Category: Lifestyle

Lifestyle includes anything that comes to mind.  Posts that do not directly relate to sneakers, streetwear, or vintage fall in this particular category of Ubinami.  The broad range allows for a wide variety of posts such as book reviews, interviews, recommendations, or opinions.

Ubinami seeks to represent a lifestyle of adaptability and counteracting any form of rigidness.  To be stuck in one’s own ways often leads to some sort of defeat.  There has to be a balance of realizing change will not happen overnight and waiting for change to happen.  Embracing life’s shifts is essential for any type of impactful growth. 

Sneaker Art: Cinema and Literature

Like any form of art, sneakers are often represented and complement other art forms rather well. Sneakers are not just shoes. They tell stories. They bring people together. Sneakers go far beyond the physical. Sneaker art is found everywhere around the world.

Cinema and literature highlight countless artistic aspects of the subject at hand. Watching a film tells stories much differently than reading a piece of writing.

Anybody can witness and consume art, but everyone cannot appreciate art on the same level. Sneakers confuse many people yet bring countless individuals together. The world of sneakers is complex especially when other art is intermingled within the subculture.

Sneaker Book Lovers

Reading and sneakers aren’t always thought of together. However, most sneakerheads and sneaker enthusiasts read more than they realize. From all of the information about new releases, to trending stories and hot topics surrounding sneakers, there is never a shortage of sneaker literature.

Sneaker art crosses into many realms. One of the most common is through literature. New sneaker books are popping up every year. Sneaker review books are released on a regular basis. Someone can walk into a sneaker store today and most likely find some type of sneaker book. History, sneaker releases, and brand recognition are all familiar topics.

One particular sneaker book that comes to mind is Sneaker Wars by Barbara Smit. The author highlights the story of how Adidas and Puma were formed. Two German brothers sought vengeance towards each other rather than displaying brotherly love. Without the family feud, the world would not have Adidas or Puma (or even both) to cherish and appreciate. Sneaker books highlighting historical events will never go out of style.

Another type of sneaker books are the ones that highlight the best releases from the past. They may exclusively include sneakers released within a year or could extend over a few years or even a decade. These books let real sneaker lovers to reminisce about the times when sneaker releases carried more weight and meaning. Someone actually had to put in the footwork to even have a chance of getting a hype or exclusive pair of kicks. Now, virtually every release is online and those with bots often get the short end of the stick.

Sneakers in Cinema

Countless sneakers become iconic after making appearances on the big screen. Movies vary across numerous subjects, but some pay meticulous attention to the actor and actresses’ wardrobes.

Some of the most recognizable sneakers have gotten their nicknames directly from the movies they appeared in. Everyone knows about Space Jam. The crossover in 1996 between Looney Tunes and one of the best basketball players of all time became an instant classic. Michael Jordan wore a special edition of the Jordan 11s in the film which later became known as the “Space Jams.”

They are without a doubt one of the most recognizable pair of Jordans in the history of the sneaker line. If Jordan never wore the white, dark concord, and black sneakers, many sneaker enthusiasts most likely would have never seen a pair of Jordan 11s in these colors in the 90s.

Another classic pair popularized through sneaker art in the cinema first came about in the late 90s. Denzel Washington and Ray Allen starred in Spike Lee’s He Got Game. Allen’s partnership with Jordan Brand made sure Air Jordans would be highlighted throughout the movie. Jake Shuttlesworth, played by Washington, dons a pair of white, black, and red Jordan 13s.

This particular pair of Jordans became a fan favorite even to this day. Without the classic basketball movie, the black, red, and white 13s wouldn’t hold as much significance. Jake Shuttlesworth made 13s cool again.

Even sneakers besides Jordans have received indescribable attention through movie appearances. White Men Can’t Jump (1992) arguably made one pair of Nikes iconic overnight. The Nike Air Command Force virtually became a classic because of its cinematic appearance. How many people would be rocking Command Forces if White Men Can’t Jump never released?

Sneaker Art: A Unique Appreciation

Sneakers are a form of art no matter how you look at it. They often represent intangibles much larger than the material aspect.

At the end of the day, art will always be subjective. Sneakers are no stranger to subjectivity; some people may think a particular pair of kicks looks ugly and others may view the same pair as one of their favorites of all time. Even Jordans were considered “ugly” when they first came out. Appreciating sneaker art through cinema and literature allows countless people to fully appreciate the importance and significance of sneakers.

Sneaker art

Artists all over the world are constantly looking to break boundaries and create art that has never been thought of before. The world of sneakers is no different than art such as paintings and drawings. Sneakers will continue to develop and push limits as time goes on.

Starting Out Fresh: Life’s Constant Variation

New changes can be exciting and daunting at the same time. Anyone who looks to grow has to put themselves in uncomfortable situations on a constant basis. Forget the comfort zone. Starting out fresh leads to countless possibilities throughout life.

Welcome new challenges everyday and watch the progress that comes along. There is no room for relaxation and sympathy in the “uncomfort” zone. Sometimes you have to make sacrifices that have become habit over the years.

