we see our imperfections, our successes, our hopes, and our fears. We see who we are. How we see ourselves will dictate how we invest (or don’t invest) in ourselves. Remember — You must know yourself to grow yourself and you must see value in yourself to add value to yourself. Believe that you are worth investing in. Love who you see in the mirror. S/He is worth your love.

Think about it this way. If you are a parent, you show love to your child in a variety of ways. You may give them gifts, discipline them for wrongdoings, reward them for achievements, pay for them to go to camps and schools, and so on. If you are in a relationship, you show love to your partner in a variety of ways. You may create memorable dates, give them special gifts, show them affection, and so on. How do you love yourself? Do you invest in yourself in meaningful ways? I don’t mean buy yourself the newest pair of Jordans; I mean truly invest in your growth, your goals, your future. Well if not, I encourage you to start now.

Over the next two weeks, we are going to journal about how we see ourselves. We are going to use positive self-talk, move beyond our own limiting beliefs and intentionally add value to others. Here is what John and I want you to do: 1. Make a list of all of your BEST personal qualities. If this proves difficult for you, don’t stop — struggle through it. Don’t stop until you have written 100 positive things about yourself. 2. Review the list and then decide on ONE word that best describes you. Make this word your North Star as you begin adding value to yourself. 3. Are you aware of how you talk to yourself? Using your smartphone or an index card, tally the number of times each day during the two weeks that you think something positive or negative about yourself. Keep separate lists — one positive and one negative. Be honest. 4. If you want to feel valuable, then add value to others. Find a way to serve and add value to others on a weekly basis. Do something that uses your strengths, benefits others, and makes you feel good about yourself. Start small but do something.

Keep track of your progress and celebrate your worth. Don’t forget that at the end of this series, you can join me in person at a live event. Early bird tickets are on sale now! Get more information at www.gmarieproductions.com.

Gina Jones is a life-long resident of Fayette County and serves the community as an encourager, educator and advocate.Learn more about Gina at www.gmarieproductions.com.

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