Life, in its beautiful, messy unpredictability, often hands us moments of pure, unadulterated joy when we least expect them. It is often in these spontaneous moments when we get a little taste of the sweetness that life has to offer.
Just recently, I had two such experiences that reminded me of this. The first was a phone call that arrived completely out of the blue. It was from a dear friend and long-term client, and what a delightful surprise it was! We caught up, shared stories, and found ourselves dissolving into fits of laughter – the kind that makes your stomach ache in the best possible way. It was a profound reminder of the sheer delight that comes from genuine human connection, especially when it’s unexpected. It brightened my entire day and left me buzzing with joy.
Then, a few days later, I had another encounter, this time amidst the grocery aisles. I was minding my own business when I crossed paths with someone who, within minutes, I discovered was a fellow Myers-Briggs geek.
If you aren’t familiar with it, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a fascinating tool for understanding personality preferences. It’s not about labeling people, but rather about exploring different ways individuals perceive the world and make decisions. Think of it as a fun, insightful framework that helps us appreciate the beautiful diversity in how people think, feel, and interact. (If you want to learn more about it, or get yours done, check out my article here).
Suddenly, the canned goods aisle of Publix morphed into our own personal “geek-out” zone. We quickly got caught up into discussions about different types, shared hilarious anecdotes about personality quirks, and laughed until our cheeks hurt. Our shared passion created an instant connection. In fact, we are going to lunch together next week, and I am really looking forward to it. Our joy and laughter proved to be infectious, and we even had the pharmacy ladies in stitches.
It was a completely spontaneous and joyful interaction, proving that a shared enthusiasm, no matter how niche, can forge new bonds and spark joy.
These two distinct experiences underscored something for me: joy often springs from connection. Whether it’s nurturing long-standing friendships or discovering new ones through a shared passion, reaching out and engaging with others enriches our lives in deep ways, even if the interaction itself is brief. There’s a unique energy that ignites when you connect with someone who shares or appreciates your interests, who clicks with the nuances of your “geeky” side, or someone with whom you can share a great big belly laugh. These moments are just good for the soul, fostering well-being, igniting creativity, and often lead to further enriching experiences.
So, how can we invite more of this joy into our lives?
Life is full of possibilities for connection and joy. Sometimes, all it takes is an open heart and a willingness to engage, whether it’s over the phone or in a supermarket aisle.
What unexpected connection or shared passion has brought joy into your life recently? I’d love to hear your stories!
Hey, execs, how prepared were you when you took over your current role? Think back (I know it’s hard!) to when you first earned your present role. Did you feel like you had the training and the resources to smoothly transition and take over your new responsibilities? Or did you feel like you were feeling around in the dark for the light switch, tripping over every carpet roll and hitting every sharp furniture corner in the room before you got it (ouch!)?
McKinsey reports that 74% of execs felt like they were inadequately prepared for their current roles. Yikes. It seems like we could be doing a lot better to prepare the next generation so that they aren’t stumbling around quite so much. Plug in a night light at least, if not turn on a lamp. If this is high on your priority list, then check out my article: How to Prepare NextGen Leaders in Your Organization.
And if you really want to dive deep, then check out my freebie: Professional, Powerful, Succession Plan.
Want to go even deeper? My team and I provide coaching around this very topic. To really set yourself, your team, and your business up to go from strength to strength, book a call.
Our supermarket encounter really highlighted for me the joy of self-discovery and understanding how we’re wired. If you’re intrigued by personality insights and want to explore the Myers-Briggs framework more, I’ve written a blog post, ‘What is My Personality Type? See What You Think!’ It’s a great way to reflect on your own preferences and perhaps even gain a new perspective. Check it out here.
How well prepared is your team to take over when you retire? Don’t wait until you are gone to find out! Download our free guide and help your team move from strength to strength.
This month, in honor of Father’s Day that recently passed and all of the Dad’s out there that helped shape us into who we are today, I am recommending this fun article from the New York Times: An Ode to Funny Dad Texts. I especially loved the one about three quarters of the way down about “eight years worth of arm pics.”
I’d love to hear about what is inspiring you recently, and what challenges you have been facing. Hit “Reply” and let me know!
Remember: Leaders don’t bail. Leaders FINISH STRONG.