New Chapters: The World Doesn’t Wait Around

Growing over the years brings wisdom that no amount of education or training can ever replicate.

New chapters are a constant in life. Someone may be moving to a completely new city on their own or going back to school to further their formal education. The possibilities are endless in this journey called life. However, life doesn’t wait around for when someone is ready to be proactive and ambitious.

Life passes up tons of people because they keep telling themselves “one day.” One day turns into tomorrow, next week, then next month and even next year. Without realizing it, five years will pass by and that same “one day” will be thrown around like nothing.

Putting off something important is a strategic action that many people never master. “One day, I want to open my own law firm,” compared to “one day I will start going to the gym” are completely different. One requires years of dedication, formal education and experience, and upfront capital. The other requires determination and willpower.

The world doesn’t wait around for someone to get in shape or taking better care of their body. The world doesn’t wait when “the time is right” to start a side hustle. Life will pass up the procrastinator far more than the person who fails over and over again. Failure often leads to success; inaction only leads to the lack of failure and success.

New opportunities are closer than most think; there will never be a perfect time to take action. The world will continuously change and will never stop to wait for anyone.

Starting Out Fresh: Blank Slates

A novel cannot start without a blank sheet of paper. A movie can’t become a global hit without a blank script. A new business cannot become successful without a blank business plan.

Everything worthwhile in life starts from nothing.

Nothing leads to something. Blank slates may be scary to confront, but are nonetheless necessary for any worthwhile endeavor.

LeBron James didn’t become the best basketball player in the world without first learning how to dribble and shoot. He started playing with a blank slate and worked his way to the top over the years. The best of the best start from the same position as everyone else- from the bottom.

The top of any field is widely respected because of the countless hours of dedication and hard work required to get there. Few people are willing to make endless sacrifices to reach the pinnacle of their craft. Starting out fresh is paramount to any type of worthwhile, long-lasting, and recognizable success.

Roadblocks and Setbacks

As anyone over the age of one knows, life is full of ups and downs. Things will not always (and rarely ever do) go exactly as planned. Roadblocks are a constant; unfortunate and undesirable events will be guaranteed in life.

Failure doesn’t typically discourage even the most successful people.

Pushing through is necessary for anyone looking to obtain any level of success. The world will never give out success; roadblocks and setbacks are constant and will never cease to exist.

Discouraging times are not foreign to any type of marathon. Life is about learning from your mistakes and attempting to not repeat them in the future.

Sometimes setbacks lead to two steps backwards but ultimately set up for greater success in the future. Failing is a necessary part of life. If someone is not failing that means they aren’t trying. No effort and giving up is more detrimental than the act of failing.

Starting Out Fresh: New Beginnings

Life works in weird ways. Nothing ever seems to be set in stone. One day your world could completely change without any forewarning.

New beginnings hold countless opportunities for growth and self-discovery. There is no reason to force anything that isn’t mean to be. Sometimes we want to fast forward to get to the end goal. However, life would be meaningless if we could get everything we wanted with the snap of a finger.

The journey is what shapes an individual. Success doesn’t define someone’s character. The moments leading up to and before any type of worthwhile success are what builds a strong man or woman. Life is a marathon that should be viewed with an open perspective. Appreciate every moment especially new beginnings.

Is Collecting Sneakers Worth It?

Some people collect stamps, others collect trading cards, and some crazy individuals love collecting sneakers. Few people outside of the sneaker world will ever fully understand the craze and hype of sneaker collections.

Select highly sought-after sneakers go for the price of a reliable car, some as much as a brand new car straight from the dealership. The fact that some collectors pay more than some individuals’ annual salaries for sneakers is mind-boggling to countless people, including many sneaker lovers.

Collecting Sneakers: Investments and Returns

The art of collecting brings numerous purposes and reasons along. Some collectors look to obtain massive collections while others look to collect and bank in on certain collectibles. The world of sneakers is no stranger to returns that attract even non-collectors.

Just like the stock market, the sneaker market can be simplified to a classic phrase: “buy low, sell high.” Reselling sneakers is now viewed as an investment option with fantastic yields. Collectors may sell a pair they didn’t intend to keep in the first place or they might sell pairs that have been collecting dust over multiple months or even years.

Is Collecting Sneakers Worth It?

Collectors everywhere hear stories of the longest of long holds. A pair of sneakers released this year may be worth double, triple, or even ten times its current market value five years from now. Selling sneakers can be tricky; one pair that goes up in value tomorrow may crash in just a few weeks. Even people who wear their sneakers now and look to get rid of them in the future may still come up with a substantial profit.

Sneaker reselling is not just something for resellers who are strictly looking for profits. Even the most seasoned collectors resell pairs for various reasons. Reselling one pair to buy another seems to be the norm especially in times of economic distress. Enthusiasts everywhere may look to keep their collections under a certain number; limiting collections gives more value to each pair of sneakers rather than having countless pairs that rarely see the concrete.

Diminishing and Skyrocketing Market Value

Similar to the car market, the sneaker market witnesses rapid asset depreciation. As soon as someone tries on a pair of shoes, the value goes down. As soon as they are worn and collect a spec of dirt, they go down even more.

