🎢 Roller-coaster🎢

 

🎢 Roller-coaster🎢

Welcome back 🤗 Gen X Loungers!

This week has presented me with many challenges, it reiterates how life is constructed of ups and downs, is never static and is in constant flow. The word Roller-coaster is used to express this and I love how the visual congregates in my mind. 

Going up....slow and steady, taking in the magnificent elevated view, then, as you approach the top of the precipice, you lose sight of the track ahead as it disappears downwards and plunges out of view. Before you know it, you tip over the crest, and your heart races as you plummet down, fast and out of control. Savouring the moment as the G-force pushes away the wrinkles in your face, momentarily you look 20 years younger! Result🤣! 

Continuing your epic journey, you whiz around corners sideways and loop the loop. You are not sure how long the ride will last, or if you will participate in a second lap! 

This past week has reminded me of the only physical roller coaster I have ever had the pleasure to ride on.

Twenty years ago I visited a theme park near Barcelona called Porta Ventura with two girlfriends and our group of 10 kids. It was Halloween weekend and everyone was full of excitement and anticipation. On our first day, we happened upon one of the main attractions called Dragon Khan, which at the time was widely recognised as the most intense coaster in the world. I had never been on a roller coaster and had no intention of boarding this, said, Dragon. The idea of travelling at 105kph combined with 49mt drops didn't appeal. However, this, being the mother of all costers presented me with a quandary it was a now-or-never situation! 

Back then FOMO was not a recognised "thing", however, I suddenly realised if I did not seize the moment  I would have missed my chance forever! The thought was so powerful it propelled me into the queue and with my sons, I boarded the Dragon.  Screaming my way around, in a mixed emotion of fear and exhilaration, I embraced every moment of my white-knuckled ride.

Reflecting on this experience I realise it’s good to push our personal boundaries, to be brave and face our fears. 

Are you a natural thrill seeker or do you prefer more stability? There are no right or wrong answers, there is no judgment here. 

Remember we are all, every single one of us on that Roller-coaster ride, the biggest the world can provide. We will always be either going up or down. 

With this in mind when we are in contact with others approach them with kindness, as we have no idea what experience they are currently having.

Be mindful and look out for your friends, especially those who are silent and not responding when you reach out. People in a challenging situation who are really struggling, tend to go inside themselves and don’t always want to burden their friends. These friends are the people who need your support more than anyone.

Remember that at times, the roller coaster is going in a direction we have not chosen, and we are unable to get off! I find it encouraging to keep in mind, what goes down has to come back up.

This week, if you are able,  assess the people around you, your family, your friends, and your neighbours. Take a moment to consider whether they’re going up or down their roller coaster. What can you do to accompany them on their particular journey so that it's as fun or as tolerable as it can be?

                                                                 Catch up soon X💜X