Peaks & Valleys

One of my favorite books is one titled, “Peaks & Valleys.” I’ve probably given this book out a hundred times over the years. As the title insinuates, the book focuses on life’s journey and the highs and lows that we all go through. The truth is, we all experience peaks in life, which we would all agree is the more desirable place to be. But we also have or will experience life’s valleys. Some can be described as slight declines, while others can be looked at as horrendous and life-altering.

Let me share a little something personal. There was a time in my life when I was standing atop a peak and the view was beautiful. I loved being up there as anyone would, and while enjoying the experience of life at a cloud-level view, I can remember thinking that I would never return to the valley. Then, a series of events transpired that brought me tumbling down the mountain, banging hard against rocks and trees the entire way. Not only did I find myself at the bottom of the valley, but I also ended up landing in a deep and very dark hole. Exhausted, I looked up from the abyss and could barely see light. It was life-altering, it was awful, and I felt very alone. As doubt and fear crept in, I began to feel as if I didn’t deserve a place on the mountaintop. I began to question my abilities, my resolve and began to lose faith in myself.  These limiting beliefs ultimately determined the length of my tenancy down in that abyss. There is a little too much to unpack here so I will summarize by acknowledging a paradigm shift that was the catalyst behind making the conscious choice to be accountable to myself.

I learned to embrace my now Matra, which most of you know is, “See-it, Own-it, Fix-it.” See it, meaning one needs to recognize the situation they are in. This may seem simplistic on the surface, but amazingly, this is very difficult for some. Own it, meaning one needs to take accountability for their contribution in how they got into the situation. Fix it, meaning one needs to take thoughtful action towards improving their circumstances or oneself.

The truth is, no person is immune to life’s challenges. We’ve all heard the old adage, “This too shall pass,” meant to give encouragement to those who may be struggling. This adage is also true with people who are sitting on top of the mountain, because at some point, they will be faced with a circumstance that will force them downward towards a valley below.

It could be you’ve experienced some time in one of life’s valleys, or perhaps you find yourself in a bit of a valley right now. Maybe your valley is in the distant future. What does one do when they find themselves in a deep abyss? Perhaps, a loving family member with good intentions will throw you a pick and shovel intimating, “You got yourself in this hole, here are some tools to help you get yourself out.” Maybe a colleague will toss you a motivational read to help you mentally climb your way out. Perhaps a friend will pass down a ladder that only elevates you a fraction of the distance needed and say, “At least this will get you started.”

If I were to be walking down that same path where you veered off-course, conscientiously or unconsciously, that same path which led you to a deep and dark valley, a deep pit with seemingly no way out… And if by chance, I was to notice the pain and struggle that you were enduring, while in the abyss, I can assure you this; I would not throw you a tool, nor would I toss you a book. I wouldn’t call on others to help and I wouldn’t pass down a ladder. What I would most likely do is jump down in that deep hole with you. And when you look at me like I’m insane and ask why I would do such a thing, I would tell you… because I have been in this Abyss, and I know the way out.

I consider the life we all live to be a gift. The remarkable thing about this gift is that it continues to bring us joy as long as we allow it. Life’s journey is not on a straight and smooth pathway, free of potholes, hazards, and confusing forks in the road. Life does not come with GPS, so there will be times when you may get lost and find yourself in a ditch, alone, with seemingly no one to help you.

One of the many great things about life is that it allows you to develop valuable skillsets, relationships, faith in others, and faith in yourself. It encourages you to benefit from a belief system that is fueled by positivity, compassion, empathy, and integrity. In realizing these benefits, you’ll develop a strength you didn’t know you were capable of. This inner strength will allow you to find your way out of life’s most challenging situations. The beauty is, that it’s attainable to anyone, which will allow you to attain anything… even in the most challenging of times.