Don’t Let Anybody Steal Your Joy: Our Unexpected Adventure in Atlanta

 

Yesterday, my sweet man and I took a trip to Atlanta to check out a place downtown. We had planned to visit a company, and though things didn’t quite go the way we expected, the experience ended up teaching me a valuable lesson about perspective and joy.

First, let me warn you—be very careful when parking in downtown Atlanta. We parked in a paid street spot and used an app to pay for parking. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a scam. As soon as we entered our card information, the charge came not from Atlanta but from London! Thankfully, the bank quickly worked things out, but they had to cancel my card. It was stressful in the moment, but I’m so grateful it got resolved.

Then, when we got to the building we were originally looking for, what we needed wasn’t even there. At first, that made me even more frustrated—I was already weighed down with a lot on my mind. But here’s the thing: sometimes, God allows us to end up in places we didn’t plan for a reason.

Because once I stopped focusing on the negatives, I noticed just how beautiful the building and the entire area were.

The building itself had such a fresh, modern vibe. Georgia Tech shares it with other offices, and it felt alive with energy. There was an underground parking garage, and though finding the elevator was a little tricky, once we figured it out, everything flowed smoothly.

Inside, it had a welcoming food court, and downstairs—surprise!—a Costa Coffee shop. I had only ever seen Costa Coffee when we visited London, and it instantly brought back sweet memories. I didn’t even know we had one here in Atlanta! That alone put a smile on my face.

Stepping outside, the place got even better. They had the longest bench I’ve ever seen in my life—easily close to 200 feet long. Right above it, there was a massive screen showing ads, sports, and entertainment. The whole area gave off a cool, European vibe, almost like being back in London.

What struck me most was the atmosphere. Downtown Atlanta can sometimes have that typical city smell, but not here. This spot felt fresh, vibrant, and inviting. People were sitting outside, chatting, enjoying coffee, and just being present in the moment.

That’s when it hit me—my day didn’t have to be defined by a scam, a canceled card, or even a missed appointment. I had the power to choose joy.

And when I shifted my mood, everything changed. I came back home, took a nap, and later one of our friends stopped by. Something I had been wanting for a while ended up coming into my hands that very day. It reminded me that when you let go of frustration and embrace the moment, blessings find their way to you.

So, if you’re reading this and something has already come along to ruin your day, I want to encourage you: don’t let it steal your joy. Shake it off. Look around for the beauty in the moment. Be present. Often, that heaviness you’re carrying will lift, and something good will follow.

We may not have found what we were originally searching for in that building, but the experience itself was a gift. My sweet man and I looked at each other and agreed—we were meant to be there. And I’m glad we were.

Thank you for stopping by my blog today. I appreciate you. Remember—no matter what happens, don’t let anybody or anything steal your joy.