Thoughts on Bluefish Baseball, Hot Dogs, and Happiness From Author CJ Golden

Several weeks ago my husband, Joe, came home from a golf event with the "exciting" news that he had won four tickets to see the Bluefish play at their stadium in Bridgeport, CT.

The Bluefish are a Minor League baseball team affiliated with the Atlantic League, which is highest level of professional baseball other than the Major Leagues. So we were going to be treated to a well-played game. And the fun of attending a minor league stadium with the games, contests, giveaways that are always a part of the entertainment at such stadiums and events.

And, of course, the hot dogs, ice cream and Cracker Jacks that seem to be a dinner requirement at baseball games.

I don't particularly care for baseball.

My taste buds do not enjoy hot dogs.

My dairy intolerance overrules my love of ice cream.

And Cracker Jacks are just to darn high in calories.

And yet I had the most wonderful evening.

Two dear and close friends joined us in this adventure and together we sat just to the left of home plate – allowing us to second-guess decisions the umpire made on each pitch. With the small, family-oriented group in attendance the atmosphere was one of pure delight and excitement. The night sky spectacular, as the forecasted rains never did appear.

As I write this now I am reflecting back upon that wonderful evening: the summer atmosphere, the camaraderie of good friends and the peanut-butter and jelly sandwich I brought with me for my dinner while the others ate the hot dogs, ice cream and Cracker Jacks.

This, then, is what life is all about – finding the opportunities to take in the simple pleasures that come to us - as I did at the Bluefish game. These most simple of pleasures become the times of our lives in which we find peace and contentment and, eventually, the memories that fill our hearts with joy.

C.J. Golden, motivational speaker and author of TAO OF THE DEFIANT WOMAN, the award winning TAO-GIRLS RULE!, and the recently published REFLECTIONS FROM BEYOND, travels the country inspiring all with her dynamic spirit and vision. Visit her at www.taogirl.com and www.reflectionsfrombeyond.com.