Debra Oakland's Blog, page 7

Moving On To Better Things

“It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.” – Theodore Roosevelt

You get to decide the state of your happiness, no matter what is going on in the outer world. Your inner world is where you create the life you desire. Politics have been around since the beginning of time as we know it. Wars, violence, death, changing of the guard, countries bought and sold, humans bought and sold…and the beat goes on. And yet, many wonderful things have emerged as well. When you invest your precious energy into the tide-pool of diversity fraught with every imaginable thought, feeling and action – your energy dissipates. Fear and discouragement sets in. Fear is what keeps people easy to control and manipulate.

Time has shown us the outer world is a never ending cycle. There has always been and will always be a changing of the guard. With this in mind, you have the power to choose your inner happiness, and how you conduct every aspect of your life…as you move on to better things. You can fight, scream and yell, work yourself up into a lather and for what? It only hurts you and those around you. Take action on what is most important to you, doing it with a kind regard to others. This will enhance your life and make a difference out in the world.

The quote above by Theodore Roosevelt speaks volumes. Life is painful for everyone now and then, but through effort, energy, and a courageous spirit – we can move onward and upward. Blaming and shaming others, not cool. Let people have their beliefs and opinions, because at the end of the day you won’t change most peoples minds. Many people want others to do their thinking for them. They don’t have time, or are just plain lazy. If something is important to you, take the time to investigate. Educate yourself  – with an open mind. Look at all sides, not just the one you have convinced yourself is the only way. Life is full of surprises and new beginnings. I love this quote by Rumi, “Where there is ruin, there is hope for a treasure.”

It takes some time for our brain cells to accept things we are not familiar with. There needs to be a corresponding brain cell to connect with a new task or concept, until we become familiar with it. Many things we thought of as bad turned out to be good, and visa versa. At this point in time people are divided, once again, but change is afoot. How will we handle it? Will we move on to better things in our personal life, or begrudge what we cannot change?

This is my question to you, “Will you give your power away, or to hold it tight, using it for good in every area of your life?”

Original article: Moving On To Better Things

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Moving On To Better Things appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Life’s Inconsistencies & Conundrums

Life’s inconsistencies and conundrums can leave us confused, angry, defiant, and feeling like life is spinning out of our perceived control. The outer world is the forum to lead us back to our inner world, where our true power lives and breathes. When we see beyond the illusion of what we perceive truth to be, things are revealed to us through our journey of exploration and curiosity. Keeping an open mind is magical. We all live on the same planet, yet experience life differently according our thoughts, conscious choices and actions. In this way we immediately collide with the reality of our conclusions. How our experiences unfold on the living screen of our life and how we deal with them – is ultimately up to us. In my book “Change Your Movie, Change Your Life” I talk about 7 Concepts for Courageous Change – comparing aspects of our life to a movie. I also talk about the collective movie we all create together.

Hate and fear are the great pretenders altering our perception. Love is the shining star of our reality. Sustaining and maintaining our inner world empowers us to live in the outer world with resolution and peace. We have the ability to wield great power and influence in this way. The Universe that exists inside each of us is immense. Think of yourself as a mini Universe here to express yourself in any way you choose. Anger, judgement, fear and hate do not look good on any of us. You are free to live your life any way you choose, it is your movie after all. I am suggesting that your life, and the world we share together, would be much better served if we use love, kindness, and powerful purposeful intent as our guide. In the movie of my life this is my preference, because it requires much less editing.

You want change? Then be the change. Getting caught up in negativity keeps people distracted and separate. Wherever you show up, choose to raise energy, not deplete it. I frequently speak about living, acting and contributing your best to life – from the inside out, versus the outside in. Instead of trying to control life, try consciously choosing the energy you want to express and live in. Imagine the possibilities and probabilities you will create. The world is full of inconsistencies and conundrums – this is it’s nature. Mediocrity is an unwillingness to change, but change we must to forge ahead in a positive manner.

Original article: Life’s Inconsistencies & Conundrums

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Life’s Inconsistencies & Conundrums appeared first on Debra Oakland.

If Not Us, Then Who, and When? What Have We Become?

Who are we and what have we become? Bickering, arguing, judging and criticizing each other when we claim to be kind loving souls, completely undermines our mission. A dis-service to all life occurs when fear and anger enter stage right and begin directing the show. We are better than this and love deserves better behavior from each of us. We speak of oneness, unity and peace, expounding our platitudes but our actions speak volumes.