Collectors may keep multiple pairs at a time brand new or “deadstock” for potential selling or trading purposes in the near or distant future. Although sneakers do not depreciate as dramatically as cars, there is still a major benefit of holding pairs that one may be unsure of wearing.

Major collectors may have multiple pairs to keep on ice in order to potentially get some grails in the future. The sneaker market is constantly fluctuating. One particular pair of sneakers may be worth under its retail price currently but could skyrocket in value in only a few years. The reverse is also true. Sneakers that are extremely high in resell value now may drop significantly after some news comes out or more pairs are released.

Sneaker values all over are forever changing; very few sneakers stay stagnant in the secondary market. Market changes include countless ups and downs with little periods of inactivity. Companies such as StockX and GOAT allow buyers and sellers to track sneaker prices in real time- just like the stock market. The analysis of resell performance on the secondary market will continue to become more widespread as countless individuals are looking for unconventional ways to invest their money.

Collecting Sneakers: Unique Personalized Collections

Sneaker collections speak volumes on how an individual expresses themselves. Some collectors may strictly stick to Jordans, others may be more favorable to other labels like Adidas, New Balance, Reebok, Saucony, or Asics. A collection shows someone’s personal style; sneakers are a form of expression that have evolved over numerous years.

A sneaker collection goes far beyond materialistic aspects. Someone may cherish particular pairs because of the stories tied to them. For example, a pair of sneakers may have been a sought after grail that someone could not afford when they first got into shoes. Another collector may look to keep sneakers in their collection that were obtained through camping out all night or through months of saving up hard earned cash.

People express their styles when they wear sneakers unique to them. At the end of the day, no two collections are exact. Unique collections showcase various colorways, materials, and brands. Stories run abundantly among sneakers; more pairs ultimately leads to more stories that add another layer of distinctiveness.

Know Your (Sneaker) Worth

At the end of a day, collecting sneakers is an expensive yet rewarding lifestyle. If you find yourself to be a nostalgic and/or sentimental person, a collection will hold more weight compared to someone who is more concerned with materialistic aspects. Sneaker collections bring out the best of meaningful memories and stories and help people express themselves in a healthy way.

The worth of a sneaker collection cannot be determined easily. Some may not appreciate your collection as much as you do, but who cares what other people have to say about the shoes you collect and wear?

Know the worth of your collection (both literally- in terms of monetary value for any insurance or trading reasons and figuratively for the greater meaning of all the sneakers). Nobody can ever curate the perfect collection for someone else. A collector knows what will work best in their sneaker collection more than anyone else. Wear and collect what you like. Keep it simple.

Mental Health Awareness: A Reason For Hope

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, it is essential to talk about mental health year round. One month dedicated to mental health is great to spread awareness and encourage countless individuals, but it is nowhere near the amount of time and bandwidth needed to address a pressing issue throughout the world.

Reducing stigmas attached to mental health issues proves to be one of the most valuable steps when confronting the mental health epidemic in the United States. One in five adults in America live with a mental illness (countless more remain undiagnosed). To be strong means to be vulnerable and accepting help/guidance when necessary. Life can be confusing, frustrating, and overall extremely hard.

Mental Health Awareness Month

However, there are reasons to be hopeful as mental health awareness is more widespread than ever.

Never Lose Sight of the Big Picture

In life, events happen that bring people down. Life can be unfair and unjust; even some of the best people in the world have some of the worse things happen to them. At the end of the day, life is all about dealing with the ups and downs that come with every moment.

Sometimes it may seem like a break can never be caught. One undesirable event leads to another and the downward spiral continues with no end in sight.

Even when life deals undesired cards, there is always a reason to keep the big picture in mind. Someone who is studying to go to law school may not have an ideal job currently. An individual who wants to be married one day might not have much current success in romantic relationships.

Roadblocks and temporary limitations will be sure to confront anyone with worthwhile long-term goals. Nothing in life will ever be perfect. Keeping the bigger picture in mind allows people to remain grounded and look at life with an objective perspective.

Mental Health Awareness: Seeking Necessary Help

Asking for help or guidance is often difficult for countless people. Someone may feel like they are being a bother or they are strong enough to deal with issues by themselves. However, life may be unforgiving and does not favor those walking alone. Reaching out for help does not deem weakness, but instead shows strength by being vulnerable in a healthy manner.

Pretending to be okay usually makes things worse in the long run.

Help comes in numerous forms. People can help themselves by doing self-evaluation and figuring out what makes them truly happy, satisfied, fulfilled, heard, etc. Also, there are countless forms of therapy available. Traditional therapy, art therapy, and music therapy are just a few of the many different types that may be useful depending on personal preferences.

Help may not always be welcoming or readily available; different situations bring along complexities that need to be dealt with using distinct approaches and tactics.

Looking for help brings complications along. Will people think I’m weak? Will they understand what I’m dealing with? How will people view me after knowing about my current state of mental health? How is this help going to assist me to get better?

