Seasons of Life

One day a video came up in my Facebook feed that highlighted riding the Dragster at Cedar Point Amusement Park.

My husband and I loved going to Cedar Point when we dated in our younger years. After we reunited many years later, we were excited to return there, and we did. The dragster was one of our many rides that day. Rides, i.e., that caused blood curdling screams to repeatedly pour forth from my lips. I don’t think Rick screamed even once. I made up for that.

The dragster was my hands-down favorite. After 2+ hours standing in line and alternately questioning my sanity and praying we would get enough lift on the first try and not roll backwards down the hill (yes, sometimes that happens) it was our turn. As we walked off, I looked at Rick smiling, laughing and saying, “Now that was fun.” I stopped short of saying, “Let’s do it again,” proving I’m not completely insane. This is in sharp contrast to the other rides of the day that elicited more of a, “I can’t believe I just did that” kind of reaction. Seriously high and fast roller coasters the likes of which I had never experienced. Did I mention they were high, and fast?

So, remembering that day, it was fun to watch that video clip. It was even more fun to “share” it with the words “Yes I did.”

All of which brings me to my point.

Watching the video reminded me of some adventurous experiences I’ve had in my life including skydiving; white water rafting; ziplining and caving. And remember, I did ride those oh so high and fast roller coasters even if it was only once. OK, I only did any of these once. But I did them and I enjoyed the experiences. I’ve also clocked quite a few miles on roller blades and skiing was a favorite winter pastime for many years.

But watching the video also reminded me that for various reasons I’ve elected to leave some of the adventures behind realizing they were for a different season of my life. And this leaves me with a choice.

I can be sad and disappointed that these are no longer a part of my life. Or I can embrace the memory and be ever so glad I got to experience them.

As we grow older, there are things we used to do but don’t any longer. If we choose to let that be sad and depressing, that’s where we’ll stay – sad and depressed.

But if we view them with joy in the memory and gratitude that they happened, we have a foundation for moving forward to the experiences still waiting for us.

Riding the dragster might be behind me. But biking and hiking still exist for me. And maybe, just maybe, that ballroom dancing will still happen. And golf lessons. And ... well, who knows?

One thing is for certain - plenty of fun still remains to be experienced.

When I allow myself to joyfully transition to a new season.