I wrote a poem when I was seventeen in poetry class that went like this,
I want to get in a car and drive
for miles and miles
and not really have a destination planned.
I just want to go
forever watch the trees pass by
and the mountains shout “Until next time!”
I didn’t know then that the day after I turned twenty-one, I would be sitting in an airport alone about to board my first flight ever. Once I landed across the country, I would in fact get in a rental car and drive for miles and miles with no destination in mind. I would watch the trees pass by and I swear to you the mountains were grabbing my soul and begging me to come see them again.
I had no idea at seventeen that my imagination would one day be reality and I had no idea at twenty-one that I was doing something my seventeen-year-old self once dreamed about doing. It wasn’t until I recently found that poem that I discovered, without even consciously knowing it, I was accomplishing everything my heart ever desired.
I took a picture of this moment in the airport. This moment I now like to call a Roller Coaster Moment. I made it through security, I found my gate, I grabbed some food and a book, and I waited. Then, I saw my plane and I knew there was no turning back. Buckled in slowly making my way to the tip top of the roller coaster, the only way off, ride it out. Get on the plane, fly across the country, drive the entire state of Washington in one week’s time and fly back home.
The fear and adrenaline you get in moments like these is what makes them roller coaster moments. You’re scared, terrified really and you know there is no unbuckling and getting off, you must ride it out. Once you do it’s thrilling, empowering and just a tad less scary the next time you buckle up.
Driving to my first date was a roller coaster moment. I had a two-minute drive into town, buckled in, car in drive, cute boy waiting for me, there was no turning back. What a roller coaster that was. My first time in a burning building as a firefighter was another roller coaster moment for me. Pack on, hose in hand, partner behind me, fire in front of me, there was no turning back. Buying my first home at 21, was a roller coaster moment. Papers signed, keys in hand and once again, no going back. Opening a business in my Village of 600 people, inventory bought, grand opening date set, no turning back.
I have yet to regret a single roller coaster moment in my life. It has always been worth riding it out, no matter how wild. I do not know when, where or what my next roller coaster ride will be, but I do know I am already excited for it.
Do the things that petrify you, your seventeen-year-old self will be so proud.
Be Brave -B