It’s game time. We are witnessing one of the most extraordinary times on earth. There is a culmination of past events unfolding for us personally, as well as on a global level. We can choose to own our power, or continue giving it away. We may not think we have given much of our power away, but the outer world has proven otherwise. Don’t take my word for it, do your homework – because this planet is a giant classroom…

Part of what has gotten us into the quagmire we are in is from not having an open mind and steadfastly sticking to our ‘opinion’ with every ounce of our energy. We know little about the bigger picture, yet we seem to be experts on topics we really know little to nothing about. Most of what we need to know has been, and is to this day – hidden in plain sight from us. You think after millions of years we would have evolved, but fear and it’s regime have held us captive and the sad part is, we said yes. Had love been at the helm 24/7 we would be living in and sharing a much different world.

What’s the answer? Everyone seems to have one. I’m just a girl writing a blog post. What can I do? How can I make a difference? For one, I can be the change I want to see and spread the word. People have been pitted against each other since the beginning of time. How do we stop the momentum? Do we really need another cataclysm to wake up?

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern and so do you. – T.A. Barron

We have a choice, we have a voice. Together we can create change. It starts with each of us making conscious choices that matter. Imagine a world where everyone supports each other in local communities. We require pristine air, food and water to nourish the cells of our bodies – to survive and thrive. Our individual communities need to work together in support of the highest and greatest good of the whole. We need to disengage from everything that interferes with our beautiful energy fields. We can imagine it, but we need to collectively choose to live it. Everything we need has been provided by Mother Nature. The rest is just a story that keeps perpetuating itself by those who set up the framework of control.

What we claim to be, and what we ‘show’ ourselves as in the theater of life – is telling. Our actions speak louder than the words we utter. Words and body language hold great power for good or harm. Is your life flowing or are you stuck in the quicksand? Accountability is the order of the day. Every life event, every challenge is for our growth and expansion. If we don’t like what we are experiencing, the script can be rewritten. From my vantage point this seems to be happening globally here and now.

Why am I spouting all this right now? Because it’s time to remind each other that it’s decision time. Consciously choose which side you are on and never waver. There are seen and unseen forces in the universe here to assist humanity, and for a peaceful collective shift, we need to work together harmoniously.

I leave you with this thought. Are you willing to take a stand, to be responsible stewards? This truly takes courage and a willingness to stand up for what is right, not just for you, but for all. Inside each of us lives the Love, Wisdom and Power to embrace the Unity, Oneness, Grace, Peace and Abundance we all deserve. If not us, then who, and when? It’s time to take a stand for what it right.

 

Who are you? You are love – all else is illusion.

Are you in? Okay, I say…let’s do this my courageous friends!

Original article: If Not Us, Then Who, and When? What Have We Become?

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post If Not Us, Then Who, and When? What Have We Become? appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Our Deepest Pain Empowers Us

Often our deepest pain empowers us to grow into our highest self. The world is in the midst of dissension and massive change. Physical, mental, and spiritual pain is rippling out in waves. At the same time, hope is in the hearts of people for a brighter future. As we step back and view the movie unfolding in front of us, we can choose courage, strength, peace and right action, or allow fear to control us. Everyone has an ‘opinion’ on how others should live and conduct themselves. Do not give your power away, for when you do, you lose a vital part of your soul meant to keep you empowered.

How do you contribute to peace in your life and for the good of all life? When people live through a massive challenge, it becomes easier to understand those going through similar challenges. They say we are all in this together, but the lines are blurred. Each of us handles stress and change differently. Some adapt, some react rather than respond, and this can leave raw open wounds. The only power anything has over you is the power you give it.

Your life path is sacred, because it’s yours alone…a wealth of explorations into the depths of your soul. Who better to explore you, than you? One of the quotes I hold close is from Anam Cara, The Book of Celtic Wisdom. “The purpose of this incarnation is not to have glossed over the table of contents, but to have explored in depth some of the most poignant and excruciating passages – your darkest hour was, in actuality your shining moment.” – John O’Donohue

Our personal experiences reflect what we consciously choose to experience – our life resonates accordingly. Energy in, energy out-put. Our intention governs the attention. It’s unfortunate that over time we have not evolved enough to contribute to the unity, peace, and oneness for the benefit of all life.

You have everything to gain by living courageously from your heart. Your heart will guide you – if you trust, not rush, the process. I believe the law of love is the creative force behind every good thing in our lives. Our physical, mental, emotional pain, confusion and frustration can be the key to our liberation. Old patterns keep us rooted in pain, fear, and separation from the light we are here to shine. Our emotions are a tricky thing. If we want to see what’s on the other side of old negative patterns, we must be willing to release them, choosing positive patterns that support our life.

