Millie Bright's Approach to Giving Back
The Chelsea centre-back has made it clear that giving back to society and making a positive impact on others is one of the things that gives her purpose in life. It's a passion that fuels her energy, both on and off the pitch.
Bright attributes her increased understanding of mental health to fueling her desire to make a difference. Last summer's Euros was a turning point for her as she made herself unavailable for England due to feeling mentally drained. Her subsequent minor knee surgery led to her retirement from international football last month.
"I don't ever want to live the high life of a footballer," Bright says, "but I'm also in a very privileged position: I play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I'm very grateful for that." She believes that using her platform is not an obligation, but rather something she wants to do.
Bright highlights that loneliness is a growing concern. According to a report by the Greater London Authority, 700,000 people living in the capital said they were "often or always lonely" before the pandemic. A recent study found that 15% of over-65s and 9% of people aged 21-34 spend Christmas alone.
Bright's own experience has shown her the impact of connections. She notes that playing team sport allows for building meaningful relationships, even if it's temporary. "You don't have to be related or best friends or have a deep connection with someone to give or find a way to make their life better," she says.
The Chelsea star believes that making small gestures, such as saying hello or offering words of encouragement, can go a long way in improving someone's life. She recalls the phrase "If you could choose to be positive and encouraging and potentially get another 2% out of that player, why would you choose any other option?"
Bright is also looking forward to Chelsea's upcoming match against Barcelona, with her team hoping to finally overcome their Champions League nemesis. The match is seen as a matter of unfinished business for the team.
In a way, the pursuit of victory can be a catalyst for positive change. For Bright and her teammates, it's not just about winning; it's also about giving fans a boost of energy and adrenaline. "If it's a tense game," she says, "you put in a tackle and the crowd cheers for you, they give you a boost of adrenaline, an injection of energy."
The Chelsea centre-back has made it clear that giving back to society and making a positive impact on others is one of the things that gives her purpose in life. It's a passion that fuels her energy, both on and off the pitch.
Bright attributes her increased understanding of mental health to fueling her desire to make a difference. Last summer's Euros was a turning point for her as she made herself unavailable for England due to feeling mentally drained. Her subsequent minor knee surgery led to her retirement from international football last month.
"I don't ever want to live the high life of a footballer," Bright says, "but I'm also in a very privileged position: I play for one of the biggest clubs in the world and I'm very grateful for that." She believes that using her platform is not an obligation, but rather something she wants to do.
Bright highlights that loneliness is a growing concern. According to a report by the Greater London Authority, 700,000 people living in the capital said they were "often or always lonely" before the pandemic. A recent study found that 15% of over-65s and 9% of people aged 21-34 spend Christmas alone.
Bright's own experience has shown her the impact of connections. She notes that playing team sport allows for building meaningful relationships, even if it's temporary. "You don't have to be related or best friends or have a deep connection with someone to give or find a way to make their life better," she says.
The Chelsea star believes that making small gestures, such as saying hello or offering words of encouragement, can go a long way in improving someone's life. She recalls the phrase "If you could choose to be positive and encouraging and potentially get another 2% out of that player, why would you choose any other option?"
Bright is also looking forward to Chelsea's upcoming match against Barcelona, with her team hoping to finally overcome their Champions League nemesis. The match is seen as a matter of unfinished business for the team.
In a way, the pursuit of victory can be a catalyst for positive change. For Bright and her teammates, it's not just about winning; it's also about giving fans a boost of energy and adrenaline. "If it's a tense game," she says, "you put in a tackle and the crowd cheers for you, they give you a boost of adrenaline, an injection of energy."