I grew up playing soccer, in the street, kicking the ball against the house (the concrete foundation part), on intremural and traveling teams. It was a big part of my home town. People had bumper stickers that said, “soccer is not a matter of life and death- it’s more important than that.” It was actually a great part of my life, a boost to my self esteem and lovely to be part of something greater than myself.
I had early coaches and team moms that were really supportive. Sometimes, I wish, when facing a challenge, that I still had them cheering me on. That their encouragement could keep me from getting discouraged when an opponent comes at me with a difficult challenge. I have my friends, family & 12-step tribe, which I am most grateful for but I need a pocket Ted Lasso, to keep on hand, for difficult moments.
I imagine my pocket Ted Lasso saying things like, “teamwork makes the dream work” or “you got this!” I imagine him telling me to “be a goldfish” because they have a 10 second memory. Saying things like “Your heart and your gut will help you figure out what’s what.” I imagine pocket Ted sitting next to me in the bleachers of life eating orange slices, just patiently knowing we”ll get back in the game with renewed energy and hope that the second half will turn out well.. that we’ll get em next time.
❤️