Original article: Our Deepest Pain Empowers Us

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Our Deepest Pain Empowers Us appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Be The Calm In The Storm

Be The Calm In The Storm. Why? Because your outer power is transitory, illusory. It is what we have become accustomed to using in the outer world. Your inner world is constant, stable and ever evolving, because it is where your being lives and breathes. How you direct your power is in your hands. Right now the outer world is almost unrecognizable to us, as it is in mass chaos. The Blame Game is running rampant. You can choose to become part of the chaos by engaging in it, or you can use your inner power to become part of the solution.

Conditioning has led us away from using our inner power. This has been done because many ‘negative forces’ in power do not want us to direct our inner power to defeat evil. The fear is,  if we do, it will diminish their power in the outer world. We did not come here to be weak and power-less. Think about this. Doesn’t power-full sound better and fill you with hope?

“Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance. It suggests resilience, meaning that we have the ability to bounce back even from the most difficult times. Your ability to thrive depends, in the end, on your attitude to your life circumstances. Take everything in stride with grace, putting forth energy when it is needed, yet always staying calm inwardly.” – Ping Fu

How do you connect with your inner power? First and foremost, stop engaging in fear, fear tactics, manipulation, and anything that does not resonate with the love and light inside of you. Those who encourage and engage in chaos, contribute to more of it. When you continue to do things that fill you with joy, your day will be filled with more peace. Energy flows from you out into the world, no matter if it is negative or positive. We need all the positive flow spewing out of us that we can send out. People are confused, not sure what is true, they are presented with half truths, and everything in between. This keeps people confused, lonely and disappointed. Many people are allowing the outer world to tell them what to believe. Why not believe in yourself? Your inner power is beyond anything you can imagine. What keeps you from living from this place? No one can take your power from you unless you allow it.

In my book, Change Your Movie, Change Your Life: 7 Reel Concepts for Courageous Change – I talk about sheeple people. Here is an excerpt….

“Unless we hold onto uninterrupted peace, individually and collectively, our world as we know it could end up as another movie in the future about a civilization that did not choose peace over discord. The title, The Earth That Could Have Been; Destroyed by Sheeple People. In this movie, they put sheep heads on our bodies to illustrate how willingly we followed those who were out to herd us like cattle. Keeping the masses (that would be us) distracted from their true identity of Divine Love, Light, Wisdom and Power, then finally to eliminate as many of us as possible from the movie.

I know, it’s creepy, but is it totally out of the realm of possibility? Now imagine this scenario: we all take our power back, standing guard at the gate of our consciousness, constantly vigilant until there are only thoughts of Love, Light, Abundance and Peace. Well, you do the math. No Sheeple in that movie, and the best part, we see an entirely different ending!”

It’s your movie, your choice…which movie do you choose to live and experience your life courageously in?

Original article: Be The Calm In The Storm

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Be The Calm In The Storm appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Resiliency Can Be A Superpower

In times of change and distress, it’s necessary to adapt if you with to be resilient – a tried and true superpower. As a collective, we are going through monumental change in the world. Everyone has been affected. I first learned about true resiliency when I lost 5 family members in a few short years. Both of my children, both brothers, and then my father. There was no break to regain my footing for what seemed like a very long time. Resiliency was my saving grace, as was living in courage. I had to adapt or allow my life to shatter into pieces.

A year ago on June 19th, 2019 my mother in law Ramona had a stroke. One of the most vibrant, interesting, and beautiful women I have ever known lost her ability to speak, eat or swallow. She laid at a care facility until March 15, 2020. Bill (Willy to us) at 88 years of age goes to dialysis 3 days a week. He still managed to visited the care facility almost every day, even though it was a 40 minutes drive from their home. At 86 years of age, Ramona took her last breath. Beyond sad, but a blessing. It was a day after the pandemic shut-down of all non-essential businesses. I have a feeling she chose this time to pass on. Her husband Bill would not have been able to visit any longer because of the Covid19 virus. Since Ramona was unable to speak, they would have no way to communicate. The time Ramona was in the facility was devastating to Bill, as he hoped for signs of improvement. These two were married 65 years – always together enjoying life. We were not sure Willy would be as resilient as he has been. Yes he gets sad or has a bad day, but it’s wonderful to see him looking forward to doing things on his own now. I know his dog Benny has been a wonderful companion, along with family and friends checking in on him daily. My husband Cody has been beyond amazing with his Dad and they are having a ton of fun together. It warms my heart more than I can say.

