The Roller Coaster of Life

Most people have had some kind of a roller coaster ride through their lives. And I don't mean on an actual roller coaster. As someone terrified of heights, roller coasters scare the hell out of me! I'm talking about life. Ups and downs, twists and turns. No one's life can be completely full of ups. It's totally impossible and you can't appreciate the ups without experiencing some downs.

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My life since turning 18 has very much been a roller coaster ride. You can read my story of depression here. The difference with happy people, is their ability to not let the downs affect their ability to believe that life will still give you more ups. 

At the end of last year, I had a very negative view of men. To me, they were only there to break my heart. Don't get involved, won't get hurt. I've also had the view of why would they ever want me? A single mum in her early twenties, living at home with her parents, studying instead of earning a living. Not a lot of guys would consider this a great catch. Trust me, I've done my research! My car has required a hell of a lot of money spent to get it fixed and drivable, and there is still more to do. I am living with my parents, when I desperately want my own space. 


What I have come to realise, is that I have so many things to look forward to. I can't wait until next year, when I should be able to afford to move into my own place. Hopefully by the end of next year, a new (smaller and cheaper) car should be on the cards too. I will also be working by then too. There are so many moments that I have to look forward to, that my fear of the 'down' parts of my past have totally stopped me from having. 

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Watching my Munchkin grow up. Coming to a workable agreement with his father so that the stress of custody issues stops and we can enjoy our son. Finishing my study and being a fully qualified accountant. Replacing the furniture I lost when I split up with ex with beautiful nice new furniture (that I pick)! Meeting someone special to spend the rest of my life with and having more kids. 


I am by no means saying that we should always focus on the future, and what the future brings. Otherwise we miss the present, and all the wonderful things that are in it, like our children, families, friends, careers, homes, etc. But a healthy balance of looking forward to the future, and appreciating what we have presently, and being grateful for it makes the roller coaster ride so much more bearable, and even fun. We can't take the downs out of our life, but we can make sure it doesn't ruin our chance to have more ups. 


Are you on an up or a down on your roller coaster ride?
What have you got to look forward to?

Linking up with the totally awesome Jess from Diary of a SAHM for IBOT