Be a goldfish

I have this habit of watching successful shows years after their debut. I didn't jump on board the Breaking Bad train until Better Call Saul was already its own thing. And now, despite hearing the chatter around the show Ted Lasso, I finally began and finished this incredible show 4 years into its debut. Wow.

"It may not work out how you think it will or how you hope it does. But believe me, it will all work out." — Ted Lasso

As my previous post mentioned, I am a big fan of psychological thrillers and docs. It's rare that a feel-good show can actually make me 'feel good,' let alone smile without realizing it. Ted Lasso blew my expectations out of the water. 

I'm not what I would call a sports person. I don't have a favorite team or keep track of wins and losses. I'll go to a Superbowl party, if invited, but mostly for the social aspect. I couldn't tell you what types of sports play in Fall or Spring. I can't tell you the colors of the teams fans scream for or wear proudly as jerseys. So, imagine my hesitation when I heard all the rage about a show about 'soccer.' I was certain I wouldn't connect to the storyline or the characters. I was certain the plot would be about an underdog team winning some big title, which at times it was, but that was not really what the show was about. This show made me think. This show made me feel. 

Longing. Joy. Nostalgia. Envy. Sorrow. Disgust.

“I think things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.” — Ted Lasso

“The truth will set you free… but first, it will piss you off.” — Dr. Sharon Fieldstone

“I suppose the best brand is being yourself.” — Leslie Higgins

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.” — Ted Lasso

“You deserve someone who will make you feel like you’ve been struck by lightning. Don’t you dare settle for fine.” -- Roy Kent

I just finished the last episode of the released seasons. One of Ted's insights towards the end of the season really stuck with me. He said something along the lines of trying not to allow ourselves to define others by their worst moments. We wouldn't want to be defined by our worst moments, would we? This is something I will carry with me in my everyday life. Too often, I've been that person who holds grudges. That person who doesn't forgive or forget. That person who remembers the less desirable traits of someone more than their redeeming ones. I want to change that mindset.

I saw some of my less desirable traits in many of the show's characters. 

The ego and the flex from Jamie Tartt.

The insecurity and revenge from Nathan Shelley.

The closed off emotions from Roy Kent.

I saw some of my more desirable traits that I hope to embrace more.

The optimism and forgiveness from Ted Lasso.

The love and integrity from Sam Obisanya and his dad, Ola.

The loyalty and honesty between Keely and Rebecca.

I want to be more like a goldfish. Even if new science has proven that goldfish actually do have memories lol. I like the idea of moving forward and not dwelling on mistakes. I like the idea of one day not having to replay conversations to myself before bed, trying to correct what I said. I like the idea of starting each moment, present with a clean slate. It makes embarrassing and/or cringeworthy moments, just moments. They are just moments that move us from one second to the next.