Shaquille O’Neal brings a new perspective to his life every year. The 7ft legend is carefree, funny, kind-hearted, and a go-to person, making him very likable over the years. It’s safe to say he is one of the few celebrities who rarely gets criticized. However, he goes a bit hard on himself, when it comes to looking back at the mistakes he made in his life. Following his 52nd birthday on March 6, the Los Angeles Lakers icon revealed a few things that he has changed and the first thing was forgiving himself. 

In a transparent conversation with the ‘People’ magazine, Shaquille O’Neal revealed how he brought happiness to his life. It’s pretty simple. He said, “I don’t take myself too seriously”. But, he was not the same, a few years back. His controversial character and decisions during his playing career are totally in contrast to this. It continued for a few more years. He is aware of the mistakes he has made, but he also knows they cannot be changed. 

You cannot change your past, but you can change yourself. That is exactly what the 4x champion did. Seeing the positive side of his life, he said, “I make mistakes. But I live by certain principles. Be nice to people, respect people, and be who you are. That’s me.” What’s noteworthy from his conversation is he has activated a new mode in life.

Big Diesel added, “If I hear something crazy, I go strictly into laugh mode...I’m just happy to be working, happy to have friends, and happy to be able to help out people in need…Every day is my birthday. Today’s my birthday too. So, I’m just happy.” Although this new perspective on his life looks great for him, it does not come easily. There were a lot of mistakes he made and that is the only reason why he is in this place now.

Shaquille O’Neal shares how ‘dumb mistakes’ that made him lose his family

As Jason Kelce announced retirement, Shaq wanted to share a few words with the NFL champion on how to move forward with his second chapter. And the first thing the 2000 MVP said was, “Enjoy your family brother”. Shaq continued, “I made a lot of dumb mistakes to where I lost my family and I didn’t have anybody…So enjoy your beautiful life, enjoy your beautiful kids, and never dwell on what we had.” Well, that’s more than just advice. 

Shaq has shown remorse for his divorce. A few years after his marriage ended, the Lakers champion shared, “I was bad…She was awesome. She really was. It was all me…Sometimes when you live that double life, you get caught up. I’m not going to say it was her. It was all me.” Notably, similar words were repeated in several interviews. While many would call this a regret, it can also be viewed as accepting his mistake. 

What are your thoughts on Shaq’s new look into life? Share your take in the comments below.

Read more: “All the Love You Have Given to the Wrong People”: Infamous for Messy Divorce With NBA Legend, Ex-Wife Shaunie’s Cryptic Post Takes Jab at Shaquille O’Neal