What’s your foul ball for this year?

We’ve been watching a good amount of baseball in our house, as we were hopeful for a while that the Phillies would make a run at the playoffs (not as hopeful now…).

One of the most exciting parts of baseball games is that every inning or so a foul ball will be ripped off into the stands. Here you will see kids, parents, and adults all scrambling to catch the foul ball.

And, if you are so lucky to get your hands on a foul ball, you have numerous options of what to do with it. You can keep it for yourself, give it away, or in some cases (often with home run balls) you may be jeered to “throw it back” (not recommended).

Going into a year like this where there are so many unknowns and various obstacles and challenges, it is hard to create “goals” that might seem achievable. You may be like me and think “Is it even worth it?” to create goals for this school year.

To that, I say, why not create a “Foul Ball Goal” for this year. Here’s what I mean:

1. Foul balls are hoped for but not expected

Everyone goes to a baseball game hopeful that they will get a foul ball. Yet, it is not an expectation that you will get a foul ball. This allows us to have hope for the entire game and be excited about the future and possibilities.

2. Put yourself in a position to get a foul ball

I tend to either have very lofty year-long goals, or very small day-to-day goals (i.e. writing a book or writing 250 words). Both work together, but if I don’t actually write a book it is because I am not putting myself in a position day by day to get to that goal. When you are at the ballpark you want to be prepared to get a foul ball. And it all depends on your seat, your attention, and your luck :)

3. Celebrate when others get one

There's a Pali/Sanskrit word called “mudita” which translates to “sympathetic joy” or “vicarious joy.” Mudita means being genuinely happy for someone else's good fortune or success. Sharing goals and working towards something with a group is so much more fun and rewarding when you can be genuinely happy for others while you are still working on your journey. The same thing at the ballpark, be happy when others get the foul ball!

4. Give it away to someone who needs it

One of the best things to see is how unselfish some people can be with getting a foul ball. They’ll get it and immediately look for someone who needs it more than they do. When you find joy or experience hope and something good this year, don’t just keep it to yourself, share it with someone else and make their day!

5. If you don’t get it it doesn’t ruin the experience

The journey of working towards something is where the joy should come from. Yes, it hurts (just like this picture below) when you are close to achieving something and it slips through your grasps. However, it does not mean it is over and when you don’t get a foul ball it doesn’t ruin the game, it just keeps you looking out for another opportunity.

What is your foul ball for this year? Maybe you have more than one. Share out in the comments, I would love to hear all about it!