See It, Feel It, Believe It, Produce It

There are many lessons playing sports have taught me. From a very early stage in my life, I was introduced to visualization. It all began in my karate dojo when I was in ninth grade. At the beginning and end of class, we would meditate for a minute or two, and sometimes even longer. During that time, our sensei (instructor) taught us to picture ourselves completing each technique with finesse and power. It helped cultivate this visual imagery in our minds, which allowed us to better perform our techniques. Visualization helped with producing each motion to its very best. It also allowed for us to gain a great deal of focus and discipline. I believe it was in my karate dojo that the seed of visualization was planted into my life.

I continued to master this technique throughout different venues in my life. I used it when I played volleyball. I would picture myself hitting a certain way, cheering in a certain way, and even performing the way I wanted to. I could see how visualization manifested itself in my game. I even used it while I was getting recruited by universities. I would picture myself getting an email, a phone call and even get approached by a coach. It helped me create images in my mind that gave me the confidence in my dreams and my goals. The images I produced in my mind kept on manifesting themselves in my life. In high school, I achieved so many of my goals through hard work and visualization. I even got to a point I could do it with my eyes open, right before I played or even right before a serve crossed over the net. The benefits of visualization were transforming me into the best athlete I could be on and off the court. I also benefited from this technique, in the classroom, in my social and personal life. I used it in my relationships, friendships and networking.

While I saw the benefits of my positive thoughts, I also encountered at times how visualization could be a tool that brought negative outcomes and failure in my life. When the images in my mind were manifesting themselves from my negative thoughts, the outcomes always produced themselves that way. Visualization can have a positive or negative affect on your life. You can learn to train your mind to control your thoughts and not allow negativity to infiltrate the images you are producing in your mind. As Henry Ford once said "Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." There is a lot of truth in that saying because only one person has the ability to tell you whether or not you can or can't do something. And that person is you. Even if it's impossible, you have all the odds against you or time is not in your favour, mastering visualization can bring you to new heights in your life whether it be personal, your career, your relationships, your social life and even you health.

Visualization can be practiced every day. You don't have to spend hours every day trying to make it work for you. You can do it right before you go to bed. Picture something you want, see yourself having it and enjoy it. Seeing it, feeling the emotions of getting what you want and believing in it will help you arrive to the outcomes, success and accomplishments you desire.

Back In Action: From The Sideline

 I remember my last university game like it was yesterday. It was the semi finals at the Championship Tournament for the Colonial Athletic Association. It was such an exciting opportunity for our team to build a foundation for years to come. As a team, we hadn’t made it to the championship round since my freshman year. Every year, only the top 4 teams made it into the tournament. During my senior year, we managed to make it into the tournament ranked second in the conference. Everything about that season was magical. We had new coaches and a new sense of purpose. Most of the returns, especially the upperclassmen, had a sense of conviction that year. I knew as a senior, I wanted to make it into the tournament while creating a new chapter in JMU Volleyball history. And that we did!

When the last ball fell in the championship tournament, I thought my days in the volleyball world were over. I was beyond satisfied with the season, and for the most part, all of the goals our team and I had set for myself had been met. To some degree, I had finished on top and I wanted to leave the game that way. Little did I know, it would not be the last time I would be in a competitive setting. Of course, I played recreationally on different occasions but I never thought I would participate in any competitive or structured volleyball team. Today, I find myself coaching at the collegiate level. I have returned to the game but this time as a coach.

It’s funny how life can change; you can grow as a person yet you still can love something as much as you did when you were in the midst of it. Volleyball was the one thing I was always very excited about. It was a venue for me to leave whatever was going in my actual life behind and play a game I loved. Now I find myself in another place during the game, the sideline. Although I miss being on the court, it is such a rewarding experience to give back to a sport that gave me so much and made me the person I am today. Over the years, I have acquired knowledge and skills about the game that I never knew would serve me well as a coach. Additionally, I was blessed with such great coaches over the years that helped me grow as an athlete but also an individual. I am very excited about the opportunity to coach and learn more about the game I love. The lessons I learned as a student-athlete were on and off the court. I am sure it will be the same as a coach. There is no doubt in my mind that this season will be tough with a team of rookies but I believe the best stories are the ones from the teams that practice and play with a lot of heart. I look forward to our team's story and the foundational growth we will make as a team. 

A Champagne Toast to Club 24

To club 23:

You gave me such an amazing chapter of my life. I feel so grateful to have had a year filled with adventures, new friendships and so many accomplishments. I would be foolish to think that without you, I would be the person I am today. You have made me bolder, stronger, resilient, passionate and even crazier than I was before.

Without you, I could have never had the courage to start my masters. You've allowed me to immerse myself in studies that truly make me passionate about this world and life. I would have never had made the friends I have today, if it wasn't for such an open-mind. Whether it was the French exchange students in my master program or the Rwandan lawyer that welcomed me into his country, you have showed me a global sense of friendship. I am so grateful to have so many good-hearted and genuine people in my life. 

Without you, I would have never been bold enough to travel to the other side of the world and find a place I love. In the heart of Africa, you showed me how resilient, courageous and dynamic a community can be. You showed me the beauty nature is and how the world is a constant battle and union between nature and human. You challenged me physically, emotionally, mentally and psychologically. Climbing Kilimanjaro was an eye-opening moment in my life because for once I was at the mercy of Mother Nature. I surrendered and in the end, I was brought to Africa's highest point where my mind was the clearest it had ever been.

There is so much I have to be grateful for. Each day, I wake up grateful, inspired and excited. I don't know what the day has in store for me, but I know that it begins with a laugh and ends with one too. All those people in my life, work friends, school friends, family, acquaintances or random encounters, they all set a precedent with me because they teach me another lesson about people and life. I am so blessed to have such a profound belief that this world is more than we could ever imagine, but I am equally determined to get as much out of it as I can.

In my 24th year of life, I know I will be faced with adversity, success, obstacles and accomplishments. I know it will take me in a whirlwind of opportunities, new journeys and exciting outcomes. I can't tell you what is going to happen, just that it will be great. Take me as I am, and make me better with each day. As for the world, watch out, I am coming for ya!! 

I raise my metaphorical champagne glass to you all, stay tuned, there is more to come. 

J.Z

One Last Stride

Well, it's finally here! After a summer of great adventures, new friendships and amazing outcomes, I am ready to start my last semester as a grad student. When I first started my masters in Conflict Studies, I did not know where it would take me, who I would become and how it would change the course of my life. I now realize how much this one decision I made a year ago was the best one I have made so far in my life.

Since I entered this programme, I have had the chance to take classes about my passions like peacebuilding, conflict analysis and identity. It has allowed me to approach different conflicts, politics and social dynamics from a different perspective. Additionally, this programme allowed me to embark on an amazing experience to Rwanda, where the course of my studies and career goals moulded into something more concrete where I gained perspective and purpose for my future.

I am very grateful for what has past this last year and even more excited about the year to come. As my last stride in this short but meaningful chapter of my academic life, I am looking forward to sharing my final thoughts, adventures and accomplishments ahead. Stay tuned!

J.Z