Remember To Throw Your Arms In The Air

Life’s a roller coaster.
Not an original thought, but it’s a relevant one.
I think we grow up hoping it will all be smooth sailing. Doesn’t matter what the dream is: family, career, white picket fence, 2.5 kids, astronaut, ski bum, millionaire. We don’t plan on building in the bumps, the ups and downs. If we’re smart, we plan to handle, survive, even thrive in tough times. We save a little money, buy insurance, figure out a fall back position. But we don’t say to ourselves “When I’m 33 I’m absolutely going to experience a financial crisis!” Nope. It’s always a lot more optimistic, a nice rosy glow about it all.

That’s good. So are all those “Life Emergency Preparedness” steps we take. And so too are the rough times that come at us unplanned, unbidden and yes, most unwelcome. Those are also good. The fire that doesn’t consume you, makes you stronger. But those miserable moments also help make the great moments greater. They are the sour to the sweet; the bright, harsh lights that throw good times into high relief.

So today I am grateful for every single unwelcome, tersely written, badly photocopied, condescending rejection letter I have ever received. Today the publisher not only spelled my name right, she wrote: “I’m pleased to tell you that your poem was selected for inclusion in our book.”

Can you hear the sound of the coaster cars clattering on the track?
Here I go, throwing my arms in the air...
Wheeee!!!