Life can be a whirlwind of stress, challenges, and overwhelming moments. But you know what? In the midst of it all, there’s something magical waiting to be discovered—joy. I was blessed in my past to work with an incredible leader, Vicky Timmer, who has since passed away. During those times when work was driving me crazy and stress threatened to consume me, Vicky would say, “Jeff, you have to find your mountain top every day or you’ll go crazy.” Her words became my guiding light, my secret weapon against chaos and today, I want to share with you the power of finding joy, even in the toughest of moments.
In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget about the importance of joy. But let me tell you something: joy is not some elusive treasure that’s reserved for special occasions. It’s a gift that can be found in every single day if we only take the time to look for it. Trust me, I’ve been there—those moments when work feels like an endless uphill battle and stress threatens to overpower us. But those words echo in my mind, reminding me that joy is not an option; it’s a necessity.
When you find yourself in the midst of a stressful situation or a day when everything seems to go wrong, take a deep breath and remember the words. “Find your mountain top.” What does that mean? It means finding something, no matter how small, in that exact moment that brings you joy. It could be as simple as savoring a warm cup of coffee in the morning or taking your shoes off to feel the grass under your feet. Personally, I find connecting with nature to be my sweet spot. My friends always chuckle when I tell them my stress relief is to ‘touch plants.’ 🪴
You see, joy is not about grand gestures or the extraordinary moments. It’s about finding beauty and gratitude in the ordinary. It’s about shifting your perspective and appreciating the little things that often go unnoticed. Maybe it’s the laughter of a loved one, the melody of your favorite song, or the vibrant colors of a sunset. Whatever it is, hold onto it, cherish it, and let it fill your heart with gratitude. I know what you may be thinking—life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies Jeff, right? Absolutely! There will be days when it feels impossible to find joy. That’s when it becomes even more crucial to dig deep and search for those glimmers of light. Remember, joy is a choice—a conscious decision to find moments of bliss even in the darkest of times.