Rebecca and the Mirror: Acting As If

I’ve been in awe of the last few episodes of Ted Lasso this season. In general, I have loved this show but the latter half of this last season has had poignant monologues, emotional interpersonal interactions, and addressed relevant cultural aspects head-on that has captivated me.

One episode in particular stuck out to me and I foresee it being one I rewatch many times; Episode 10, International Break. Or, as I remember it, Rebecca’s episode. Rebecca is asked to join a business meeting where she will be the only woman present, and her toxic ex-husband will be at the meeting as well. Her monologue during the meeting is beautiful, especially as Nate’s violin playing sounds in the background, but it is the part that takes place prior to this monologue that really gripped my heart.

Rebecca and the mirror.

As Rebecca gets ready for the meeting she stands in front of the mirror, leans over towards her feet, then stands up, and makes herself as big as possible. In this particular scene, Rebecca’s reflection turns into her younger self which also has much beauty in it.

But, looking specifically at the part where Rebecca makes herself big is a specific coping skill that we all can turn to when needed, it’s called acting as if.

This coping skill can be used with a variety of mental illnesses and emotional experiences and involves acting as if we felt a different way. For example, in the case of Rebecca, she likely felt anxious and nervous. But, in her standing in front of the mirror and acting big she was acting as if she were confident. Somebody with depression could try and act as if they weren’t depressed and instead had the energy to get things done. Somebody with a specific fear could enter a situation acting as if they weren’t afraid.

Next time you find yourself not feeling the way you want to, try acting as if and see if this helps nudge you in the right direction.