I happen to love roller coasters. I like standing in the line and chatting with the captive group that surrounds you. I like hearing the enthusiasm of people anticipating the thrill of the upcoming ride. I like climbing into the car, securing myself into the seat, getting a good grip and listening to the click-click-click as the train climbs the first big hill. I love the building anxiety of wondering what that first drop is going to feel like. I love the pause as you crest the top of the hill and then the sudden rush as you plummet to the bottom, only to hit another incline and experience the next high speed thrill. And I love getting back in line and riding the coaster, again and again.
This last week I had the opportunity to attend a professional conference at Disney World. For a theme park/roller coaster junkie like me the icing on the cake was also being asked to present information about a major work project I manage. I was asked and happily got in the line. I agonized over the story I would tell and how I would visually present it. I practiced in front of Dan at home and a friendly audience at work. I arrived at the conference and checked out the room. I was introduced, got up and delivered the content to an audience of 50+ strangers. I experienced the thrill of a solid performance and strong finish. I felt the rush of applause and the excitement of answering questions. And I would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Roller coasters are a great metaphor for my life. For years I sat back and watched as world went by, enjoying the stories told by others and looking at pictures of their adventures. I hit my late 30’s and found myself looking back with regret at what I had missed and the chances I hadn’t taken. Somewhere, between then and now, I’ve come to realize that a good personal stretch is worth the effort. The commitment to get in line and take the steps needed to reach the goal, the thrilling payback, is absolutely a critical part of the ride.
I know that life isn’t easy, or always fun. Sometime the amount of time you have to spend in the line for the roller coaster makes you doubt the potential payback. But wow, when the train comes to a stop and I’m feeling that zip of conquering a fear, I’m so glad I invested the energy.
So, stay tuned, next up – some daily accounts of fun and sun from Key West and … Fantasy Fest!
Music that resonates:
Life is a Roller Coaster -- Ronan Keating
Music that resonates:
Life is a Roller Coaster -- Ronan Keating
I've loved roller coasters all my life. Unfortunately, as I've gotten older and ... how shall I say it ... "accumulated increased G forces" ... they're not as much fun anymore. They hurt.
ReplyDeleteI just took on a project I've wanted to do for awhile. Right now I'm in the middle of the ride. Sometimes it's a long stretch UP the hill, relaxed in sensation but trembling in fear of what's coming, other times it's the wild ride DOWN the other side, gravity slapping my jowels and repeatedly knocking my head into the seat.
I'm sure when it's all over I'll realize how much fun it was, but right now, I'm gritting my teeth and counting the minutes til we get back to the gate.