The word “stuck” typically connotates negativity, irritability, or a sense of being unmoving and unable to get out of a situation. “Stuck in traffic”, “stuck between a rock and a hard place”, “stuck in a rut”; these common phrases and others imply that the individual has no choice but to be miserable in the place where they find themselves…either physically or metaphorically speaking.

What if as an alternative to these “stuck” moments being unpleasant, we were able to reframe the way we view them to instead find the tidbits of joy they produce. What if the proverbial place between the rock and the hard place (referring to being faced with two equally difficult or undesirable choices) is just the right amount of external pressure you’ve been needing to create impactful and necessary change in your life. What if those ten additional unexpected minutes in the car on your way to your destination allowed you to extend a meaningful conversation with your teenage daughter who is about to go off to college?

A couple of months ago my parents were visiting us for the week, and we asked my dad to join us on a short boat ride across the lake. The early summer conditions were perfect, and we were excited to be sharing a piece of our paradise with a loved one. Just minutes into the ride, the boat engine started steaming and we were forced to stop in the middle of the lake. Immediately the words “stuck out in the middle of the lake” raced through my head, and I was met with feelings of frustration and anxiety regarding our situation. However, what happened next is what remains etched in my mind from that day. As my husband Todd did some troubleshooting on the engine, my dad and I each grabbed one of the little yellow emergency oars and began rhythmically rowing our way towards the shore. The sun was beating down on us and beads of sweat accumulated on our foreheads, but I recall feeling thankful to be getting in an unplanned workout! Occasionally a rogue paddle stroke would splash a bit of water, causing me to giggle at the surprising burst of cool water on my skin. After rowing for a bit, my dad mentioned we should switch sides, allowing us to use the less fatigued side of our bodies to create more power. As we swapped spots I imagined we were part of the crew on a college rowing team, working together to maximize power and stroke towards the finish line. Thankfully the engine came back to life a few minutes later, and my dad and I were able to put our oars back under the seat cushions where they belonged. We made it home with a story to tell the others, and could have focused on the unplanned and unpleasant experience of the ride. Instead, the moments that transpired during that experience of being “stuck” are the ones that I fondly look back on.

There is so much joy to be found in the little things. Sometimes all it takes is a small shift in perspective when our constantly-moving world stands still….even if just for a moment.