How to ride the rollercoaster of life
- Victoria 88
- 21 hours ago
- 3 min read
It was Boyzone member, Ronan Keating, who once sang:“Life is a rollercoaster, you just gotta ride it”.
While I love the sentiment, lately I have felt like I’m in a very low dip, painstakingly clambering to get back up to the top…which I can’t quite see yet.
If you feel like I do, what I’m learning is that life can feel like an unpredictable rollercoaster, with twists and turns that leave us exhilarated or breathless. Yet, it is precisely this dynamic nature that makes life so profoundly human and meaningful. The ups and downs are not anomalies but constants, woven into the very fabric of existence.
Understanding this truth and learning to lean into life’s ebb and flow instead of resisting it can transform how we experience the world.
Remember that Life's Ups and Downs Are Normal
The first step to embracing life’s fluctuations is acknowledging their inevitability. Much like the changing seasons, life is cyclical. There will be periods of growth and bloom, followed by times of dormancy and reflection. The highs bring joy, motivation, and inspiration, while the lows offer opportunities for introspection, humility, and resilience.
Consider the example of Oprah Winfrey, who began her life in poverty and faced significant challenges, including personal loss and professional setbacks. Yet, she leaned into these struggles, eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in media and philanthropy. Similarly,Robert Downey Jr. experienced a series of personal and professional lows, including legal troubles and substance abuse issues. However, his willingness to confront and flow through these difficulties allowed him to rebuild his career, culminating in his iconic role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Leaning In: Flow Instead of Resistance
Resisting life’s challenges often leads to frustration and stagnation. It's akin to swimming against a powerful current; the more you fight it, the more you exhaust yourself, losing the chance to move ahead. Conversely, leaning in and flowing with life allows you to navigate its complexities with grace and adaptability.
This doesn’t mean passively accepting hardship. It means acknowledging its presence, understanding what it can teach, and finding ways to move through it. Flowing with life requires trust: trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust that every twist and turn is leading you somewhere meaningful.
Three Ways to Ride the Rollercoaster like a Boss
Adopting a mindset of flow doesn't happen overnight, but with consistent practice, it can become second nature. Here are three easy and actionable ways to embrace the rhythms of life:
1. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the art of being present. When life feels overwhelming, grounding yourself in the present moment can be a powerful anchor. Instead of dwelling on past regrets or fearing future uncertainties, mindfulness invites you to focus on what is happening right now.
Consider the example of Selena Gomez, who has spoken openly about using mindfulness and meditation to navigate challenges, including struggles with mental health and the pressures of fame. By practicing mindfulness, she has found a way to ground herself in moments of difficulty, allowing her to regain clarity and focus on her well-being.
Start small: dedicate five minutes a day to mindful breathing or observation. Pay attention to the sensations in your body, the sounds around you, or the simple act of taking a sip of tea. These practices help you detach from the highs and lows, viewing them as temporary states rather than permanent definitions of your life.
2. Cultivate Gratitude
Gratitude is a transformative practice that shifts your focus from what is missing to what is abundant. Even in the darkest times, there is always something to be thankful for: the support of loved ones, the lessons learned, or even the resilience you discover within yourself.
Try keeping a daily gratitude journal. Write down three things you’re grateful for every evening. They don’t have to be grand—sometimes, the simplest joys carry the most meaning. Over time, this practice rewires your brain to notice positives even amidst challenges, helping you find balance during life’s ups and downs.
3. Build a Support System
Life’s challenges become far more manageable when you surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you. A strong support system can include family, friends, mentors, or even therapists—anyone who listens without judgment and helps you navigate turbulent times.
Make it a habit to connect with your support system regularly. These connections remind you that you are not alone in your struggles or triumphs. Sharing your experiences, whether they are highs or lows, can offer clarity and relief, as well as valuable advice from those who’ve faced similar situations.
How do you manage life’s rollercoaster?
See you soon,
Mashed Banana x
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