
Tonight, the Aussie girls take on Japan for the Maylaisan Cup Final in Soccer – sold out 65 thousand.
Life is hard right now, and I mean hard for so many people around the world. Some places in the world are unimaginable, and it is hard for them, with daily struggles that can often feel overwhelming. We in Australia, same with countries in Europe, South Africa, the USA, and a few more, have a wide range of professional sports playing, all kicking off the beginning of their seasons.
Even if we are struggling with economic issues and personal challenges, we are prepared to follow our teams fervently, as thousands do from Thursday to Sunday. Many of us are willing to sacrifice other essential aspects of life, such as time with family or even financial necessities, to secure a ticket for three hours of pure enjoyment of sports. These moments spent cheering in unison with fellow fans and experiencing the thrill of victory—or the heartache of defeat—are what help to lift our spirits and remind us of the joy and passion that life can offer, even amidst the toughest times.

Today, there are three games of AFL being played, all of which are expecting 60 thousand plus in the stands.
My mother is a penchinor, which I fully understand at 88 years of age, and it never ceases to amaze me how much joy this brings to her life. Lol, but the story is like thousands; she diligently saves all year for her yearly membership with the West Coast Eagles, investing not just her money, but her heart into the team. Along with her membership, she eagerly anticipates purchasing the new scarves, tracky pants, and the club shirt, all of which she wears with pride. Hahah, she really loves it. The great thing for her and thousands of others is that this passion serves as a powerful interest that connects them to something larger than themselves.
Mum frequently rings me to go over the team for the upcoming game, discussing who should be in or out based on their recent performances, who’s struggling with injuries, and who might be on the chopping block. Her predictions about how the team will fare throughout the season are always laced with enthusiasm and hope. I love it, truly, as it warms my heart to see my sister and mum so devoted to a sport that brings them immense joy and community, even in times when life seems to push them to the brink of pure hardship. Their spirits soar with each match, and the bond they share over their beloved team becomes a source of strength, laughter, and enduring memories that we will cherish together for years to come.

Junior sports are a huge key to life for the parents and their family.
I’m involved with Junior sports AFL, a vibrant community that fosters teamwork and sportsmanship among our youth. The number of young players is growing steadily, as it’s another interest for the parents to get involved with and support their children. This increasing engagement showcases not only the love and passion to see their upcoming stars playing sports but also creates a strong bond among families, encouraging them to share in the excitement and camaraderie that comes with sporting events. As we nurture these young athletes, we are not only developing their skills on the field but also instilling values that will serve them well in life, both in terms of discipline and friendship.

Fans all over the world love their team that’s playing the sport that makes life so much easier for that three hours, providing an exhilarating escape from their daily routines. Throughout the week, conversations often revolve around the highs and lows of the game, analyzing plays and strategies, as well as discussing player performances and potential trades. This anticipation builds excitement and camaraderie among friends and family, creating a culture of shared experience that unites communities and strengthens bonds, all while gearing up for the next game day.
The best View in life comes after the hardest climb in life.
I know myself that when I’m having a bit of a hard time throughout the week, like many, I turn to my sports, which I love most of all. Following various sports across the globe offers a much-needed escape from daily stresses. Whether it’s the thrill of a last-minute goal in soccer, the intensity of a basketball playoff game, or the grace of an athlete breaking a world record, these moments provide a profound sense of joy. Engaging with the sports I cherish is far better than worrying about the next fuel crisis, the rising cost of groceries, or the relentless increase in the cost of living.
The passion and interest in sports can serve as one of the best medicines in the world. It allows us to let our hard times slide into the background, even if just for a little while. In those moments, we can revel in the camaraderie of fellow fans, feel the exhilaration of victory, and experience the captivating narratives that sports bring into our lives. Ultimately, it’s this love for the game that nurtures our spirits and reminds us that, despite life’s challenges, there is always room for enjoyment and connection through the sports we adore.
Journey Through Life 67

