Using examples from TV, movies and sports to launch a journey toward peace and happiness. Grab the remote and change your life.™ This week: Fleishman's is definitely in trouble, the World Cup becomes a political lightning rod, the NBA provides a lesson in loyalty and your dogs might need a massage.
Section No. 1: This week's BIG Takeaway Always start your search for answers by looking inside
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A quote to get us started “Smile. Have you ever noticed how easily puppies make human friends? Yet all they do is wag their tails and fall over.” – Walter Anderson
Mrs. Fleishman is in Trouble The one question to always ask 📺 The context: "Fleishman Is In Trouble" is a new show on Hulu that follows the story of recently divorced 41-year-old Toby Fleishman (played by Jesse Eisenberg). The show (which is definitely NOT NSFW!) toggles between current day and flashbacks.
In one scene Toby's wife (played by Claire Danes) is expressing her concern to their pediatrician that their 6-month-old baby hasn't smiled yet.
The pediatrician explains that smiling is a learned behavior and asks Danes if she has been smiling at the baby.
Having spent the last six months depressed, angry and resentful for giving up her career and not having the material possessions she craves, Danes obviously hasn't been too happy around the baby.
Danes is not self-aware; she is concerned there is something wrong with the baby when, in fact, there is something going on inside of her (which is sad).
It takes pleading from her husband for her to finally consider taking action.
😀My take: Before looking to external factors to explain a situation, first look inside yourself to build self-awareness.
It is often easy to blame management, a company, a teacher or any other person of authority for a bad circumstance or outcome.
In some cases the blame is absolutely warranted and needs to be addressed, i.e. sexual harassment, bullying or other forms of abuse.
However, if the situation does not rise to the level of legal action or involving a third party, step No. 1 needs to be to ask "Am I doing anything to contribute to, foster or cause this situation?"
The answer might be no...or it might be yes. For example, I recently found myself complaining to a neighbor about another neighbor who was not being neighborly. Can someone please take away that mirror? The reflection is hurting me.
💪What I am going to challenge myself to do this week (and I hope you'll join me) 1. I am going to consider things that are bothering me and then pick one. I am going to myself, "Am I doing something to negatively impact the situation?" I know that I am; my list will be pretty long. 2. I am going to smile when I am around others and watch for what happens. Note: Not a creepy smile like in the new Netflix show "Wednesday" or in situations that are disrespectful.
"Bill comes over and said, “Hey Jules, come here. Read the punt. You catch the punt with your feet, not your hands.” The lesson: Belichick saw a new person struggling and shared remarkable coaching insights in the moment.
"I'm a big fan of protecting my teammates. I put on the jersey, and I commit to a team, I commit to a city, and it's kind of my motto. I'm a foxhole guy," Beverly said. The lesson: Be a "foxhole guy" that people can trust and know you have their back.
“Denying us the armband is the same as denying us a voice," added the DFB. “We stand by our position.” The lesson: Don't underestimate people's commitment to a cause and don't overestimate leading by fear.
Over 10 million American dogs are on anti-anxiety medication per Harpers
This is about the same number as American humans The lesson: Wag more, bark less...everyone, please. If you are struggling with emotional issues, please know help is out there.
Our why: Inspire people to be the pebble that creates a ripple for change, not be the pebble in someone's shoe. (Also, selfishly, we really like writing about sports, TV and movies)
Our vision: The BIG Takeaway will inspire people to be the change they want to see.
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