About The Spiritual Side

Post 583:

            If anyone out there likes soccer (football) they’re aware that May is championship time. All the leagues in Europe wrap up, and the Champions League comes to its dramatic conclusion. Many around the world are fixed, hoping and praying for their side.

            I used to watch multiple games a week. Big Premier League fan, this guy. I was fortunate enough to be a Manchester United fan when the real greats were great and they never left for other clubs. Scholes, Giggs, that bunch. I’m a Texas boy that’s sat front row at Old Trafford in Manchester only moments after almost colliding with every possible obstruction in my path, because the whole wrong side of the road thing is a thing. Anyway. Totally epic. I’ve had a dream and nightmare at the same time only once. It was me watching Man U victorious, and on the way home, I inadvertently mow down a line of pedestrians out of sheer ineptitude. Such a great dream. Such a horrible nightmare.  

            Anyway, who cares about me. Not even me, half the time. Let’s get back to words.

            Part of what makes watching the English game so fun is getting to listen to the announcers. Their colloquialisms and method of calling the game is completely different than announcers in the States. I think it’s more poetic, but that’s perhaps a grass is greener thing. I could be a victim of the fancy accents. We all have our weaknesses.

            One of the things they say when a guy is playing well is that “he’s full of belief.” This is one of my favorites, and it’s such a cool way of explaining that a player is on his game. It doesn’t necessarily mean to describe a recently scored goal or an incredible play, but just an overall aura. The feeling you get when a certain person gets the ball. I played the game growing up. A lot. I know exactly what they’re saying. It means you’re not afraid to make a mistake. But it’s a much better way of putting the sentiment.

            When I’m on stage or writing, “being full of belief” is absolutely crucial. Imagine being a footballer of the highest class. You could think of the time on the clock and the opposing players and the fans and how your wife is going to react if your contract doesn’t renew, or you could just be out there, full of belief.

            Call it confidence. Self-assurance. Self-esteem. Strident. An intrepid spirit. Courageous. Unafraid. Sanguine. Unflappable. Composed. Insuperable. Chin up. Call it any of those things, but it’s better summed up as “being full of belief.” That other crap is secondary, the fans and the bright lights. It’s you and what you need to do. Note: This won’t keep you from screwing up. Not at all. But it’ll limit your screw-ups. And your screw-up rebound time will be greatly enhanced. You’re not afraid. You’re full of belief. Try belief and see how you produce. Try it even if you’ve got no good reason to. There’s something spiritual about performance in any arena, from relationships to the office to the field to the written or spoken word.

            The English got a few things right. Still, I think they should rent out Buckingham Palace at low prices to people that need a place to crash. Ever been London? It’s expensive. Give us a break, then. Frigging Brits. I kid but I love.

            Be full of belief. Cheers and see you after.