Wonder, Humor & Gratitude

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 10 DECEMBER '25

I just watched a "feel-good" short video on YouTube. Jennifer asked me why it greatly impacted me, and I had to think before I answered.

I no longer spend any time on Social Media but follow and watch a lot of Youtube. As a fan of Chris Martin (Coldplay band), I saw "All My Love (Official Video) - Coldplay" come up. Not interested in watching that, I gazed left and saw that they had another new video, "Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) (Directors' Cut)" up (https://youtu.be/o4OlL0OpbW8?feature=shared).

Now that I was interested in.

This 7:18 minute video was a more intimate and behind-the-scenes story with Chris Martin and Dike Van Dyke. Yes, Dick Van Dyke - the actor, comedian, singer, dancer and writer who most people know from the movie Marry Poppins (original) and the Dick Van Dyke Show on TV in the 1960s. He is 99 years old now. This seven-minute film is filled with music, family, love and, most importantly, laughter. I'm sure everyone who watches it will enjoy it.

But back to the question Jennifer asked me about why it had such a big impact on ME. Ultimately, it's the way Dick Van Dyke acted in the video. He still has that "wonder and awe" that a child has. He still laughs out loud and reacts in a child-like way when he sees and hears things that surprise him. It's his genuine gratitude that bursts across his face that makes me refocus on the truly important things in life.

And this is where I tie in sport - Dike Van Dyke's actions are very similar to what I often see from new, adult athletes. That moment when a skill comes together, a breakthrough training session happens or a well-executed race occurs, I see new athletes with that same face full of wonder, humor and gratitude. And that's when I refocus myself and remind myself why I love sport so much.

  Gratefully,

Mark CEO Team MPI