I want to give a big ‘thank you’ to me

I don’t mind watching a spot of tennis when there’s no cricket on, and I enjoyed watching Mirra Andreeva become a worthy winner of the 2026 Adelaide International.

What grabbed my attention was the motto she wore on her tracksuit jacket after the match that read: “I want to  thank myself.”

Her victory speech is available online and should be watched to appreciate the context of her tongue-in-cheek, yet genuine, affirmations.

Humbly, she thanked herself last  on a long list of deserving contributors, including umpires, ball kids,  volunteers, sponsors, organisers and challenging opponents.

Andreeva thanked herself for being brave, tenacious and hardworking, as well as doing what her coaches and fitness managers asked of her. I like the girl!

I would like to thank myself for being brave in the face of scary things that love to ambush me physically, spiritually, financially – any opportunity that bullies think they can take advantage of to inflict some pain.

Of course, I have an amazing support crew to convince me that it will all be worthwhile, but I’m the one who has to face the enemy and I’m pretty proud of the counterpunching I’m capable of when under attack.

I’d like to thank myself for always believing in me. When facing a new challenge, it’s nice to know my  supporters trust me but none know me better than myself.

I can’t ignore fear and doubt, but I must embrace these and surge forward, regardless. It’s my tenacity that will achieve my milestones and I’m the one battling my demons the whole time.

I think of the old cartoons with the prospective hero forced to listen to the opposing motivators on each shoulder. Thanks, me, for having the wisdom to heed the right voice.

Thank you, me, for having the smarts to know that I don’t know it all. Coaches, medical professionals and even bosses got there because they know their stuff.

I’ve learned that respect is hard earned, a thrill to receive and an honour to bestow.

Following good advice is not always a leap of faith, it’s knowing that I need help and I trust my advisors to look out for my best interests. I must thank myself for always keeping my decision-making processes in sharp focus. Vision can become blurred by external and internal expectations, perceptions and pressure  and it’s my job to ensure that my choices are made for what I believe are the ‘right reasons’.

Thanks, me, for being honourable enough to pursue truth over gratuitous privilege or profit. I thank myself for insisting that there are no excuses: my actions determine how well I sleep at night.

I want to express gratitude to myself for allowing me to be happy. No meaningful achievement comes without sacrifice and I am glad that I don’t dwell on the blood, sweat and tears to the degree that they cause resentment.

I’m thankful to myself for celebrating small victories and sharing the joy with those who have helped me on the journey.

Thank you, me, for being me.

 Charlie Griffiths is a certified life  coach and Neuro Linguistic  Programming practitioner. Contact  Charlie at his website: charliegriffithscoaching.com