These are all valid questions for someone who is considering the benefit of help to deal with mental health issues. The negatives may outweigh the positives for many people thinking about opening up about their outlook on life and overall mental health. However, the right individuals under ideal circumstances will prove to be beneficial for anyone who is conscious about the importance of mental health.

Never Ending Mental Health Awareness

Mental health awareness never fully goes away. Even after someone overcomes obstacles and reaches an ideal mental state, there will be times in the future where things are not always ideal. Nobody can predict how they will feel and view life in five or ten years from now.

Mental Health Awareness

Promoting mental health awareness allows individuals to feel more comfortable talking about mental health in all types of settings. Hyper-productivity is stressed now more than ever, especially in the United States. Mental health awareness stresses the importance of getting rest, help, or sometimes taking a needed break in order to reach a more desirable mental state.

As time goes on, more people will realize how important mental health affects every aspect of life. Younger generations will continue to stress mental health awareness and will reach older generations with their efforts as well.

Mental health will always be a major concern throughout the world; even the most successful people around the world deal with mental health issues on a regular basis. Mental health affects everyone as it does not discriminate based on any internal or external factors.

You Are Not Alone

To anyone who has dealt with or is currently confronting their own mental health issue or illness, you are not alone.

The mind can make someone feel like there is no escape or that nobody cares no matter the circumstances. Mental health is something that is never to be taken lightly; people all around the world are fighting their own battles everyday without telling anyone. Be kind to strangers, you never know what someone is going through.

To anyone struggling with maintaining optimal mental health, do not hesitate to reach out to a certified professional or a supportive family member or friend. If you are not comfortable with speaking with someone, find a nonverbal form of therapy like art, music or even sports to work towards a healthy state of mind. Your story matters and there are people who truly care more than you would ever think.

How to Start a (Sneaker) Blog

Owning a sneaker blog or a website in general seems cool and glamorous on the outside. The things people don’t see, such as the countless mistakes and start overs, show the true reality of running a functioning site.

Most people who start blogs enjoy writing and don’t view it as a chore. If someone doesn’t like to write at all, it might make sense to figure out an outlet that is less writing intensive.

Blogs are rarely overnight successes. An individual must be prepared for years without any substantial rewards.

Foundation of a Blog

Nothing worthwhile will last without a strong foundation. It is important to take the time to think and plan before diving into a short-term or long-term project of a sneaker blog or any focus of your liking.

First, an individual must decide what type of blog and topics the site will cover. Find a niche but nothing too obscure. Do market research even if you consider yourself an expert. There is always information you know you don’t know and details that you have no idea about as well. An open mind and a humble demeanor both go a long way in any sort of journey especially when starting a sneaker blog.

Next, continue to do market and blog specific research before finding your target audience. Even if you have a few ideal viewers, it is better to have some compared to none at all. Conduct initial research on possible domains and hosting sites to get a jumpstart on your sneaker blog’s formation.

A unique logo is one of the finishing touches to a strong foundation. Although it is essential for branding, one should not spend too much time in forming a logo. Branding brings people to your page or site, the content and attitude keeps them coming back. Too much time on a logo takes valuable time away from building a strong foundation.

Before you start creating your website, it is necessary to find your why and what separates you from competitors. There are countless sites on the internet and endless blogs, especially within sneakers. Find key aspects that differentiate your brand which allows for a unique experience. Setting a clear vision and mission statement gives essential insight to remember why you started.

Find Hosting/Domain/Website Builder

Any functioning website needs a domain (the name of your site) and hosting to get off the ground and place in search engine rankings. There are numerous hosting providers and places to buy domains. As long as a provider has good reviews, it should be more than capable of starting your very own blog website.

Website builders vary by pricing, function, accessibility, user interface, and overall capabilities. Research is key during this particular step. Nobody wants to start with one website builder and have to start over for various reasons. Try to limit your options to 3 or 4 platforms/builders before further narrowing your choices. Watch YouTube videos, try demos, read countless articles, and do whatever it takes to find the best website builder for you.

Blog- a site of never ending writing

Squarespace, WordPress, Wix, Shopify (better suited for e-commerce), and GoDaddy are all viable options for a solid website builder. The one you choose will impact your sneaker blog in the short-term and the long run alike. DO NOT go into this vital step blindly. Research is always key especially when starting a new blog using a new/unfamiliar platform.

Implementation and Sneaker Blog Building

Now is the time to put everything together. Too much overthinking leads to wasted time that could be spent doing something. In early stages, your work probably won’t be that good and in some cases it may repel readers. Nobody starts off great at anything, even the “naturals.” The act of doing is most of the battle in the beginning of any new venture. Just start and learn from your experience (mostly mistakes in the beginning).

Research and planning go a long way in a new blog journey. Most people who don’t quit after a few months will start to learn more about things they didn’t know. Results may or may not come as soon or as much as you would like. The reality is that the individuals who have stuck around the longest are almost always some of the most successful in many regards. Quitting kills more talent and potential than failure ever will.

Over time, you will figure out what you are good at and what you can improve upon or outsource. Maintaining and creating content can be a lot for one person; sometimes other people with expertise can take a load off your shoulders. Be cautious of who you work with directly or indirectly- your blog/site is still a reflection of you, regardless if others contributed in some way.

