I am among the many tuning in to watch Ted Lasso, and I was not surprised to hear that the show earned 20 Emmy nominations. I have been wondering what it is about the show and about Ted the character that make people want to watch. Underdogs almost always draw attention and garner the support of viewers, so Ted has that going for him right away. But, I think that his indomitable optimism has something more to do with his popularity. Ted BELIEVES. He believes in people, in possibilities, in potential, and in the power of positive thinking. Interestingly, this show has made its way onto screens everywhere during a global pandemic and during a time of political, economic, and social volatility. These are not particularly good times, and people need something to believe in. People need to believe that something better is possible. Ted Lasso provides that.
One of the things I love most about the show and Ted’s character is the way that Ted always has the perfect words and phrases to sum up a situation. I have heard them called “Lassoisms.” Every week on my way to work, I pass by a very cool store window with a Lassoism painted across it. It reads, “You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? It’s got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.” When I first heard Ted say this on the show, I immediately googled to see if this was true. While Google revealed that goldfish may in fact have memories that last as long as 6 months, I understood what Ted Lasso was saying. It has been one of my intentional practices in the past. To let go. To not hold on so tightly to things that hurt. To forgive and forget, even to forgive myself. Ted’s words painted quite a picture for me, me as a goldfish. It was funny, memorable, and worth remembering. I am practicing being a goldfish–contented, calm, constantly swimming, and staying focused on the present.
A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of seeing Willie Nelson perform live at a local outdoor venue. I have seen him several times before, but it has been at least 10 years since my last Willie Nelson show. Ted Lasso had a great quote for his team about Willie. He said, “Our goal is to go out like Willie Nelson — on a high!” Willie is 88 now. You can see the years on his face, but his music is still the same. He can pick out songs on a guitar like nobody’s business. When I saw him, he played for at least a full hour, remembered all the words, smiled a lot, and made a great many people really, really happy. I agree with Ted Lasso. I think Willie will most definitely go out on a high. My husband and I talked before the show about how Willie will probably die doing what he loves—playing for people. What a wonderful way to go. Who doesn’t want to go out on a high? As a 50 year old that has become more and more a part of my thinking. How will I end this journey? What joy will I bring to others along the way? What will I leave behind?
Ted Lasso, while silly and wonderfully sarcastic, has given me a lot to think about. The show reminds me to believe in possibility, in potential, and in people at a time when all of that has been more difficult. And like Willie’s music, it brings me joy. That being said, I have been bothered by my dependence on TV during this pandemic. I definitely have watched more television than I ever have before. Some of it good and lots of it really not. I would like to spend more time with other practices such as reading, praying, walking, and talking with family and friends. But, TV has become an escape and solace for me in this sabbatical and strange pandemic time. I am having more difficulty than I imagined getting up off the couch and away from the comfort of my TV and my home. I have become accustomed to being here and to keeping my distance from so many people. I am struggling at times to reconnect. Something new that I must practice: reconnecting with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues after so much separation. I know that is what I need, what we all need. To be connected, to belong, to be loved, to be in caring and compassionate relationships. As Ted Lasso says, “If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.” I know I can get through these strange times with some love and some more intentional reconnecting.
life of practice 