It is impossible to ignore the weight of sports and entertainment in American life. It is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and Americans spend outrageous sums of money and countless hours attending, watching, and obsessing over it. And why? Because, in a world that is relentlessly busy, chaotic, and absurd, sports and entertainment give us a chance to witness human skill and dedication.
My husband and I are living proof that even the busiest schedules cannot eliminate the lure of a good game or a dazzling performance. He is a computer programmer at Microsoft. I am a lawyer. And we are both deeply involved in the lives of our children, who still live at home. Yet, we have deliberately made entertainment and sports a priority. Just this past week, we attended two Florida Panthers games and a show presented by a traveling Broadway troupe. Some might ask, “Why bother?” Our answer is simple: because it is worth it!
There is something electrifying about NHL games. Watching the Florida Panthers, we see elite athletes who have dedicated their entire lives to reaching the pinnacle of their sport. Their natural talent is extraordinary, but it is their commitment to teamwork, discipline, and sheer persistence that captivates us. There is a certain magic in being part of the roar of the crowd and the ebb and flow of the game. Even as spectators, being part of that atmosphere, reminds us of the value of hard work and collaboration, the very qualities we try to instill in our children and practice in our own careers.
Live theater is no less captivating. The Broadway show we attended was utterly professional: the acting, the staging, the music, the scenery. Every detail spoke of hours, if not years of preparation. Watching performers push themselves to perfect their craft, to deliver an experience that touches and moves an audience, is profoundly inspiring. It reminds us that the pursuit of excellence elevates not only the performers but those who take the time to witness it.
Sports and entertainment offer more than just admiration for talent. They provide an excuse to step outside our daily grind and become fully present in the moment. They create shared experiences, whether cheering for a goal or applauding a perfectly timed performance, that build bonds and spark conversations. They inject joy, excitement, and even a little suspense into lives otherwise dominated by deadlines, schedules, and responsibilities.
Living in Southern Florida makes all of this particularly accessible: professional sports, live theater, concerts, and performances of every imaginable kind are right at our doorstep. We feel privileged to have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in these experiences. For us, every ticket, every trip, and every cheer is entirely worthwhile. If nothing else, it keeps us sane in a world that insists on staying busy. Ilene Brookler, a Boca Pointe resident and Columbia Law School graduate, brings over 30 years of litigation experience to her role as a certified mediator. She founded Family First Divorce Mediation Services with the goal of helping families navigate divorce quickly and affordably. She can be reached at [email protected]. For more information, visit http://www.familyfirstmediate.com.
