We're often told we should control our emotions, especially if they are "bad" emotions such as jealousy, hate, lust, anger... But here's the thing - these so-called "bad" emotions are not always bad. Sometimes, when you're stuck in a rut, or you're trying to get something done, or when things are not going the way you want them to, sometimes it's good to be angry. Here's an example:
In the ongoing NBA playoff series the Boston Celtics took a 3-0 commanding lead over the Philadelphia 76ers (in a best-of-7 series). Philadelphia's young star Joel Embiid took it to heart and played an aggressive game, determined to get his team back into the series. He was provoking the Celtics' players, and in one instance he was having a verbal exchange with Marcus Morris pointing at his own head and saying "I'm in your head! I'm in your head!". Morris responded by showing a number 3 and 0 with his fingers to remind Embiid of the score.
Later in the game, Embiid got what he wanted as Celtics' Terry Rozier was so annoyed by him for trying to grab the ball from him after a whistle from the ref, that he tried to punch him in the face! Tempers flared and the two seemed to be getting into a real fight, separated only by the other players and the referees who had to intervene.
Philadelphia went on to win the game. Later on during the press conference, Joel Embiid was asked about the incident and said that this kind of energy gets him going: "I was just trying to get the ball and he was the one trying to swing… Those type of plays you just use to kind of boost your energy and it takes your game to another level, so I like getting into that type of stuff.”
Sometimes it's good to be angry, if it gets you going and pushes you forward towards achieving more things or to overcome obstacles in your life. We are born with the so-called "bad" emotions just like we are born with the "good" ones. In and of itself, the full range of emotions, including the "negative" ones, can be used in life with great success for as long as you don't over do it.
By the way for those curious to know, the Sixers are now 1-3 down in the series and face an uphill battle to try and get back into the series later tonight. Will they succeed? We will see.
But one thing's for sure - Joel Embiid will bring his trademark passion and fire to this must-win game.