This makes me think about the resiliency and adaptability of people, particularly now. There will always be things out of your control. How you handle life is up to you. Yes, we are left with more questions than answers at this time, so what do we do? We can make conscious choices that support our life. Fear is not our friend, it steals our freedom, is put in front of us to bully us, and is also an indicator to alert us. It boxes us into what feels “safe”, so we don’t venture out to find what’s true. Fear makes us hide from strangers and people different from us so we can’t find out how deep and wide love can reach. The best part of you can whither away in the face of fear. I beg you not to let that happen. It’s important to remember these three things: we get to choose how we feel, how we are affected, what we choose to do moving forward as a resilient and adaptable soul.

Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up. – Mary Holloway

We are in unprecedented times in our lives. Trust in your inner voice. As Yoda says, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Fear leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Live life on your own terms. Walk tall and enjoy as much of life as possible. Things will shift, as they always do. Resilience and adaptability will see you through as a perfect superpower.

Original article: Resiliency Can Be A Superpower

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Resiliency Can Be A Superpower appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Rethinking The Future – Wisdom From The Past

We all have new schedules living at home. Inside my home the full service diner is open 24/7. As head chef, chopping and mixing, with assistant/sous chef (husband Cody) who is doing such a good job, I’m feeling the need to increase his tips. In such close quarters he is observing all my culinary secrets. If we keep this up Cody may replace me as head chef. That being said, and all kidding aside, we are rethinking the future.

Life as we knew it is gone. If by chance things do get back to what we perceive as normal, a new normal is the way forward. Like everyone, we are seeing businesses we have loved and frequented for years closing permanently, and many uncertain if they will be able to reopen. No one has been unaffected by the Coronavirus. With heavy hearts we have all witnessed loss of life around the world. Families are grieving, and many are in fear for more reasons than I care to list. I know everyone is grateful to the courageous heroes working on the front lines in different capacities. There is certainty in fall-outs and after-effects from this pandemic, and our collective future is uncertain. Yet…

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Marcus Aurelius

What is certain is that we are in charge of how we choose to react, or respond, to the quarantine/pandemic. Watching the news will destroy our spirit. It is called Tell-A-Vision & Programming for a reason. Check in once or twice a day for updates, but engage in activities that bring you peace of mind. Watching the news or engaging in fearful social media does not bolster our spirits. There is no illusion greater than fear. – Lao Tzu.

If you visit and post on social media, make it something positive to lift others up, not drag them down. I have seen virtual wars on social media – friendships destroyed over politics, religion, and limiting opinions. These are people who truly cared about each other until they discovered they were not on the same page. People with strong opinions will defend their ‘perceived’ position at all costs. Tact is keeping an open mind without making an enemy, – Isaac Newton. Keeping an open mind, with the ability to look at all sides of a situation is critical thinking at it’s best. I quote Leo Tolstoy – Free thinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common but it is essential for right thinking. At the end of the day, very few people know what is truly going on behind the scenes politically. It’s a dangerous game manipulating people and countries, as politicians jockey for position and power. We are the fallout.

Can you change this overnight? No, but you can choose how you contribute and conduct yourself in the outer world. This starts with your inner world, which you are in control of. Over centuries of time, similar issues ensue, as each era moves forward. What do we do?

Self control is strength. Calmness is mastery. You have to get to a point where your mood doesn’t shift based on the insignificant actions of someone else. Don’t allow others to control the direction of your life. Don’t allow your emotions to overpower your intelligence. – Morgan Freeman.

Here are a few ancient quotes of wisdom from the past showing that little has changed in regard to life from a soul perspective. Every century has had it own challenges, just as we are having now…

The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself. – Augustine of Hippo

Conquer yourself rather than the world. – René Descartes

I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him. – Booker T. Washington

Constantly regard the universe as one living being, having one substance and one soul; and observe how all things have reference to one perception, the perception of this one living being; and how all things act with one movement; and how all things are the cooperating causes of all things which exist; observe too the continuous spinning of the thread and the contexture of the web. – Marcus Aurelius 

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. – Aristotle (On critical thinking)

Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. – Leo Tolsoy

Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily. – Epictetus

Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed by the masses. – Plato

It’s easier to fool people than convince them they have been fooled. – Mark Twain

Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers. – Voltaire

Truth is to ever be found in simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things. – Sir Isaac Newton

The neglect this implied, the suffering and wasted quality of human life were appalling. – Fred Hollows

When one with honeyed words but evil mind persuades the mob, great woes befall the state. – Euripides, Orestes

Original article: Rethinking The Future – Wisdom From The Past

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Rethinking The Future – Wisdom From The Past appeared first on Debra Oakland.

