“I’ve always had to prove to people that I’m playing well and that I look in shape. But now I don’t feel like I have to,” Taylor Townsend mentioned earlier this year, in January, talking about women’s Health. It was the time when she was just a match away from scripting history at the Australian Open. And she did as well, winning the doubles title with Katerina Siniakova in Melbourne. In short, she made a statement to the doubting Thomases who assumed she couldn’t succeed at the highest level on the court. But she proved them wrong with a second straight doubles Major trophy, after clinching the Wimbledon last season with Siniakova. Townsend, also a mother to her 4-year-old son Adyn, has lately realized it’s always better to focus on oneself and succeed in life without caring about irrelevant opinions.
It’s pretty normal for all of us these days to share relatable quotes or thoughts on social media and Townsend is no different. She shared a thought-provoking post in an Instagram story, on Sunday, from a Content Creator and Motivator named Keith Allen. Apparently, he wrote something that Townsend agreed with, making it her own life’s mantra as well.
The post read, “The realest advice I can give you today is to let people earn their place in your life. Stop being so quick to give, grant access and make sacrifices for others without proper consideration, only to end up disappointed by unmet expectations.”
Aug 5, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Taylor Townsend (USA) hits a ball to Erika Andreeva (not pictured) during qualifying round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sharing the post, Townsend simply dropped a “,” making herself clear. It’s something she echoed two months back, in an interaction with Essence. “You need to make sure that you are loved and that you also have people that you can lean on for guidance and direction because to think that we can do everything ourselves is ignorant,” she said while crediting her family and friends for being there,” she said.
Townsend’s perspective toward life has changed drastically in recent years. Especially after becoming a mother when she gave birth to Adyn in 2021. “As a mom, I have a sense of purpose outside of my sport. I know that winning and losing tennis matches isn’t everything. Sometimes it’s hard to have that perspective, but I’m so grateful that this is the way that I received it,” she wrote in her piece on Women’s Health.
“Today, I know exactly who I am: I’m a champion. I’m a warrior. I’ve got superpowers. I’m loved. I’m supported. I’m resilient. I am all the things. I’m a vibe! And it’s so much fun,” she further added.
Surely, it is and why not! Despite being a working mom, Townsend has found true happiness in her son. He’s been the reason of her positive approach and strong determination in life lately. But guess what? Townsend wasn’t really willing to embrace this change initially. Why?
When Taylor Townsend revealed how motherhood transitioned her life
Back in 2020, Taylor Townsend found out that she was pregnant. But she wasn’t able to deal with this massive change, considering she had a professional tennis career to focus on. “One of the things that was shocking was that I didn’t want kids because I have spent my whole…entire life playing tennis. I’ve been playing tennis since I was four,” she told Essence back in February. But later, she realized how having a child was actually a gift to her.
“Being a mother to AJ motivates me on different levels. Being a mom and just honestly, the strength and resilience that I have that I draw from knowing that the experience that I’m having and that I’m living is not normal. And it’s something that takes so much strength. It takes so much strength to be able to leave your child for weeks and weeks and weeks at a time. So I draw from that,” she added.
Her newfound perspective has changed her so much that now she’s willing to strike a balance between personal and professional life. Despite traveling for tournaments, she always knows that she has to go home and spend as much time as possible with AJ. Not to mention that the mother-son duo shares an immensely loving bond. It was on full display last month, when Townsend celebrated her son’s 4th birthday on March 14.
Townsend took to Instagram and shared a post, featuring a series of pictures showing Townsend with Adyn. In the caption, she also left a special message for him. “Screaming HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my son, my everything, and my ultimate blessing! ” she wrote. Townsend’s chemistry with her little one is absolutely adorable, isn’t it? Do you enjoy her social media posts?
The post “Let People Earn” – Savvy Taylor Townsend Reveals Why Not Everyone Gets a Seat at Her Table appeared first on EssentiallySports.
