Pragmatism: Embracing Life’s Simple Truths

This past bank holiday weekend, our family came together for the first time in what felt like forever, and it was just excellent. As we gathered around the table, I found myself reflecting on the little things which teach us more about life than we often realise. For instance, we remembered that our eldest son still has an impressive ability to devour more pasta than the rest of us combined—Malloreddus Sardi, to be precise!

It’s these small, seemingly trivial moments that remind us of the joy found in the everyday.

But the weekend wasn't without its frustrations. The electronic ticketing system at Liverpool Football Club can be a lesson in patience. Technology is fantastic—when it works. When it doesn't, it’s a reminder that sometimes, despite all our advancements, things can still go wrong.

And then there’s the matter of self-control—or lack thereof. I’ve yet to open a bag of Haribo without finishing it in one go. Some battles, it seems, are not meant to be won.

The highlight of the weekend, however, was a walk up to Red Tarn, Helvellyn. There’s something profoundly calming about being in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a chance to clear the mind, to breathe in the fresh air, and to gain perspective on what truly matters.

When we returned home, we heard the news of Sven-G?ran Eriksson’s passing. Known for his calm demeanour and unwavering pragmatism, Sven was a gentleman in the often chaotic world of football. Even in the face of his illness, he remained remarkably composed, accepting his prognosis with a level of grace that is rare.

Sven’s words resonate deeply: "Life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is." His pragmatic approach to life and death is a powerful reminder that we should focus on what we can influence and let go of the rest. It’s easy to get caught up in the frustrations of life, but perhaps we should all strive to adopt a bit of Sven’s perspective—smile, do our best, and don’t get worked up over what we can’t change.

RIP Sven, and thank you for the reminder to live life with humility and grace.