The Top of The Coaster

You know the feeling – the slow ride up the ramp while the chain clacks along. Generally it’s a nice view as you get to the top – you’re enjoying the scenery and the nice smooth ride and then…well…you get to the top. It seems as if everything stops for a brief moment as you tip forward and realize, in that last moment of clarity, what my cousin said to me our first time on Space Mountain over 35 years ago: I think we’re going to die.
OK, so not literally and it’s not always a roller coaster. But that moment of panic is crystal clear. You know the one:

• Your spouse has lost their job and your salary won’t cover the bills
• You’re in a relationship and share a house, kids, and all that STUFF with someone you now wonder if you love
• The meeting is in 2 hours and you haven’t read the 350 page report that’s the subject of the discussion

There are hundreds of others. I know some folks who have voiced each one of the above to me recently and we’ve all been on the ride to a greater or lesser degree at some point.  So here’s what I say:

• Keep calm – this is just a 2 minute ride.  It will be over and some form of weak-kneed normalcy will return.
• Don’t make any quick decisions – you know – like “I’m getting off now”.  You’re doped up on adrenaline and not thinking clearly.
• You wanted to be here – there must have been a reason even if it escapes me at this moment.  Let’s relax and try and recall it.

See, you’ll survive any of those rides above if you don’t panic.  You may toss a few cookies, but someday you’ll be able to look back and say you actually met some pretty tough challenges.  In a strange way, those moments of intensity let us know we’re alive and that’s over way too soon.  Such a long long time to be gone, such a short time to be there.

Thoughts?