I heard this quote the other day, and I can't remember who it was, but basically they said "you know you're in love when your happy just because your friend, person, family member or whatever is happy". Of course it got me thinking about all types of relationships I have with people and really thinking is it actually that simple?
My first thoughts always begin with my wife and that statement definitely holds true there. Nothing in this world makes me happier than seeing her happy. Then I go down that rabbit hole because I sure as hell don't do EVERYTHING that makes her happy(as I sit here on my laptop instead of finishing the dishes). Nothing in this world is black and white. Nothing! As we get older and mature we begin to realize time is always a factor. I may work more than Jaci wants me to but at the end of every day I come home to her and our beautiful family. We've built a great life together and to sustain everything in our life we have to work! With that expectations change. I believe levels of happiness get deeper as the level of importance someone may mean to you. Nothing makes my wife more happy than me walking through the door at night, whole.
Again, I do believe this statement but I also believe sacrifices go both ways. I use the term sacrifice loosely, but if all I had to do was be happy for my partners to be happy then wouldn't we all be one happy family? Exactly, it isn't that easy. However, I do believe it is that simple when defining true love for someone or something. If someone's happiness brings you pure joy, hold on to that special feeling.
I have a few friends in my life that we only call each other when exciting or great things are happening. Of course there are a few exceptions when things are REALLY bad and I'll get bad news but just normal conversations are always positive. That to me is true love in a friendship. I tell my buddies all the good stuff that is going on and vice versa. I know if I went to them with the hard stuff they'd drop everything and come running to help me. But, that is not what I need or want. They all have lives and families and it is important to all of us that each other are present in their lives and not worrying about each others cold, paper cut or "sad" day.
As always, we will finish on how does this translate to basketball. Love and Basketball!! This is why I love coaching! Every season I set out to build a family, because every season is going to come with new challenges. Even if I have the same 10 kids as the season prior, the goal is the same; culture, positivity and just an overall gratitude for each other's success. When you are cheering your brothers and sisters on and truly enjoy seeing them hit a big shot, take a charge, get a big block, or get an and-1, that love is there. I am a firm believer in going to war on the court. We have to love the game and our team more than we love individual accolades. It is that simple on the court! Every step forward together, as a team. 110% effort all the time and 1% better every day.
With love always,
Coach Nicholson