Transitory Time Of Change For Ourselves & Our World

7

Worldwide, we are in a transitory time of change. As history has shown, cycles flow through every age. What we are going through in our current age is unprecedented. For now, we are all in this together.

The pandemic situation is grim. Yet, there are some positive things to note. Businesses and individuals are still looking out for each other during these times of trouble. Pollution is clearing up around the world and it is estimated this could save hundreds of thousands of lives. Think about this – if we all chose to adopt a greener way of living and doing business, the better air quality might allow our bodies to be stronger and potentially be more efficient at battling unwarranted respiratory viruses like COVID-19. Utility companies, landlords, automakers, and internet providers are waiving a number of late fees and payments to ease the financial burden of the shutdown. Unable to fly to destinations for business, online conference calls are the new norm. Family and friends are connecting with each other by video conferencing. Media has quickly adapted and most are doing shows from home. Family’s are spending quality time together.

There is an equilibrium that has been lost, hijacked and hopelessly out of the hands of the many, and remains (quite precariously) in the hands of the few. Those who wrote, continue to write, and edit the scenario’s we live in have kept humanity separate, fearful, frustrated, and at each others throats. For this, they are facing a smack down of unequaled proportions. You couldn’t write a more bizarre script, but it has been written and we are living it. Who could image we would be quarantined to our homes to save our lives? Not I, but it is essential at this time. Our lives have dramatically shifted.

“At some point we become wise enough to see the limiting walls we have built around ourselves. Taking action to release all that does not serve our life takes courage and inner strength. These walls of resistance are sometimes invisible, even to our own eyes. It’s easy to look at another persons life and see why things are not working out for them; yet, when we look at ourselves, we often miss what limits us.” – Debra Oakland

What’s the solution to this unending conundrum? Everyone seems to have an answer, just as every generation before us. From my vantage point, pretty much the same old story playing out with a new twist. Look where it’s gotten us, and it’s cost. I wish I could push a magic button and everyone would be happy, healthy and whole. If nothing else, we should all take this opportunity to see how each of us can contribute to improving the environment, and our quality of life. Old habits die hard, but if we all band together, we can learn from the COVID-19 lock-downs and the resulting environmental impacts. With this information and by taking action, we may yet be able to mitigate the effects of pollution and even climate change.

I have faith that we are adaptable and resilient when we need to be, and we can pull together courageously for a common purpose. I feel a strength, a power that is unshakable, incorruptible and ready for whatever comes next. I will stand in my power, imagining myself as an anchor for good, for integrity, for light, for peace. There are things we can’t change that end up changing us. I invite you to courageously stand with me. My greatest hope is this will bring us closer to peace in a world of unrest.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” – Jimmy Dean

Original article: Transitory Time Of Change For Ourselves & Our World

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post Transitory Time Of Change For Ourselves & Our World appeared first on Debra Oakland.

How To Cope With Loss

How to cope with loss? A big question deserving some solid answers. Just by living life, we are bombarded with many forms of loss that can profoundly effect us, if not personally, collectively.

Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.  – Walter Anderson

I’m not here to make note of the long list of losses that ripple out to touch us all. I am here to provide useful ways to cope with loss. Having been through a great deal of loss in a short period of time, I’ve learned a few things that helped me through the dark days and nights. Number one and most important, relief for grief is to grieve. If you deny yourself the time to grieve, you do yourself no favors. There were people who thought I should grieve the way they would, as this made sense to their sensibilities. My way was personal, not to be determined by the expectations of others, but privately with my husband and family. I found over time, people react to your personal grief in the way you present it to them.

Let me explain. After each loss I experienced, I had to continue working. After a brief break from work, for me, going back to what felt “normal” was the best thing I could do to move forward. If I broke down and cried, or freaked out, people did the same. If I was calm, they were calm, (at least on the outside) and this helped me return to doing something I loved and helped take me out of my head. There were people I discussed my loss with in more detail. Here’s what I discovered – once you go thru a similar experience others have, they open up about their personal, and very private stories of loss. Notably, when I lost our baby girl Reyn Tyler right before her birth, several women told me they had lost a child as well. This was a comfort of sorts, putting us on common ground, therefore allowing the discussion of grief to help us both move forward in our own way. When I lost my 21 year old son Wade, who was killed in a car accident involving a drunk driver, people talked about similar losses. I learned it’s okay to show my vulnerability in a way I never had before.

