Mountain or Molehill: Keeping Life in Perspective

Some people these days would say a molehill is a big deal. After all these little pointed mice like creatures can tunnel through our yards and mess up our flower beds in no time. And mountains? They are there to enjoy, to climb, to offer slopes for skiing and hiking trails. Yet the saying, make a mountain out of a molehill implies that we are making a big deal out of a small issue.

Molehills are upsetting and yet in the long haul, with a big picture view they are not a disaster. Brain tumors and terminal cancer are a big deal and like mountains are a journey not easy to climb. Given the choice of being in pain, losing a limb or loved one, fighting cancer, or our house burning down, we would all choose the molehills.

How often do you notice yourself freaking out over day to day inconveniences or small things that just don’t go according to plan? Recently my husband and I created a rock fountain in our back yard. Four hundred pounds of rocks later and at least three arguments, we finally finished our masterpiece. We were so proud, took pictures and apologized for our unkind words to each other. The results were a beautiful flow of water around the rocks. Two hours later we noticed the flow had decreased and the water was leaking somewhere under the rocks. It was disappointing and disturbed both of out sleep that week. Our stress increased and our peace of mind was lost-all over a simple garden project. The truth is we made it a mountain-something to climb and achieve and could not handle its imperfection.

If that same weekend one of us was diagnosed with cancer, we would have loved to struggle with a fountain rather than begin the struggle with this disease.

Next time you get upset, stop and remind yourself that you have two arms, two legs, you can walk and as far as you know you still have a lot of life left to live unless you kill yourself with stressful thoughts.

Most problems have a solution and those that don’t are a waste of time fretting about. Stay in the moment and focus on what is really bothering you. Did you ever notice that a stubbed toe hurts a lot worse when you’re in a bad mood? How much time have you wasted lately being upset about something that was no big deal?

I am amazed at how some people who are paralyzed or are faced with big problems can take life in stride and maintain their sense of joy, while people without these obstacles are never happy.

There is a value in keeping a gratitude journal. Write down everything you have and are grateful for everyday, so that when you freak out over trivialities you can be reminded that you are already at the top of your own mountain from where molehills don’t look so bad.