The Roller Coaster Season That Shapes Me

You know how some months just feel like a whirlwind? My September, October, November have truly been 'the hardest, happiest, and most healing months all in one....a whole roller coaster ride if you will,' just like that feeling when you're strapped into an *amusement park roller coaster*. It's that moment right before the drop, the anticipation, the sudden plunge, and then the exhilarating rush that leaves you breathless. That's exactly how I've felt navigating this season of life, from celebrating birthdays to quietly honoring memories. I've always loved the thrill of actual roller coasters. I remember visiting places like Pacific Park in Santa Monica, where the rides offer incredible views alongside the adrenaline rush. Or hearing stories about the legendary 'Beast' at Kings Island – those massive coasters that truly test your limits. They're designed to push you to the edge, make you scream, and then bring you back safely, often with a feeling of triumph. That's the mindset I try to bring to my emotional roller coasters too. When life hits with its unexpected twists and turns, like those sudden drops and sharp curves, I try to lean into the experience, feeling every emotion, just like you’d grip the safety bar on a ride. What I've learned is that just like a physical roller coaster, an emotional one demands your full presence. You can't really check out or wish you weren't there once it starts. The best way to get through it is to embrace the ride. For me, that means acknowledging the highs – the joyful birthday celebrations, the precious family moments – and also allowing myself to feel the lows, the moments of grief that resurface. It's about finding that balance. After a particularly intense ride, whether it’s a physical one or a challenging emotional period, I always feel a sense of having lived through something significant. There's a certain strength that comes from enduring those G-forces, both literally and figuratively. So, when my 'roller coaster season' gets intense, I try to remember the lessons from the actual rides. You prepare for it, you experience it fully, and then you try to find the joy and relief at the end. It's about letting go of control when you have to, trusting that you'll get through it, and appreciating the journey. Just like you might re-ride a favorite coaster because of the unique thrill, these emotional journeys, though sometimes painful, shape us in profound ways. They teach us resilience, empathy, and the true meaning of going with the flow. So next time you're on your own 'amusement park roller coaster' of emotions, remember to hold on tight, scream if you need to, and know that you're building a stronger, more resilient you with every loop and dip. It's a wild ride, but it's yours.