There’s often the appearance in life that it’s the circumstances surrounding us that dictate our state of well-being (or lack there-of). But that’s all it is – an appearance.
In truth our state of well-being – a state of peace, fulfilment and true, deep-seated happiness that is quite different to the feelings of pleasure gained from external circumstances – is down to one thing and one thing only: our alignment (our being and doing) with who we truly are.
When we honour ourselves we have a sense of fulfilment and peace even when circumstances seemingly go against us. Conversely, when we dishonour ourselves we have a feeling of discontent and lack even when things seem to go our way.
I’ve seen a great example of this over the last couple of weeks watching Australia’s campaign in the World Cup.
In the Socceroos first game against Germany they went in without believing in themselves and played a game they thought “tactically” would give them the best chance, even though the game plan went completely against who they are as a team. They were demolished.
In the next game against Ghana they went back to playing as themselves – to honouring who they are as a team. They had an early goal and looked like keeping their campaign alive, then soon afterwards received a red card and a penalty against them. They fought valiantly for the remainder of the game, resulting in a draw which left them with a very small window of hope.
The window was so small most people wrote them off, but thankfully the Socceroos still believed they could make it. They played a brilliant game against Serbia and gave themselves every chance of getting through, and in life that’s all you can ever do, as the only way you have a chance is by going out there and giving it what you’ve got. As they showed in the game against Germany, when you don’t believe in yourself and don’t honour yourself then you’ve lost before you even set foot on the pitch.
I’m not talking about talent here. What I’m talking about is an attitude that is far more valuable to all of us as Human Beings than any physical talents we possess. What I’m talking about is living with passion and courage, of giving it your all to the best of your ability and never giving up. What I’m talking about is being true to who you are in your heart and soul, not your head.
The amazing thing is this attitude often surpasses any physical or tactical ability. In the end, that’s what the Socceroos showed us.
And sure they didn’t get through to the round of 16, but they bowed out with a grace far-surpassing that of previous World Cup finalists France, and so they have a Nation behind them that couldn’t be prouder of them, as opposed to a Nation that feels disgraced. I bet I know who’s hearts are lighter when they look back over their campaign!
And maybe the grander purpose of the Socceroos World Cup campaign goes way beyond any possible sporting achievement. Because maybe there are people out there watching who saw the lesson of being true to yourself and will now live their life differently because of it. None of us can ever really know the difference we make in the world.
I for one am completely inspired, because in the end, as the saying goes, “It’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game.”
Often we get so obsessed with results we forget that the most important thing is not about being true to anyone or anything else – including the outcome – it’s simply about being true to you.
I thank the Socceroos for the reminder!
Tags: "world cup", honour, Inspiration, socceroos, true