Roller Coaster

Over the years, I have gone through moments of what I would call great writing success. In those moments, I wrote a lot. There have also been times where I have written little, or none at all. I suppose this is probably no different than a lot of us, who go through the ups and downs of life, when there are moments of clarity, or great insight, or depression & sadness, or a litany of other emotions or reasons why our lives often resemble that of a roller coaster. Where are you right now, on this so-called ride?

Current world events notwithstanding, each of us must determine how to approach the realization of each up, down, twist, turn, or roll. Typically, as each of these moments approach, we can see, or sense, something is coming. At that point, we make choices. 

Picture yourself in that roller coaster car. Are you the one with your hands up, smiling, taking it all in, eyes wide open, thankful for the ride? Are you the one with your eyes closed, screaming, muscles tensed, bracing for every move? Are you about to pass out? About to throw up? About to cry?

To me, it seems like each circumstance determines its own reaction, which in turn has its own set of unique choices. You might be the one who is smiling right now, but you might also be very private about your joy, choosing to keep this moment to yourself. You could be very fearful about this next turn, which could lead you to either shrink into your own self-doubt, or it could lead you to spread that fear to others. Regardless, there are a lot of choices involved, and believe it or not, you have control over nearly every one of them.

In my own life, the past few years have had their fair share of tough times. But there have also been a few mountain top moments too. The choices I make today are often refined by the choices I have made at those low moments, perhaps when I have had time to reflect. Are you in one of those low moments right now? Have you taken the time to reflect on past decisions and future outcomes? Are there regrets? Does sorrow outweigh your joy?

Every roller coaster seems to start with a climb and then a great fall. But throughout the ride there are plenty of other low moments that always seem to be followed by high ones, all ending with a bit of a gentle roll into the station. The low spot you find yourself in is invariably to be short-lived. Another high point is coming. And to get there, you may have to climb out. Slowly. Take heart. You’ll get there.