Different games offer different lessons, depending on what you are looking for. I found that failing was something that has been very difficult for me to deal with, and that goes back to my childhood. Though I’ve gotten better, there was a point when I’d doubt myself so much that I would not be able to begin a task that I didn’t believe I could accomplish. The fear was absolutely arresting…and stifling. If you add to that a difficulty with repetition, you can see the vast limitations lying ahead.

When I started my gaming journey, I found that it did not come easy. From navigating the controller, to being able to see and navigate my surrounding…I found that I was constantly frustrated; more importantly I was afraid I would always lose so I began backing away from gaming. When I couldn’t get past a certain point, I wanted someone to get me past it, or I’d abandon the game. Though we’re talking about a game this behave can be seen in other areas of life.

I decided one night while battling with Smite that it was time to put this game to good use. You see, this wasn’t a life event…it’s game and it should be fun. With that fun, I had to learn to have the patience to learn. I needed to allow myself to lose and play again as many times as it took for me to no longer feel anxious. I realized it was okay to play in front of my friends and lose a match or die multiple times in an RPG. I learned to value the story in some of my games, value the process, and take the time to get better if I wanted to win. Okay, so navigating the controller didn’t come naturally to me…no problem. I needed to work with it until it became natural. If I was stuck on the tutorial for a week…so be it. As I continued to play I began to find my rhythm, and I no longer got that bad feeling in my stomach when I lost a match.

This might sound trivial, but the fear of failure is a real issue for many. How we navigate that fear is different for each individual. I found that gaming was a good platform for me to begin to work through those issues as it was a safe space. I wasn’t learning on something that could seriously affect my finances for career. However, the principles of working through a matter…or a battle until I was comfortable became universal. I began to slow down and allow myself the opportunity to practice, try, fail, and do everything over again. The challenge was to not put the controller down and walk away when I got frustrated. I realized that was the issue in principle in every other area of life. I needed to face my fear and work through my frustration. Gaming has its benefits. It helped me work through my fear of failure…it can still be a challenge, but I can et through it.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

Let me start off by saying, if you are sharing a console with someone it is very easy to create a gamer account on that console. This allows each individual to play under their gamer tag and progress in various games at their pace. There are a few friends of mind that created or add their gamer tag to my account so they can play the game under their name and not mine. Furthermore, in online party chat they can converse as themselves as they are known in the gaming community. Also, this alleviates confusion of various different kinds.

When playing games such as Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Warframe, Smite, and many other players will often want to play with gamers that have leveled up closed to where they are so that there is an even understanding of the game functionality. This might also be the case if you are say catching a game before work, or just want a quick match…you’d definitely play on your level or with people whom you have a rapport. It’s easier to get though a match when those in game chat know the style of play of all present when on a particular game.

The chemistry goes to trash quickly when you are playing with a high leveled player that you’ve been playing with for some time, or so you thought, and all of a sudden, they are playing as a complete stranger. You later find out that your gaming buddy is at work, or unavailable, and their boyfriend, spouse, significant other has jumped on the console as them. You might blow it off at first, but if it continues to happen you begin to question who’s on the controller every time they are online and invite you to the party. This is only made worse when this person is not a team player, can’t be taught anything, and constantly wrecks your stats. This might seem like a random gaming rant, but if you’ve put the time and effort into the game it will matter to you.

Furthermore, it is uncomfortable when you are in chat, verses on the headset, and you get the feeling you are being filled out. In that moment there seems to be a breech in your gaming community and it’s just not okay. If you have a gaming console and a tight knit gaming community, we don’t mind getting to know your significant other. Even if they are new to the game the more the merrier, however we want to know who we are actually in game play with. Your stats create the expectation of level of play; let’s not be rude. The people you play with deserve to decide if they want to party up with you, or have time to do so with your partner. Tell him to get an account on your console…gamer tags please. When I’m trying to reach a certain objective, or I’m short on time I need the gamer tag to match the person behind the controller.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

Boxing

You might not think it’s for you, but boxing is a proven way to burn the calories with a high-intensity workout whilst staying motivated and excited. With a boxing workout, you’ll be learning new skills, as well as working off any built-up aggression from other areas of your life! It can be surprisingly cathartic. Don’t worry if you don’t feel ready for a public boxing class – there are plenty of online sessions you can complete in your own home, and still feel the burn.

Yard Games

If you have any outdoor space or even a nearby park, yard games are an amazing way to exercise. You can play with your friends, partner or children, and find different ways to work up a sweat whilst socializing and having fun. There are plenty of options, but one sport growing in popularity is Pickleball – it’s sort of a cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong. You don’t need much equipment to get started, just the best pickleball paddles and a net! If you enjoy active games like this, you’ll forget that it counts as exercising in the first place. Check here latest and best pickleball paddles.