Be consistent once you officially release your sneaker (or any other type of) blog. Your work is not done after you get the site up and running. In fact, the work has just started. Creating and launching your blog is the basic training compared the real world reality that throws curveballs (which no type of training can ever prepare you for).

Once you have started your blog journey, there is no turning back. Only quitting or sticking it out for the long run. No website is meant to live forever, but why quit before you even give yours a chance?

Time: The Most Valuable Asset in the World

Money, fame, time and attention are always considered to be extremely valuable. People often believe monetary value determines how valuable someone is in this world. However, no materialistic item will ever be more valuable than something we can never get back after it’s gone. The most valuable asset in the world? 

Time

Nobody can buy more or get it back after it has passed. Nothing can completely stop it in its tracks. It cannot be returned for equal or lesser value.

Time is Money

There is nothing more valuable in life. Money cannot buy more time, but it can always buy more money. Our ancestors were not pressed about constantly checking the clock or even had a chance to read a clock. They made sure to focus on things they enjoyed and focused on spending their days doing something fulfilling. Now, there are millions of distractions that attempt to draw us away from always being mindful of how we spend our time.

Time isn’t money because of hourly wages, but instead by the fact that it cannot be replicated unlike monetary earnings. There is an unlimited amount of cash- both physically and virtually in the world. Some people and some countries have more or less than others; at the end of the day, authorities can simply print more when necessary. Nothing can ever print more time for us to use and enjoy. Money is infinite while time has finite limits.

There is always time for sunset views

Multitasking

Some people think they can multiply time by multitasking. Although it can be beneficial in some cases, the process of multitasking often comes with inadvertent results. The mind is only capable of performing at its peak when focused on a sole task at hand. Multitasking may lead to quicker results in a shorter period, but the quality of work or performance may suffer.

Time only allows us to do one important thing at once. We cannot sleep while driving or work while resting or even exercise while partying. If someone calls themselves a great multitasker that means they are okay at doing a lot of different things simultaneously. There is a reason time is the most valuable asset in the world- it requires our undivided attention to make the most of it.

No Overtime

Everyone has the same twenty-four hours everyday. No matter how hard we try, we cannot change the scope of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years. Father Time prevails victorious over every mortal force. We are not immortal; time is one of the only aspects of the world that proves to be eternal. Humans have to make the most of their life on Earth and never take a passing moment for granted. Nothing can slow down or completely stop the future from becoming the present.

Although time cannot be warped, humans can use different tactics to alter the perception of time. Doing something exciting and enjoyable seems to speed up time while partaking in a boring or monotonous activity appears to slow it down. The ultimate goal is to find the balance between “speeding up” or “slowing down”; it is essential to always be aware of how we are using our days.

There is no such thing as overtime. Money and fame come and go but time proves to be more valuable than any materialistic item or monetary value. Human life is priceless due to the fact that it contains memories and experiences that money cannot buy on its own. Humans must understand how powerful the illusion of time truly is. Anyone can use this asset to their advantage once they first grasp its full potential and power.

Take time to appreciate nature

Overthinking at Its Finest

As an introvert, it is completely normal to have countless thoughts that are never expressed outwardly. Overthinking is normalized in a fast paced society. Contrary to popular belief, introverts are not always shy (although they can appear to be and even seem disconnected occasionally). The main difference between extroverts and introverts is the energy they seek to surround themselves with. Extroverts usually look for energetic and arousing environments like parties, loud public places, and concerts or festivals. On the other hand, introverts typically are more comfortable with less external energy and arousal. These can include small gathering of close friends, reading a book in a comfortable spot, or spending time by themselves doing whatever brings them fulfillment at the time being.

Extroverts usually express a larger majority of their thoughts than their mislabeled counterparts. Being an introvert does not always mean someone is disengaged or withdrawn. Introverts spend more time thinking and keeping those thoughts to themselves, which can lead to an overthinking fiasco. Once someone goes down a rabbit hole of overwhelming themselves, they are often the only ones who can get them out of the self-made ditch.

Overwhelmed yet Calm

When someone overthinks, they do not always show telling signs of doing so. They may look slightly irritated or annoyed but not overly anxious or panicky. Thinking is most beneficial when a happy medium is reached. Too little does not lead to enough meaningful interactions and ideas; too much leads to anxious feelings and overall downward spiraling thought processes.

Composure is keeping one’s calm and even-keeled appearance even when they might be falling apart on the inside. Introverts do a better job of hiding and/or masking their emotions than extroverts. They think it is necessary to appear calm 24/7. However, it is okay to be overwhelmed as it is a natural feeling that can be caused by countless factors.

In Your Head

Overthinking typically occurs when someone spends more time in their head than the present moment. Time is extremely valuable no matter how we choose to spend it. Once it is gone, it cannot be replenished like other intangible aspects of life like health, money, and pleasure. People seek to gain and gain endlessly but rarely stop to realize this attitude may lead to adverse situations in the long run. In your head means overthinking to a degree without being physically, emotionally, or mentally present.

