What if you wake up each Wednesday morning and simply shout (aloud or internally):
“Wondrous!”
Please don’t try to scare anyone else because then it defeats the purpose (you jumped beyond your lane IMO), but, just think with me for a moment please… how silly. How ridiculous. Yet how much fun if you get a little uncomfortable and just try it out at least once. Let loose and live a little please. What have you got to lose by trying? You may feel foolish, perhaps think of yourself as a clown or… a sugjester? Stay wondrous, y’all! :) <3
Have you ever wondered… about being your best self? I have, and evidently so too has Charlie Smyth. He has played a lot of Gaelic football over in Ireland. It sounds like he is a phenomenal kicker. For years, he has worked hard to get even a single opportunity to prove himself at the professional sports level. It started as a seemingly-farfetched dream, yet he has already made it onto at least the practice squad for the New Orleans Saints. How wondrous! I am so happy for him and what he has worked hard for to accomplish. He could have given up at any point over the years, but he pressed on and persevered.
I also want to appreciate what the NFL did with the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program. IMO, they pioneered or at least were an early adopter of DEI before it became a buzz word that now catches such a bad and unfortunately-negative reputation stateside. Expanding each team (at least at the practice squad level) to encourage global growth by recruiting international talent is quite commendable in my mind. Special teams positions were previously not included until this year (2024). I am grateful that they expanded this inclusion criteria because it allowed me to learn about Charlie. His work ethic impresses me immensely. Whether he knows it or not, I think he seems to at least follow the fourth guardrail really well. When interviewed for the article, I was amazed by what he shared:
I don’t want to be one of those boys who comes from the IPP just to sit on the practice squad for three years…
I’m doing it because this is what I love to do, and I want to be the best version of myself. To me, it’s not really about money. It’s about being the best version of myself and representing the country on a world stage and inspiring younger lads to follow suit. If you have a passion or a work ethic to achieve something, then why not go and do it?
Charlie Smyth
Why not indeed? :) Wise words from a man in his early twenties. I applaud his focus and tenacity. I resonate with his purpose and approach. We both strive for our best selves.
In summary, Charlie Smyth, in case you ever read this post or hear about it, I want to say thank you. Your words ring strong and true to me. I believe in you, and I wish you the best of luck. Not that you need it – your work ethic sounds exceptional – but because I choose to also believe in cheering on good people. How are you becoming your best self today? Maybe it’s wise. Maybe it’s dumb. Time will tell. Stay wondrous, y’all. Please and thanks.