Put Ted Lasso on Speed Dial

If you haven’t yet discovered Ted Lasso, he’s one of the most beloved fictional characters in recent media. More than just a great soccer coach (without knowing anything about the game because he’s originally a football coach), Ted is a kind-hearted father, loyal friend, and all-around extraordinary human being. He’s overflowing with warmth, wisdom, and an uncanny ability to bring out the best in others. His lighthearted charm conceals a deep spirit that’s quietly and powerfully healing.

We may not all be lucky enough to have some version of a Ted Lasso in our lives—but there is a way to reach someone just like him whenever we need guidance or comfort. You can put Ted Lasso on speed dial by using a deceptively simple tool called bilateral writing.

Bilateral writing is a form of journaling where your left and right hands take turns writing in dialogue. Doing so activates both hemispheres of the brain and provides quick and easy access to subconscious wisdom—insights deeper than our everyday thinking allows. And while Ted Lasso isn’t a real person, the spirit he represents is very real. Through bilateral writing, we can connect with that spirit—an all-loving spirit that understands, affirms, and guides without any judgment.  

If you’re familiar with Ted, picture him in your mind, or picture someone else who radiates unconditional love, empathy, understanding, and wisdom. Someone you’d trust with your most personal thoughts and vulnerable feelings. If another figure comes to mind who embodies those qualities—a wise elder, a spiritual guide, a childhood comfort object—that works just as well. You won’t be speaking to the person, but to the spirit of loving presence they represent.  If you’d prefer to dialogue with your God, savior, an angel, departed loved one, Higher Power, spirit guide, or childhood Teddy bear, as long as who you choose has the right spirit you’ll get what you need.

Now, grab a notebook or journal and two different colored pens, pencils, or markers. With your dominant hand, write at the top of the page: “Hey Ted (or whoever), are you free to chat?”Then, using your non-dominant hand and a different color, then just listen and the response will come through the writing of your non-dominant hand. The spirit of love is always eager to speak to our hearts.  All we need to do is speak to it and then know how to listen, and bilateral writing works wonderfully for this.

Once your conversation begins, let your heart say or ask whatever it needs to, the same way you’d have a heart-to-heart talk with someone you trust completely. Express your worries, grief, despair, anger, guilt, shame, confusion, and questions—whatever you’re carrying. Bilateral writing taps your deeper self, allowing it to respond with surprising clarity, kindness, and wisdom. Having a visual image of your loving spirit makes the dialogue feel more personal. 

Practicing this dialogue exercise regularly is an effective antidote to the influence of your inner critic. It’s like changing a radio station from toxic noise to a harmonious vibe—one that’s able to calm your nerves, lift your spirits, and provide you with comforting perspectives.

So treat yourself to a nice journal and use it to have heart-to-heart conversations with the loving spirit of your choice.  It will change the way you think, feel, and navigate your life.