Dancing

Along the same lines, dancing can be one of the best ways to trick yourself into exercising even if you hate the thought of it! You don’t need to be a pro, or even the slightest bit co-ordinated. All you need is enthusiasm, and to be prepared to never want to stop. There are loads of dance classes on youtube if you’d rather start at home, or you’ll easily be able to find a local dance or Zumba class to suit your needs, even if you’ve never danced before in your life.

Running Aids

It might be that you prefer to stick with traditional workout methods such as running, but you still struggle to find the motivation for a regular routine. If this is the case, apps like Zombies, Run! could be the solution you’re looking for. They use audio narratives and instructions to keep your run interesting, mixing it up with different paces, so you can run around your neighborhood whilst imagining you’re being chased by zombies, or on another planet, or a whole host of fun scenarios!

If that isn’t up to your liking, one can always try something new. Pickleball is becoming more popular day by day.

Check latest Pickleball Paddles Here: https://www.pickypaddle.com/

Staff Writer; Susan Brown

Wrong. You can get told about yourself, as long as you are not disrespected, it doesn’t mean you should respond throwing the hate you claim to receive. We want children to understand accountability, and to know their actions can invoke negative response when they hurt people. We want them to learn to own that so that they can be better human beings…well grown folks should do the same.

Far too often people get caught up in their feelings and needing those feelings to be validated that they aren’t listening when someone tells them what you’ve done isn’t okay. Look, not everyone that is upset with Gayle King hates her, and many people don’t wish harm upon her. However, people that find her actions regarding the Kobe Bryant interview offensive, if they are respectful, should be heard. The anger many men and women are feeling is based on their disappointment of her timing and pressing of a matter. They are tired of seeing situations re-surface once a black man has died. They don’t understand why issues can’t be settled why they are alive. They wonder why the after-death issues look one sided. Whatever their finding offense may be that doesn’t equate to hate. Gayle King isn’t the victim in this situation.

The same argument can be made when men are addressed about behavior in relationships…that isn’t the hatred of black men. When men address issues with women this isn’t the hatred of black women. We can’t grow if we are unwilling to hear and understand the correction of people we have hurt. It’s time we take a serious look at what we are becoming on social media and in other areas. We have to be accountable to our behavior without trying to excuse self then create a narrative whereby we are now the victim too. This is happening far too often, and it’s time we seriously take account while we can.

There is a whole generation of youth watching our interactions and they are being taught how to govern themselves by our actions. When we can’t take correction, we are creating a generation that will behave in the same manner. Disrespect is never acceptable. It isn’t acceptable when a woman (or man) is called out of their name; it is not acceptable when the wrong party tries to shun responsibility and cry hatred. All disrespect is wrong…not just the version that applies to you.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

When I heard Kobe Bryant passed, his daughter passed with him, and seven other people I was sick inside. I remember vomiting as waves of sick grief washed over me like a cruel storm. All I could do was turn everything off and lay down. I didn’t want to see the TV, social media, or talk to a single soul. I needed to understand why I was so hurt and angry at the same time. My first thought was “gone too soon”. I love football; basketball was okay and was something to watch to pass the time. Kobe Bryant was an amazing player, and his presence on the court was predatory anytime I found myself watching. In many ways that did remind me of Michael Jordan. Honestly, Kobe Bryant has my attention when he injured his achilles as I was watching that game. I remember thinking his career was over. However, he chronical his journey to social media, and during this time I would be battling with my own health. I finally saw “Mamba Mentality” off the court. He had become someone whose life I was learning from, and even after retirement I was still learning.

His passing hurt deeply as I feel there was so much more to learn. The suddenness of his passing sent shocks through my soul, and many others. In this space the argument of why we cry for celebrities would begin. I was told by a sister friend directly that I was being dramatic and needed to cut out the foolishness. I heard of others being ridiculed for crying…and I realized this is not okay. No one has the right to tell us what another human being, or that persons life, should mean to us. No one has the right to regulate who we should grieve over, and how much. This is inhumane, and ugly! I wish I could say I expect more from my community. However, this is the same space that weighs the life of parents differently. If mom passes we allow the highest grief regardless of her life, however if dad passed the same degree of grief is not allowed. There is an expectation to quickly get over the death of anyone that isn’t mom, grandmother, or a child.

I will take a stand for my own emotional space. No one will make me feel ashamed for grieving the loss of life no matter how it hits me. There will be no explanations given about why someone impacted my life enough to bring my day (or week) to a screeching halt for grieves sake. Kobe Bryant has transitioned, and I won’t be getting over it quickly. I’m hurting inside, many people are hurting inside, and there is nothing to be ashamed about.

Staff Writer; Chelle’ St James

May also connect with this sister via Twitter; ChelleStJames.

