Dispatches From My Couch

I've been watching a lot of the US Open. And I mean a lot! Our Canadians have been doing well: Leylah, Felix, Gabby, and Bianca (who lost in an epic match that went into the early hours of the morning). It's funny how I refer to the Canadian players by their first names and all the others by their last. Except for Roger of course, who is in a class by himself. In a country by himself! The country of Exquisite Perfection.

But even if you’re not a tennis fan (and if you’re not, why not?), there’s something fascinating about watching individuals win or lose on centre stage, battling alone out there on the court, in front of the whole world.

There’s winning with grace and there’s losing with dignity, and in between, a variety of emotions, reactions and personalities.

I’ve always admired and envied the focus and intensity of athletes. They know their life purpose, at least for now. It may change later, but right now, right here, they know exactly what they want. And they work damn hard to get there.

What if we were able to articulate that to ourselves every day?

What if we woke up each morning and said to ourselves: "This is what I know I’m here to do, this (fill in the blanks)."

Would life be easier? Or more difficult?