Saying “Thank you” is easy and free. We often thank friends for a favor, a waiter for excellent service, or a stranger for holding the door open.
Yet, when it comes to thanking ourselves, we hesitate. We avoid it. Or, we don’t even consider it. 🤷♀️
Earlier this month, I witnessed something special on this front, and I had to share it with you (wait for it). 😉 I attended the pro tennis tournament at Indian Wells, California. It’s a spectacular venue about 15 miles outside of Palm Springs, complete with sunshine and a stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Beyond the rivalries, victories, and upsets, one player stood out to me: Mirra Andreeva. The 17-year-old Russian sensation took the tournament by storm, defeating the reigning champion and current number-one player in the world. Andreeva’s tennis was remarkable, jaw-dropping, and a true crowd-pleaser.
Yet, in the final round of the tournament, she lost the first set. Her youth and inexperience showed through her frustrated antics–making faces 🙄, slamming her racquet, and angrily smacking balls into the stands. Yet, somehow, she regained her composure and handily won the second set. And then the third. She won the whole freakin’ tournament! The crowd was shocked. Her opponent was shocked. I was shocked, too, but for a completely different reason.
When Andreeva took the stage to accept the winner’s trophy, she did the expected (and appropriate) thing–she graciously thanked her opponent, the fans, the sponsors, and her team. And then she did something unexpected. She thanked… HERSELF.
It was a delight to witness. ✨When she fell behind, she managed her emotions to stay focused, dug deep to find the strength to keep fighting, and never gave up. After she won, she acknowledged others AND herself.
She persevered in a difficult situation. She deserved a thank you from herself.
You do, too. Think about that the next time you are struggling. Release your frustration, then tap into your tenacity and keep trying. You’ll be glad you did. Then, remember to say thank you–to YOU. 💗
You are equipt to thank yourself,
Kelly Mooney
