It was a moment that felt unreal. When the news broke of the helicopter accident that killed Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna Bryant and 7 others–including 2 of her teammates and their parents, the world stopped. It shook not only the NBA world, but everyone who knew of Kobe Bryant. And while we remember all 9 souls lost on that terrible Sunday morning, we must continue to live our lives as Kobe Bryant once did—with purpose and dedication. Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality was all about self-improvement on and off the court.

Kobe Bryant instilled the Mamba Mentality into everyone who surrounded him, from trainees, former teammates, fans and even his daughters—including Gianna also known as Mambacita. She was a basketball force all on her own and applied the Mamba philosophy to her own love for the game. While both Kobe and Gianna are no longer physically here, we each carry on their legacy through dedication and unwavering drive to our personal goals— that’s what Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality is, the burning to reach the top and never give up on our passions.

Kobe Bryant’s mindset will continue to live within us all. So when we get frustrated, let that be the motivation to push harder. When you fall to the ground, understand that once you’re back up, the fall will only have made you stronger. When you’re tired and feeling like giving up, don’t. You will be proud you didn’t.

As we continue to mourn the loss of the beautiful people on board the helicopter that Sunday morning, we shouldn’t let the losses keep us down. We will cry, ask why, get angry, but keep pushing. Kobe left something invaluable to us all— the power of the Mamba Mentality.

Our love, strength and prayers go out to the Bryant family and all impacted by this horrific tragedy.

Photos via Instagram of Kobe Bryant.

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