It was understood, through interviews with Bryant, that his mentality was one that could be applied to any area of life. He explained that he was taught the world was his for the taking, but only if he was willing to work hard for it. He taught a generation that you don’t just achieve your dreams…you master them. You will never reach a place in life where you’ve arrived at a point where you can back off the hard work. This man was the embodiment of what can be achieved when you are willing to continue to learn, and that you can learn whatever you are willing to fight for. He decided he wanted to play the piano…so he learned. He could hold a press conference and answer several reporters in the language they spoke. Kobe Bryant was so much more than basketball, and he was willing to beat down any challenger in this game called life.

As we grapple with the loss of a legend, it is important that we remember the lesson he left on this earth. His spirit is alive and well in everyone that allows the Mamba Mentality to become a part of who they are, and what they are willing to fight for. Bryant sought to inspire…so be inspired and hit the ground running in pursuit of every dream you dare to have. You don’t have to achieve in a box. Bryant showed us that hard work is a sacrifice. On many days you will hurt, cry, question why you are doing this, and wonder if you will make it. Remember that you have the mentality to outlast and overcome any adversity that has the audacity to challenge you.

If doesn’t matter where you come from, your race, gender, religion, or anything else…the mentality is yours for the taking. If Kobe Bryant had an effect on your life in any way…allow one of his greatest assets to become your teacher. Never see your dream as something you don’t deserve or can’t attain. We should all rise up from the depths of our grief knowing that Bryant left us something that can’t be taken away once we choose to grasp such. Many of us have been inspired “not to waste another year of your life”. Long live the #MambaMentality.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

When we talk about why the death of Kobe Bryant is so painful we have to come to think about conditions we see everyday because it echoes why we mourn.  A generation saw their Michael Jordan, their GOAT, go down. They grew up with Kobe Bryant. They watched the boy become the man. They watched him as a bright rising star, only to be brought low in the court of law. We all watched the shame of Kobe Bryant and many just knew that would be the end of what could have been a great player and legacy. Instead Mamba mentality surfaced, and we witnessed Bryant rise from the ashes, and he got up a more aware person.

We watched him define what it meant to pursue his craft relentlessly caring not about the words of the naysayers that would deem him as a jerk to put it nicely. He was fearless on the court and struck at his opponents without provocation…there was no hesitation. Many of us watched him succumb to an achilles heel injury that we knew would be career ending. However, it just became ammunition to make the Mamba work harder. He once again defied the naysayers and walked back onto the court to let the world know that his career would be governed on his terms. Even if you were never a fan…you have to respect the talent, and work ethic of Kobe Bryant.

The loss of a legend in the game of basketball hurt as Kobe Bryant is an icon in his profession. However, we mourn the loss of the man. We cry for the husband, father, son, and brother that is Kobe Bryant. He gave us a view into how much he loved his family. He supported the dreams of his daughters, and it didn’t bother him at all that he had no sons. He valued and nurtured the gifts God gave him in his children.

We mourn because we didn’t get to see this man evolve into the next stage of greatness he was set to purse. When we look at him we can think of all the people, and children, we loss too soon. What they would have become is now a part of our imagination, and it hurts. Kobe Bryant is greatness personified…but he was far from finished, and his loss will be felt for a long time.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

1. Play a lot.

I will admit I am a “one night stand” person when it comes to bad experiences. I experienced horrible food at Arby’s, and I have not been back since. I had a friend who said my husband was flirting with her just to cause problems between my husband and I, and I no longer talk to her. I refereed one softball game, had a parent scream at me one time, and I was done with refereeing. My theory is simple: if it does not work once, it probably will not work again. These teams play over five games in one weekend. Sometimes, it is the same team. Sometimes, it is a harder opponent. Sometimes, it is a team with the same skill level. Whoever it may be, they play…and play…and play. Each game brings a different type of experience and game they can learn from.

2. Play Through the Victory.

High school basketball follows the rules and guidelines so people can keep their jobs and lives. These teams, however, pay to play. In other words, they choose to play not even knowing if they will be successful or not. As they play each game, fast breaks and turnovers start to reveal which team is the strongest out of the two. The strongest team can be up by 20 or 25 points, but they still play like the score is neck and neck. They play every second like it could be their last. It is easy for us to forget that every second we live is a chance for us to do better than before. Instead of relaxing when we think we have a handle on things or things are going great, we need to continue to press like nothing has changed. Yes! It is amazing when we get a pay raise or find the person of our dreams. However, continue to push for more pay. Work harder to make your relationship with your mate the best it can be. The game is not over just because you are ahead.