Nature- one of many cures for overthinking

It is easier for introverts to get in their heads. They tend to express themselves in different ways than extroverts. Between the two, thought processes often separate the groups in a drastic way. On one hand, extroverts think more outwardly and express themselves more openly. In contrary, introverts typically think inwardly and “get in their own head.” Nobody can help someone get out of their own head except the person who did so in the first place. Thoughts can become sticky and overwhelming, but can be avoided using various healthy thought processes and approaches.

Kill Overthinking

The root of all overthinking lies in one’s internal world. Nothing in the external world can directly lead someone to start thinking in a downward spiral. Destructive thought processes come up; they are not permanent, which can be extremely difficult in the midst of a personal dilemma. Objectivity is not always easy to achieve.

An effective way to curb overthinking to distract oneself with a healthy outlet. Reading, working out, playing sports, talking to a friend (about positive topics), and spending time in nature are all viable options to get the mind out of an undesirable thought process. Although it may not completely eliminate overthinking, distraction works well in tandem with other techniques to cease overanalyzing certain situations.

Another method effective against overthinking is allowing the mind to rest. A healthy mind is constantly racing all day about anything and everything; thousands of thoughts come and go everyday. Sometimes the mind needs a break, just like the rest of the human body. Rest looks different for everyone. Too much and too little are both detrimental. It is essential to listen to the body and mind together; both show signs of health and the times in need of rest.

Thinking leads to endless possibilities. Even a healthy mind is not perfect; overthinking is natural especially for introverts. People should act like they are human instead of trying to be a perfectionist.

Best Sneaker Books

Sneaker culture is a relatively young niche compared to others under the fashion and footwear umbrella. Fashion historians often overlook certain subcultures in favor of older or more notable ones. Sneakers books are becoming more popular as the sneaker world continues to widen.

Books are always one of the purest forms of history. Sneaker books showcase stories, articles, opinions, and standout sneakers. As time goes on, more history will be shared and focused on just like any other subculture that floats towards the mainstream.

Historical Sneaker Stories

Countless sneaker books often focus on recent history and latest news, releases, and best of lists. However, there are some intriguing stories that delve into how major and smaller companies alike found a lasting role in the sneaker world. Everyone knows Nike, Adidas, and Puma. Not many people know the history of the household brands and their humble beginnings.

Adidas and Puma have close ties that started decades ago in Germany. Sneaker Wars: The Enemy Brothers Who Founded Adidas and Puma and the Family Feud That Forever Changed the Business of Sport by Barbara Smit focuses on how two brothers founded major sportswear companies that are both well-known across the globe. Athletic footwear brands historically began outside American borders. Germany brought two sportswear brands into the athletic apparel and footwear world in a rather short period of time.

Sneaker books: Sneaker Wars

Smit highlights the battles between the Dassler family that ultimately led two separate labels. Both of the German brothers grew up without any ill-intentions towards each other. When they went into business, things shifted drastically. Their falling-out led to two different family companies instead of just family brand.

Oregon Trail

Phil Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential figures in the footwear industry. When he first started out, not many people believed in him, even his own friends and family. If it weren’t for his perseverance and relentless determination, the most popular footwear brand today might very well be one from overseas. In his memoir he goes into great detail about all of the trials and tribulations he had to go through before he saw any sort of success. Nike represents one of the greatest stories to come out of the American sports apparel and footwear industry.

Sneaker books: Shoe Dog

Officially founded in 1972, in Beaverton, Oregon, the corporation started from humble beginnings. The future of Nike was looking bleak when Knight first started his journey before officially founding the world-renowned sportswear company.

Knight attended the University of Oregon where he met Bill Bowerman, one of the most iconic American track and field coaches in the history of the sport. Phil Knight kept close ties with Bowerman that would be integral to the rest of his life. The two ultimately became co-founders of Nike, one of the world’s most recognizable sportswear brands of the late twentieth and the entirety of the twenty-first century so far.

Shoe Dog, goes into great detail about Phil Knight’s personal life, his early days of his entrepreneurial journey, and the Nike days up until the mid 2010s. Since being published in 2016, the memoir has been widely accepted and recognized as one of the best sneaker books of the past decade. Bill Gates even named Shoe Dog as one of his favorite books of 2016. Any Nike fan or sneaker enthusiast should check out Phil Knight’s memoir.

Best of 2018-19

Every year, the best sneaker lists are released after long waits. Collaborations typically make up the majority of the lists with very few exceptions. Sneaker books that recap particular releases throughout the years are always interesting to look back on.

Many collabs stand out effortlessly in this short period of time. Union, Travis Scott, and Off-White had memorable sneakers released that many enthusiasts will never forget. Out of Stock Sneakers: 2018-2019 showcases some unforgettable rare sneakers in a unique and unconventional way. King-Masa effortlessly makes this read easy and enjoyable. Anyone looking to add to a coffee table collection should seek out this publication.

