Game on for joy!

The other day, while sipping on my coffee and engaging in my usual casual contemplation, I found myself fixating on the concept of finding joy. Some say that it's akin to chasing that elusive butterfly, fluttering just out of reach, yet captivating in its beauty.  I don’t see it that way.  A neighbour gave me the advice of doing the things that bring me joy and I keep repeating it to myself as a mantra.  What should I do tonight?  What brings me joy? 

Recently, I stumbled upon a little nugget of joy amid life's hustle and bustle. It came in the form of junior hockey. Now, I'm no hockey aficionado by any means, but there's something pure and exhilarating about this game, especially when you consider it in the juniors, which is a pivotal development step for these young players.

Imagine this: the rink is alive with the crisp sounds of skates cutting through the ice, the thud of the puck hitting the boards, and the collective cheers and groans of the crowd. It's a symphony of chaos, a beautiful mess. Yet, what makes it truly special is witnessing these young players on the ice, giving their all. It's not about the the million-dollar contracts; it's about the raw passion for the game, the unbridled joy of doing what they love just trying to make it to the next step.

Soaking in that atmosphere is a joy in itself. You feel the energy, the camaraderie, and the sheer love for the sport.  It's infectious. There's a lesson in there somewhere – in the simplicity of doing what you love for the sheer joy of it.

It's not just about the game; it's about the people you share it with. I started going to the games last year with a friend when I was having a difficult time. He and I go way back, and life's twists and turns haven't managed to pry us apart. We've got this ritual now –junior hockey nights. It's not just about the game; it's about the banter, the shared laughter, the high-fives for a well-played move, and the good-natured teasing when our team fumbles.  Watching the players evolve over the course of multiple games is awe inspiring.

In these moments, I find a kind of joy that's hard to put into words. It's in the shared experience, the connection with someone who gets it, who shares your enthusiasm, and who adds their own flavor to the mix. It's the kind of joy that lingers, that you carry with you like a secret treasure. Be it at home or at work, we can all find joy around us. Completing a project or just going through tough times together can bring joy.

And isn't that what life's about? Finding those pockets of joy that make the mundane moments worthwhile. It's not always about the grand gestures or the monumental achievements. Sometimes, it's about relishing the simple pleasures – a good game, a great friend, and the laughter that echoes through it all.

Life has this sneaky way of getting complicated, throwing curveballs when you least expect them. Responsibilities pile up, deadlines loom, and the pressure to 'succeed' can sometimes drown out the joy. But it's there, you know? It's there in the unexpected bursts of laughter, in the quiet moments of reflection, and in the shared experiences that make your heart swell.

So, as I sit there, cheering for our team, I know that joy is not this distant, unattainable thing. It's right here, right now, in the things we love and the people we choose to surround ourselves with. It's in the junior hockey games, in the shared laughter, and in the company of a friend or colleagues who make even a Tuesday night feel like a celebration.

Life's a crazy ride and finding joy is about grabbing those moments, big or small, and savouring them like the finest chocolate.  A thing I know something about!  (Ask me how if you are curious.) Joy is about being present, about appreciating the journey as much as the destination. And you know what? In the grand scheme of things, I think that's a pretty darn good way to navigate this roller-coaster we call life.

So here's to joy – in junior hockey games, in friendships that stand the test of time, in great teams at work, and in the beautifully messy symphony of life. May we always find it in the most unexpected places. Cheers to the pursuit of joy with the people you enjoy being with!  Because, after all, people power everything.

John

PS: If you like these, feel free to forward and encourage your friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, leaders, staff, and even mortal enemies to subscribe to the People Power Everything Podcast (Version Francophone) which has bonus material from time to time.  You can also reach out to me at John@PeoplePowerEverything.com