No one has a life of complete ups or eternal downs. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect world. We all experience good and bad times. It makes you fasten your seat belts—Life is a roller coaster!
Optimists tend to overlook the lows and focus on the highlights. Pessimists tend to focus on the low times in their life. When I’m on a roller coaster, I focus on getting through it without nausea or injury. That’s the stage of life I’m in these days!
Yet, some people have experienced pain and loss very few of us can comprehend. It can feel impossible to get over those losses. I don’t know what it is like to experience a divorce, lose a spouse or child to a tragedy, or have a terminal illness. Those are undoubtedly low times I have not experienced nor want to downplay. Many of us have faced tragic moments.
I like this quote by Aimee Mullins:
“Giving up is conceding that things will never get better, and that is just not true. Ups and downs are a constant in life, and I’ve been belted into that roller coaster a thousand times.”
Aimee Mullins from Brainy Quote
Aimee is an athlete. She was born with a rare condition that resulted in the amputation of both of her legs below the knee when she was one-year-old. Yet, she overcame adversity. She became the first amputee to compete against able-bodied athletes in NCAA competition. She undoubtedly had many low points where she was tempted to give up.
Facing Low Moments
With every low moment, there is the potential for a high point just around the corner. Roller coasters go down, but they always come back up again. It’s what makes life exciting.
Find ways to enjoy every part of the ride. In every situation, there is something to be thankful for. In every ride, there is something good and exciting to see. Let go of control and begin enjoying life once again. Fasten your seat belts—life is a roller coaster!
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
