One of the best parts of my work day comes at recess time. I am blessed with the opportunity to take on recess duty during the lunch hour. We have had some really beautiful weather these last couple of weeks, and with this beautiful weather came the “opening” of the snow pile at St. Victor School.

The snow pile doesn’t get opened too often, as it quickly gets iced over and we are unable to play safely on it. But the weather we have had the last few weeks has created the perfect snow pile weather. 

I am surprised at how much the snow pile can represent our life. When I see the snow pile so many things come to my mind: my childhood, creativity, adventure and most importantly joy.

When I was younger we lived near West High School in Waterloo, Iowa. It was a huge high school of about 1,500 students. They had a massive parking lot for all the students, and with that came one of the largest snow piles on record. It seems like every kid in the neighborhood would throw their snowsuits (we didn’t do snow pants back then) and our moon boots and we were on our way. What was so great is what the day consisted of — nothing but hours and hours of playing on the snow pile and in the snow. There were no video games, cell phones or technology. There was just each other and our imaginations that flourished while being outside and enjoying a wonderful day. Lunch would bring us back home, followed by some hot chocolate, and then back out there for more fun on the snow pile.

We created tunnels and forts. We built castles, we jumped, we slid, we fell, we tumbled, but most importantly we laughed, giggled and enjoyed life. Snow was synonymous with joy. Often times I look at my own life and wonder, why don’t I play in the snow more often when I get a chance? 

When we move to adulthood, it seems that we forget what makes us happy. We fall into such a rut of having to do this or that, we don’t stop and do something, even if it’s one thing that will bring joy to us each and every day. I am well aware that we all have important responsibilities such as going to work, paying bills, scheduling appointments, shopping for groceries and so on. But if we let all of those things consume ourselves, we end up with a life full of have-to-do and not things that we want-to-do.

Now more than ever do we need to create a balance of work and life. We need to find what brings us joy and carve out a little bit of time for oneself. I think we get so preoccupied in looking out for others (which is a good and noble cause) that we tend not to look at ourselves. One can only give so much, and then we run out of things to give. So my suggestion to you is this … find your “snow pile.” Find the thing that brings you joy in life and give yourself that each and every day if possible. 

If it is reading a book, going to a movie, taking a long walk, cooking your favorite meal, having a glass of wine, going to church, calling a friend or going out for lunch — the list is endless, and the greatest thing is that it’s your list. No one can tell you what brings you joy — it is completely up to you. Make a list and keep it handy. Check it over and make sure you are doing some of these things at least one time a week. 

Our lives are extremely busy. I witness this each and every day with school children, their parents, our teachers and staff. We run and we run and we run. What are we running to that is so important? Is what we are running toward bringing joy to our children? To ourselves? If not, may I suggest you find something that is worth running toward? It is time to find your “snow pile” something that will bring joy to you, your family, your spouse or significant other. Life is amazing, and it will be even better when you bring that true sense of joy back into your life. 

— Joe Peters is the principal at St. Victor School in Monroe. He can be reached at joepeters@stvictormonroe.org.