The Craze of College Athletics

Sports are one of the largest sectors of entertainment in the United States. From youth to professional levels, very few people can avoid witnessing some aspect of sports in their immediate environment. Sports-related advertisements are found everywhere- from grocery stores to drug stores to restaurants. While pro sports rake in the most money for cities and the country as a whole, college athletics breed a different type of following.

College sports create an unmatchable atmosphere in countless arenas and stadiums across the country. Different regions boast distinct features and aspects for conferences and teams. Fans remain loyal to colleges and universities for various reasons. Almost every college sports enthusiast can attest to how special college athletics truly are.

College Athletics Allegiances

Whether someone roots for their alma mater, cheers for their local team, or becomes a fan for any other reason, the loyalty in college athletics typically runs deeper than virtually any other level of competitive sports. Professional sports are conducted like businesses. Anything below college athletics does not have enough skill to keep a lasting interest for people not directly related or closely tied to players.

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) major sports have just the right combination of skill and heart that make the world of college athletics unique. Fans everywhere stick with their teams through the thick and thin which makes winning and championships mean so much more in the collegiate level.

Fans everywhere rep their favorite teams no matter where in the country or even world they might find themselves. Most mid to large sized colleges and universities have an alumni network than expands outside of the campus and the surrounding area. College sports fans typically don’t find themselves as a lone supporter and can usually find other fans not too far away.

Heated and Historical Rivalries

In the twentieth century, most current professional sports teams were founded. However, a few were created in the mid to late nineteenth century. Many colleges and universities across the country were founded in the 1700s and 1800s with some of the oldest dating back to the seventeenth century. Obviously sports were not a main concern at the immediate existence of these higher educational institutions. However, many schools picked up on sports like football and baseball for students to enjoy and provide entertainment to countless spectators. Some of the oldest rivalries in the nation are between colleges and universities that have been around far longer than any most professional sports organization.

According to the NCAA, the first ever college football game was played in 1869. Not long after, rivalries started to become a staple in college athletics. Yale and Princeton is the oldest rivalry in college football dating back to 1873 (CITE). My grandfather’s alma mater, Lafayette, holds the seventh oldest rivalry in college football with Lehigh which started in 1884. Rivalries are intense because many of them date back to before most fans today were even born. The roots especially in college football run deep and provide historical backing for why so many schools and fans look forward to rivalry week every season.

For the Love of the Game

Amateur sports draw in fans for numerous reasons. One is that players typically play with more heart and for the love of the game. They don’t have to constantly think about performing for a check or always worrying about their public image. Collegiate sports typically breed a greater love for the game without the constant pressure of performing for monetary value (although college sports are trending more towards professionalism as NIL deals increase). Fans all around the country have a harder time relating to a professional athlete who is constantly in the public eye and does not appear to be as relatable as a college athlete.

Another is the fact that college athletics provide a unique environment that allows fans to feel “closer” to players. Many alumni can relate to being a student at a particular school and some can even recount their days of being a student athlete. Professional players are often seen as celebrities while college players are viewed as college kids who excel at their respected sport. Almost everyone can understand a college kid better than a celebrity who might seem out of touch with the public.

Pitt basketball

College athletics is the last level of sports that shows pure love for the game. When athletes are making tens of millions of dollars, it is easy for fans to question players’ motives. The love either stems from checks that come from the game or the game itself. Many people cannot relate to a professional athlete who might appear to be playingas if they are part of a business rather than a team player. Egos are constantly an issue in pro sports. College student athletes generally appear to be humble and therefore more relatable .

The Future of College Athletics

The future of college athletics is already experiencing a major shift. Scholarships and guaranteed playing time are no longer enough to gain the top recruits in the country. NIL deals draw in athletes who are looking to capitalize off of their image. College sports are becoming more business like, and more similar to professional sports.

Pitt Basketball college athletics

The scope of college athletics is changing drastically. Amateur sports now refer to levels below college athletics. NIL deals bring a complicated dimension to countless NCAA programs across the country. Money hungry programs will unanimously overpower opponents; ultimately, a more efficient system of checks and balances is essential.

Ultimately, college athletics are essentially becoming pay to play. Major market teams will dominate their respected conferences for years to come. Mid to smaller market schools will parallel similar markets in professional leagues with limited payrolls. Hopefully, there is a change to keep college sports from evolving completely into more professional leagues. College athletics need the pure love for the game to stay for the long run.

Source

NCAA.com, Molly Sequin |. “The 19 Oldest Rivalries in College Football.” NCAA.com, NCAA.com, 22 Nov. 2022, https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2022-11-22/19-oldest-rivalries-college-football. 

24 Lessons at 24

Life often works in weird ways. Theories and studies cannot teach valuable lessons that solely come from experience. Sometimes you have to go through certain situations to know more about the future.

Nothing can replace the past. Lessons come and go but the best seem to stick around forever. The mentioned lessons are some that have stuck with me the most in my young life so far.

