The Skier: Trusting Joy Over Time

By Sheryl Lynn

You’ve probably had some experience with skiing, or at least watched it on TV or during the Olympics. Picture this: as a skier, you stand at the top of a mountain, ready to glide down. There’s a rush of fear—the fear of falling, the unknown, or not being able to do it. For many, that fear is what stops them from ever taking the leap.

But here’s the thing: even in that fear, joy is still present. It’s the memory of when you skied well before, the anticipation of the exhilaration waiting at the bottom, or the inspiration of watching an Olympian cross the finish line. That joy is always there, beneath the fear, like a pulse that never goes away—you simply need to remember to access it. Over time, this awareness becomes reliable, rewiring your brain and creating new neural pathways that make life feel easier and more manageable.

At first, you hesitate. The slope looks steep, and the path is uncertain. Your first run is slow and cautious—your mind focusing on each movement, overthinking every turn. Fear dominates, but with each descent, something shifts. You begin to trust your body’s rhythm—the back-and-forth motion of your skis as you glide down the mountain. The more you practice, the more confident you become. Your movements grow smoother, your speed increases, and joy starts to surface as you experience the freedom of the ride.

By the third or fourth run, fear no longer dictates your experience. You trust yourself to navigate the icy patches and unexpected turns. The ride becomes exhilarating not because fear is gone, but because joy now leads the way.

That’s the essence of JOYELY®. It’s about recognizing that joy is always accessible. Fear may linger, but with practice, you build a reliable connection to joy, which becomes the dominant force helping you move through challenges with confidence and momentum.

The same happens when you practice the Chair of JOY® Experience—with the four steps of Sit. Breathe. Think. Feel. Each time you sit in your Chair of JOY®, you strengthen your ability to remember and access joy. Over time, this practice rewires your brain, making it easier to navigate life’s twists and turns with clarity and ease.

JQ Wisdom:

Low Joy: When fear is strong, and joy is faint but present in the background—like the first ski run.
- Stress feels overwhelming, making it hard to focus.
- Confidence is low, leading to hesitation and second-guessing.
- Progress is slow, and mistakes feel more significant.
Balanced Joy: When fear and joy coexist—like the second ski run.
- Stress is present but more manageable.
- Confidence begins to grow with each step forward.
- Mistakes are seen as part of the process rather than setbacks.
High Joy: When joy becomes dominant, leading the way while fear remains but no longer controls the experience—like the third ski run.
- Stress becomes a motivator rather than a barrier.
- Confidence is strong, and challenges are approached with courage.
- Success feels within reach, and setbacks no longer derail progress.

Application:

Think about the different areas of your life—balancing work, family responsibilities, and personal growth. How often do you hesitate at the top of your own metaphorical mountain, unsure if you can navigate what lies ahead?

For Adults: Imagine being assigned a major project at work with tight deadlines, limited resources, and a small team. At first, the challenge feels overwhelming. You start slowly, analyzing every detail and questioning whether you can meet expectations. But as you break the project into smaller tasks, confidence begins to build. With each milestone, you trust yourself more, and what once felt impossible becomes achievable. Joy emerges as you remember your capabilities, turning stress into motivation and driving you toward success.
For Kids: Picture starting a new school year, transitioning from middle school to high school. At first, everything feels unfamiliar—the bigger campus, harder classes, and new social dynamics. Fear makes you question whether you’ll fit in or keep up with the workload. But as the weeks go by, you begin to find your rhythm. Each successful test, new friendship, and positive experience builds your confidence. Soon, the fear of the unknown fades, replaced by the excitement of discovering what you’re capable of.

That’s what Joy Intelligence (JQ) is—it’s the mental resilience that allows you to remember and rely on joy even when fear is present. The process after each run on the slope helps you feel more safe every time. You become present—you can actually see your poles and feel the mountain under your skis instead of feeling out of control. Soon, fear no longer limits you; you begin to trust in yourself over time. The more you practice the COJ, the challenges don't need to last weeks anymore, or even days, but many times just minutes—helping you navigate life’s challenges with courage and clarity.

The Chair of JOY® Experience offers a simple, accessible way to cultivate that resilience—helping you shift from hesitation to momentum. And this level of trust certainly opens the gates to new ski methods or innovative ideas at work.

Reflection

So, the question is: What challenge in your life feels like standing at the top of a mountain? If you took the time to trust your Joy Intelligence and build confidence one step at a time, what could you achieve?

Contact us today to bring JOY Intelligence™ to your team

About JOYELY®️

JOYELY®️ transforms workplace culture with digital emotional processing tools and data-driven technology, empowering engaged, resilient, and high-performing teams. Dedicated to elevating global well-being, JOYELY®️ makes joy a core life skill through experiences like the Chair of JOY®️, JOY Intelligence™️ Emotions Map, and the Four Stages of Presence. Inspiring individuals and organizations to access clarity, resilience, and purpose, JOYELY®️ is available for conferences, keynotes, event showcases, interactive programs, and fundraising—creating an undeniable conversation for all.