3. Improve the Skills. Ignore the Ego.

Welp, you lost the game. You can blame the referees, the rims, or the right side of the court. It will not change the fact that your team score less points than the other. Pity parties have no time at a tournament because of the schedule. A team may have to play games one after another, so there are two choices: complain or compete. From what I have seen, teams choose to take the “L”, discuss improvements, and move on to the next game. The same thing applies to us. Do not misunderstand me: it sucks when you are late with an important order or you forget to pick up a very important package. However, crap happens. Learn from it and be better. Ego makes emotions internally corrupt their process (Insert tempt tantrum and pity parties). We have to learn that emotions are important, but they are not permanent. Take the lesson from the failure and improve your skills. Ignore your ego.

I am grateful for the experiences scorekeeping have granted me. These athletes have way more drive than I will ever have physically. They also possess a great ability to deal with life beyond the court. Thanks to them I have learned more about life and how to handle destructive situations.

Staff Writer; J. W. Bella

May also follow this talented sister online over at; JWB Writes.

Athletic coaches are very aware of this truth when they appeal to you as they scout your child for their respective teams. They know, in most cases, that decision will be discussed with mom and she had great influence in the outcome. What we as mothers encourage has a lot to do with the areas our children will choose to apply themselves.

We must encourage and push the joy of learning before the love of sports. This journey begins before our babies can walk. When they are in the womb and they reach the point of ear development whereby they can here you what will you say to them? Will you read books to them, speak life to them, and tell them they will be wonderful? This is where we can begin their journey towards the love of education. Yes, this means being aware of our energy, and influence but its more than worth it for the betterment of our children. Once our babies arrive, we might have to turn off the devices as we introduce them to the joys of reading and the wonders of numbers. As they see the excitement in our eyes that energy will transfer to them. We can definitely encourage physical strength and development, and many of us look forward to being the loudest mom in the stands one day.

However, we also want to be the loudest cheering mom as we watch them develop in different areas of learning. Our kids need to know we are just as proud of them when they excel academically as we are in any other area. As they understand the importance of education through us, they can come to value the impact it could have on their life.

Should our kids excel athletically we want them to know that no matter what happens on the field or court their academic achievements have earned them a seat in college that injury can’t steal. In this we force coaches to respect the minds as well as the physical talents of our children. We are teaching them that they are not to be merely used for someone else’s gain, but there is to be an even exchange. The first reason for going to college is to secure the degree; when we encourage education that becomes the first scholarship they work to attain. Our children are more than pawns in the NCAA’s game of how many millions can we make. We want them to take advantage of everything their mind has to offer. It is so much easier for a child to see the end game when mom is willing to cheer hard on all fronts.

When our children look back, they will be able to see that mom, and dad, played a vital role in their love of learning, their academic prowess, and it is something they will pass on to their children. There is nothing wrong with the many different career options our children may desire, including sports, however we want them to be able to go in whatever direction they choose because their mind can get them there.

Staff Writer; Christian Starr

May connect with this sister over at Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/christian.pierre.9809 and also Twitter; http://twitter.com/MrzZeta.

Seek Them Out

To find girls that may be interested in sports you have to go to the places they frequent. It could be local youth clubs, just as an example, or maybe after school clubs. If they are in a group, they are more likely to get involved than they would if you approached them on their own. They could even form their own team in a sport, and that will encourage them even more.

Offer Choices

There are endless sports girls can play, and they need to be offered more than the standard choices of hockey and netball. These can be a bit mundane for some girls who would rather be involved in a boxing club, fencing, or even playing rugby or football. There are women’s clubs and facilities for all sports, so give them the choice of several.

You can also let them know they can choose to be coached by a woman, as that makes it easier for some of them to have a go. Tennis is another great option that girls often enjoy because it builds individual skills and confidence. Many cities have local programs where beginners can learn the basics in a supportive environment. For those living in Texas, for instance, finding quality Austin tennis lessons is a simple way to get started with a new hobby. These classes often focus on making the game fun while teaching the right techniques from the start. Having a regular schedule helps girls stay active and meet new friends who share their interests. It is a sport they can keep playing for the rest of their lives.

Make The Kit A Good One

Boys and girls can all be put off joining a club if they think the kit is horrible. As youngsters, they are very aware of the way they look, and if they do not like the kit, they will walk away. Some clubs tell them ‘make your own hoodie‘ as this goes down well and lets them be comfortable about their attire. It’s a fun way of attracting girls in itself, too.

Sponsorship is a good way to ensure that the team has a good quality kit, and it allows all the team members to have one, so avoiding the problem of the less well off not being able to afford the cost.

Explain The Opportunities

Not every girl that starts to play a sport will end up as a rich, top-class player that is known worldwide. There are opportunities though that can present themselves when they start playing a game. Just one of them is that they will mix with people they might not otherwise have met, and this can be very useful in their search for a career.

One study showed that their capabilities emotionally and socially improved by 70%, and 60% of the new sports players reported that they felt more resilient and confident.

As well as sports being good for girls, they have a lot they can offer sports. With some games now having teams to play in world cups for women, this is of a two-way benefit and should be embraced.

Staff Writer; Annette Ford