I’ve learned over the last 30 years you gotta enjoy the losses just as much as the wins. I know that’s not a popular opinion here and back in the Bruins Nation days, but it works for me. Just the fact that I Ike to (and get to!) cheer on UCLA football is pretty special…
I love Ted Lasso, even if I can't italicize it in a comment. And I love it even more for two specific moments. First, when Ted is decorating his new office, he hangs up a signed copy of Coach's Pyramid of Success. And in a more recent episode, he responds to a question of what he is going to do that day by saying "Make today our masterpiece". That's quality and class right there.
I may have once written something about the Grinnell football coach who, upon seeing another game slipping away, told his players on the sideline, "Cheer up, boys, all hope is lost", or something to that effect. And while I totally understand that sentiment, I've always been troubled by it at the same time. It's tough to balance the peace of self preservation with the possibilities, and vulnerabilities, of hope.
But one thing is for certain, when the losses or shortcomings happen, the disappointment is easier to tolerate and overcome when I'm surrounded by my fellow Bruins, and that's why this place and all the people here at TMB are so so important. I'm not yet ready to cede the joy of success in order to avoid the pain of failure, so I'll continue to play and compete and care - and sometimes lose - because it's worth it when it's for the right team and teammates.
I need italics again here...
It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning—— F. Scott Fitzgerald
I so enjoyed reading this. It doesn’t just apply to UCLA football though. There are a lot of teams that have that same identity. Va Tech. Arizona State. Wisconsin. North Carolina. Georgia. ( seriously… ) Tennessee.
I’ve learned over the last 30 years you gotta enjoy the losses just as much as the wins. I know that’s not a popular opinion here and back in the Bruins Nation days, but it works for me. Just the fact that I Ike to (and get to!) cheer on UCLA football is pretty special…
Beautifully written!
Fantastic piece, DD! Hearts galore.
I love Ted Lasso, even if I can't italicize it in a comment. And I love it even more for two specific moments. First, when Ted is decorating his new office, he hangs up a signed copy of Coach's Pyramid of Success. And in a more recent episode, he responds to a question of what he is going to do that day by saying "Make today our masterpiece". That's quality and class right there.
I may have once written something about the Grinnell football coach who, upon seeing another game slipping away, told his players on the sideline, "Cheer up, boys, all hope is lost", or something to that effect. And while I totally understand that sentiment, I've always been troubled by it at the same time. It's tough to balance the peace of self preservation with the possibilities, and vulnerabilities, of hope.
But one thing is for certain, when the losses or shortcomings happen, the disappointment is easier to tolerate and overcome when I'm surrounded by my fellow Bruins, and that's why this place and all the people here at TMB are so so important. I'm not yet ready to cede the joy of success in order to avoid the pain of failure, so I'll continue to play and compete and care - and sometimes lose - because it's worth it when it's for the right team and teammates.
I need italics again here...
It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning—— F. Scott Fitzgerald
Let's keep fighting. Go Bruins!
I so enjoyed reading this. It doesn’t just apply to UCLA football though. There are a lot of teams that have that same identity. Va Tech. Arizona State. Wisconsin. North Carolina. Georgia. ( seriously… ) Tennessee.
Coincidentally, I was listening to "No One Likes Superman" just before reading this.