Life Lessons: Enjoy the Moment
  1. The Future Can Never Be Fully Planned For
    • It is impossible to fully plan out the future no matter how much time or energy is put in. There is only so much we can plan for in a world full of everlasting change. Being okay with the unknown is essential in almost every aspect of life.
  2. Overthinking Leads to Undesirable Outcomes
    • Thinking too much rarely solves the problems or issues we find ourselves worrying about. Spending unnecessary time thinking about the what-ifs takes time away from valuable action and planning.
  3. Success Rarely Comes From a Straight Path
    • Any worthwhile form of success often does not come along a straight and narrow path. Ups and downs as well as turns and obstacles are common on any journey towards achieving something substantial. An uncomplicated path does not typically offer much longevity.
  4. Life Always Throws Curveballs
    • Things do not go exactly as envisioned and planned throughout most of one’s life. There will always be unforeseen events and circumstances that force someone to adapt sooner than later. Curveballs can lead to situations that are essential to experience.
  5. Heartbreak Comes in Many Forms
    • In almost every type of media and entertainment outlet, heartbreak coincides with romance. However, heartbreak is not limited just to romantic aspects. Friends and family break hearts and sports teams constantly do the same.
  6. Nobody Wins Without Adversity
    • Before any type of worthwhile or long-lasting success comes failure. Some of the best in virtually every profession have failed countless times before rising to the top of their respected field. Adversity builds character that becomes essential to become a winner of any type.
  7. Everything Can Go Right and Things Still Might Fail
    • Sometimes things don’t work in our favor for many reasons. Failure can for many reasons outside of our control. Undesirable outcomes sometimes happen for no explainable reason.
  8. Watch Who You Call a Friend
    • Friends can make or break your social life. With the rise of social media, it seems like our social circles increase exponentially just by knowing more people. However, online “friends” do not come close to the magnitude of real friendships. True friends never make you question their loyalty.
  9. Take Time for Yourself
    • We live in a world that constantly praises hyper-productivity and constant work. It is necessary to avoid burn out when possible. Whether it is reading a book, watching a show or game, or spending time with quality people, there are plenty of ways for someone to take time for themselves to relieve stress and anxiety.
  10. The Best Things in Life Can’t Be Bought
    • Love, happiness, joy, and peace are just a few intangible things in life that cannot be bought. Money can definitely make life easier, but it cannot buy happiness outright. Intangible aspects of life are far more valuable than any materialistic good in the world.
  11. Focus on the People Who Support You
    • In a world that can seem cold and selfish, it is essential to focus on the people in life who support you and do so openly. Support is necessary to get through any sort of adversity in life. Any amount of support should not be taken for granted.
  12. Keep the Family Close
    • Friends come and go, but family is forever. Family is not limited to blood, but instead it is defined by loyalty and undeniable support for an extended period of time. A valuable lesson to never forget is that a healthy life requires a healthy family.
  13. Don’t Be Afraid of Change
    • One of the few constants in life is change. Sometimes change can be for the better or for the worse, but it will always be present. Why resist change that is bound to happen?
  14. Success is Subjective
    • There are no set measures for success in life. Like many preconceived notions, success is not solely calculated by monetary value. Success may be subjectively based on umerous aspects like health, happiness, relationships, and overall well-being.
  15. Life Isn’t Fair
    • If life was fair everyone would have equal opportunities to achieve everything they want to. There’s no reason to dwell on unfairness especially since there is little we can do to change the unfair aspects. It is better to focus on the good and push through when life treats us unfairly.
  16. Distance and Silence Reveal True Colors
    • One of the most insightful lessons I have learned rather recently is the fact that distance and silence often reveal one’s true colors. It is easy to tell the well-being of a relationship when someone is around on a regular basis. Distance and silence shows who is loyal and trustworthy over time.
  17. Comparison Kills Joy
    • To compare yourself to others often leads to self-doubt and less overall self-confidence. Everyone’s life is different with different circumstances. The only person to compare to is previous versions of yourself.
  18. Money is Far from Everything
    • One of the most valuable lessons in my life so far is to never forget how money does not mean everything. Money will never buy happiness. Issues still persist and new ones will arise no matter how much money someone possesses.
  19. Alone Time is Essential
    • Everyone needs alone time for numerous reasons. Introverts, like myself, typically need it more often than others. Alone time can be extremely beneficial to recharge and learn new things about yourself as well.
  20. Be Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
    • Any type of worthwhile and/or long-lasting growth does not occur in the comfort zone. Uncomfortable situations and circumstances lead to improvement in numerous aspects of life. It is essential to get out of the comfort zone to reach new heights and learn valuable lessons.
  21. An Active Mind Needs an Active Body
    • A healthy human needs to keep both the mind and body active as much as possible. One cannot stay stagnant while the other gets all the attention. All aspects of the body need some sort of exercise.
  22. Never Force Anything
    • What is meant to be in life will find its way to you. There’s no reason to force anything that does not come naturally. Stay open to new experiences that can shape your future significantly.
  23. Be Forgiving
    • To forgive does not mean to forget. Sometimes we have to forgive the people closest to us more than we would like. Be forgiving as nobody is a perfect human being.
  24. Appreciate Your Journey
    • Life can be exciting, frustrating, amazing, and sometimes even confusing. The journey teaches indispensable lessons that help guide us through life. It is essential to take time to appreciate your individual journey as life goes on.