Lifesavers for Latasha

This reflection piece is about how resilience, grit, emotions, and mental and physical fatigue collide.

For a while now, a dear friend and I have had deep philosophical conversations and debates about leadership and its application in all facets of life. We both appreciate how art imitates life and gives reflection points to see oneself in a mirror. It doesn’t matter if that art is music, video games, TV, movies, or great memes; they all have applications to reflect on life’s problems.

One such example is the show Ted Lasso. I promised them I would watch it for some time but never had time. While here, Tasha and I binge-watched all three seasons and loved every moment of the show. It was every bit awesome but, more so, a great topic of debate and reflection for us to discuss leadership styles and the hardness and grittiness of life. And more importantly, how the power of vulnerability, positivity, honesty, love, and forgiveness are core attributes of being a good person and great leader.

Hence my title, channeling my inner Ted.

In our philosophical exchanges, we reviewed our styles and what we believe (pun intended) to be true. I found this powerful because when you look at Ted Lasso’s character, you see a deeply kind, confident, loving, strong man on the outside and a deeply angry, struggling, and sad man on the inside. I resonate with Ted more than I care to admit.

I reflect on his character attributes, which resonate with me and make me feel weak and small in comparison. His ability to stay positive in the face of negativity and pain is profound. His positive leadership is infectious to everyone around him. It’s an example for others to follow.

But are those leadership and character attributes real, or is it just a facade?

I would offer that it must be real. Can someone who doesn’t know hate really love? Can someone who doesn’t know weakness truly be strong? Can someone who hasn’t lost everything truly appreciate the small things? Can someone who hasn’t experienced deep negativity really show positivity? And the million-dollar question: Can someone who hasn’t experienced a tragedy that rocks their foundation really have faith?

I believe that all of the cons are an absolute must to have the pros. Knowing grit and showing resilience comes from being forged in the fire of life and surrounded by those who believe in you. It’s all connected.

If you’ve watched the show, in the series finale episode, after the last football match, a song plays during a pivotal scene in the ending. Hearing the song brought me to tears. The song is called Fought and Lost (featuring Brian May) by Sam Ryder.

I have listened to the song many times and internalized it. You must listen to the song to fully appreciate the meaning and power of it, but these lyrics hit so hard today:

“… This time was ours to lose
But fortune favors those who ride the storm and make it through
… So, we will see you here
Same time, same place, next year
And you can take this battle ’cause we’re gonna win the war
Better to have fought and lost than never fought at all.”

Let that sink in again. It’s better to have fought and lost than never fought all. That’s grit. That’s resilience. It’s courage. It’s Tasha.

So, as I channel my inner Ted, I have to have my moment where all things collide, but get it together and push forward. It’s simple: I believe in our journey and how our ending will result in greatness. I BELIEVE.

That same friend reminded me today, which spawned this entire reflection, even Ted broke. That hit me hard. And as they reminded me, it’s okay not to be okay, I was able to focus on the temporary now to get up and fight the next battle with Tasha.

If you have ever watched the show, you will get the believe references I keep making. Aside from it also being a shout out to my friend, I do believe that although today was a tough day, Tasha will be better off for it.

So, as I continue to channel my inner Ted Lasso, I leave you with this: Be a beacon of positivity toward others because we are all hiding pain and struggles. That simple act of believing in someone or showing them grace can be the difference between them getting up and dusting themselves off or spiraling even further out of control.

Thank you to those who are always there to show me grace and tough love.

This logo was designed by the great David Clingerman and is a preview of the leadership brand and blog I am starting soon. There will be more to come about that, but I believe it’s fitting to add it to this reflection.