| I think it’s just putting my life into perspective. I realize this is pressure, but there’s people struggling to feed their families, people who don’t know where their next meal is coming from, people who have to pay their bills –that’s real pressure. That’s real hardship. That’s real life. And this is a very privileged position. I’m getting paid to do what I love and getting support to do what I love and that’s something that I don’t take for granted. .. I have a lucky life, and so I should enjoy it. I know there’s millions of people who probably want to be in this position that I am now. Why am I not enjoying this?… I’m having so much fun doing it. I’m very lucky. So that’s the reason why I think it’s just putting my life in perspective and realizing how grateful and blessed I am. Coco Gauf |
Don’t we all need perspective?
Perhaps you are not a tennis fan or follow sports. And you missed the news—Coco Gauf won the US Open tennis tournament this weekend. She is a 19 year old American woman and now a major tennis tourney champ. 19!!!
I used to play a lot of tennis and in fact came from a so-called tennis family. But I hung up my rackets long ago. Most people know that I traded them in for golf clubs. So I don’t watch much tennis. I heard about Coco when she was 15 years old and defeating some of the top players in the world. I had the chance to see her in person when she played at the BNP in Indian Wells this year. She was mesmerizing as a teen phenom. So mature and composed.
So I decided to watch her during this year’s US Open. She did not disappoint.Yes she has mad skills. But I just love the way she comports herself. This quote. This press conference. Her natural authentic style.
We all need great models of talent and humility. A woman of color who knows who she is and is having fun.
Check her out!
We can all learn a thing or two from Coco. Each of us has so much privilege, so much luck, so much opportunity. So blessed. And if we think about it, millions of people would trade places with us if they could.
Yes we have pressure. Real pressure. But how do we find joy and enjoyment in our lives? By putting our lives in perspective. By taking what we have been given and what we are able to do and make the most of it.
Thanks Coco!
Her perspective is awe inspiring. Not a script. But a true sense of her life. Certainly great parenting and training, but a young woman who sees her life and her privilege and is making the most of it.