“I have a particular problem going on in my life right now. It’s my dream to become a basketball player one day. I love this game, like 90 to 95 percent of my thoughts are basically covered by the game. I can’t even go one day without thinking about the game. Sometimes I think I’m under a spell or like a curse. I got enrolled into an apprenticeship program about a year ago till date which by the way was definitely not my idea. My parents are kinda pushy people. By pushy I mean non of my opinion or my sibling’s opinions ever matter at all. My dad stopped me from playing the game cos he thinks I can’t get nothing from the game. He says I need to be a man and stand up for myself. He definitely assumes I can’t do that with the game. For like 2 months now I’ve been sneaking after work to practice and trust me it has not been easy and comfortable. I have literally been keeping my basketball kits at my friend’s so I can stop by and get it before heading to court and I fear they might eventually get tired of me. I recently had an injury and I’ve been hiding it from them for weeks. Sometimes I feel like I should just close my eyes and never wake up. I’m so tired. I feel like I’m depreciating in what I love the most cos I’m not paying enough attention to it. Everyday I have to lie and sometimes steal just so I’d get to court on Time. My father had promised me that he’ll abandon me if he ever knows that I stepped into a basketball court. My mom definitely feels the same way. Everyday I have to pretend and live a lie. Most times I get so stressed and tired from work but I feel this game has something special for me in future so I have to just go ahead with practice. I also feel like the bad things I’m doing to play the game such as stealing and lying might deprive me of the good things I’ll get from this game. Everyday I think of this I always cry. I’m even crying right now. I need some advise. Something to just motivate me and keep me and keep me going.”
Ijale. jr via Apple Podcasts ·
Nigeria ·
09/13/22