Nothing that grieves us can be called little: by the eternal laws of proportion a child’s loss of a doll and a king’s loss of a crown are events of the same size.  – Mark Twain

We all suffer in some way. Loss, grief, and the process getting through to the other side has a million faces. Grief is the result of loss, and no matter what it is that has thrown you off balance, or rocked your world – there are ways to feel better. There is hope, happiness and relief to be found. Life goes on, and so must we. Do what works for you. For me, communication was important. Be easy on yourself and give yourself the time you need. Let people know what you need most when kind offers of assistance come in. Some people know just what to do, some want to do too much, and others fall away for a bit. Be patient, trust the process, and keep in mind that not everyone can deal with grieving souls. If you need help – get it.

One thing I can tell you is, over time the grief will pass, and you will move on. If you do not you will destroy the joy in your life, and this is sad, not only for you but for those who love and care for you. Moving on is why I became the founder of Living in Courage. I call it a spiritual oasis for overcoming life’s biggest challenges, because courage has changed the way I look at life, and the way I live my life. With every challenge we move through, the stronger and more courageous we become.

 

 

Original article: How To Cope With Loss

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post How To Cope With Loss appeared first on Debra Oakland.

The Loss Of A Legend

I woke up Sunday morning January 26th, 2020 to a text from my friend Scott, informing me of Kobe Bryant’s death. My first thoughts went to his wife Vanessa Bryant and their 4 daughters. There was no news yet of their 13 year old daughter Gianna being onboard. Kobe and (Gigi as she is known) were on their way to participate in a basketball tournament at the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, Calif.

We later learned that there were nine people aboard Kobe’s helicopter. Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna; Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; Christina Mauser, an assistant girls basketball coach at an elementary school in Orange County, California; Sarah Chester and her daughter, Payton, 13; and the pilot, Ara Zobayan. Many lives were changed Sunday morning. Tragic loss for the families, friends and community, locally and worldwide.

For all of us who have lost loved ones, we are familiar with the shock, pain and grief that takes hold of the body, mind and spirit. Having lost 2 children, both brothers and my father in a short time, hearing this news was heart-wrenching. Wave after collective wave of loss and support has been flowing out from people to family, friends, teammates, communities, and in the case of Kobe Bryant – the world.

I have family members who knew Kobe well. My cousin David Kohler (pictured below with Kobe) owns The Lakers Shrine – the largest collection of Lakers Memorabilia in the world. I called my Mom because several of our family members knew Kobe’s family. David’s wife Robbie told my Mom they were all in shock since they heard about the accident. My cousin Linda talked about the shifts Kobe has made as he grew into an amazing athlete, loving husband and father. Linda said, I was thinking about this last night, Kobe was kind of like a rainbow. We saw him as a 17 year old kid at the beginning of his arc… and as his life progressed the colors began to bloom. He began to grow into a team member instead of feeling like he was the only one on the team. He began to be team mentor, and then younger team members looked to him for guidance. His colors became brighter as he became a husband and learned to be loyal after a few falls… like we all have to take in life. But his truest colors seemed to come with fatherhood. The Rainbow of Kobe Bryant will live on in the hearts of so many, his smile will not be forgotten, but the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is the legacy he has left us all.

The Los Angeles Lakers play the Portland Trailblazers tonight (Friday Jan 31st) at The Staples Center for the first time since the tragic accident. I know David will be attending the game with a heavy heart, in support of Kobe and his family, and in support of the Lakers – past and present.

Every news outlet available has been sharing the sadness and despair people around the world are feeling. The emotional effects of such loss are everywhere. It makes us take pause, especially when a public figure, or figures are lost, as the ripples of sadness flow out…

 

The shock and devastation affecting Vanessa, and their three daughters – Natalia, Bianka, Capri and family members is beyond sad to contemplate still. Vanessa Bryant released a public statement this week on Instagram (visit Instagram or Google for full statement) – a beautiful tribute to her husband and daughter, as well as to the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday. In Vanessa Bryant’s words…

Our love for them is endless — and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever. Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality.

To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org. To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org.

Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me. #Mamba #Mambacita #GirlsDad #DaddysGirls #Family

Original article: The Loss Of A Legend

©2020 Debra Oakland. All Rights Reserved.

The post The Loss Of A Legend appeared first on Debra Oakland.