These days we’re all feeling weary. Maybe you’re feeling battle-scarred, sad, and scared. Could you be anxious and angry? Or possibly downright afraid?

The fear of the unknown can be the biggest fear of all. But having been on the planet for upwards of 5 decades, I know that as horrible as things may seem or be, being afraid and allowing fear to run the show is worse that then thing we’re afraid of.

I’ve always thought that life is like that crazy wooden roller coaster I loved to ride as a kid. Every fall, our family would attend the state fair. I couldn’t wait to get on that roller coaster! I’d ride it as soon as we got inside the fairgrounds. When I felt the pressure and heard the click of that big, heavy bar across my lap as it pinned me into my seat, I’d close my eyes and scream my head off through the whole ride. Once my feet were back on the ground and if I hadn’t gotten sick, I’d eat as much cotton candy as my Mama would allow!

Just like on the roller coaster, this ride called life will take you all the way to the top of the course. You find yourself looking out over the landscape, basking in the sun’s rays dancing on your face, and feeling invincible. Seconds later, the coaster plunges down the track, swerving, looping, and twisting, thrusting you side to side, up and down, pushing your stomach into your brain. Once the ride is over, you’ve had some moments – some scary, some exhilarating. But always, you’re grateful that the ride is over and that you can finally place those feet on comfortable, steady terra firma.

Just like a roller coaster, the downs and the ups of life are all a part of the experience. And as long as you’re breathing and are on this side of the dirt, it’s a ride from which you can’t escape. The only way off is to check out. Literally.

So, instead of bristling against what is, and feeling anxious and angry, irritated and scared, divert that energy into something that can launch you forward. What would you like your life to be once you cross over the bridge into your post-Covid-19 existence? How will you be different? What will change? What will you release, and what will you embrace? What lessons or discoveries will you integrate into your life?

I’ve lived through so much pain; divorce, sexual abuse, homelessness, trauma, and abandonment. I’ve known hunger. I survived a category 5 hurricane and lived without electricity for nearly a month. I’ve witnessed and experienced the fallout of mental illness. I’ve even pondered taking my own life.

Obviously, I triumphantly crossed those bridges and put some distance between myself and those trying experiences. Despite all the woes, challenges, and heartbreak, I’ve still had a pretty amazing life. I’ve travelled over a good swath of the world. I’ve entertained celebrities and royalties. I’ve dined on foreign beaches. I have loved and been loved…deeply. I dreamed of a life beyond my circumstances and hardships, and I worked to make those dreams come true.

You might feel as though you’re riding a roller coaster that has gone out of control…jumped its track. Know that no matter what things may look like, what you’re experiencing, or where you are on that roller coaster, you’re still alive. Instead of feeling fear, could you possibly feel exhilaration? How about feeling battle-ready instead of battle-scarred? Could you exchange anxiety for anticipation?

I encourage you to ride that roller coaster with fierceness. With passion. Lock that bar low over your waist. Hold on tight. Cruise through the drops, loops and twizzles with determination – and a scream or two. You can do it.