Life is like a roller coaster. When things go downhill, throw your hands in the air and smile!

Have you ever met someone whose life seems to be falling apart, yet they’re still happy? Have you ever thought, “Wait a minute, you’re supposed to be miserable and depressed!”

It's true—some people are just in denial, hoping that their problems will magically disappear if they ignore them. But there are others who stay happy during tough times because they know a secret.

These people can feel joy even in the midst of a downturn because they understand that the ride never stays downhill forever. By law, it always turns upward again, just like a roller coaster. They smile because they’re focused on the long-term view and are already imagining the joy and heights life will bring them next.

Now, let’s keep going with this “roller coaster theme.” Imagine you’ve saved up for years to take your family to a fantastic theme park across the country. You’ve envisioned the laughter, the fun, and the memories you’ll create: the joy of being together, the food, the free time—it’s all so wonderful!

The day finally comes for the trip. You enjoy a relaxing flight, settle into the hotel, spend the night, and then—boom! A full day of theme park adventures awaits. After entering the park, you spot two roller coasters. The first one is called "Straight-Shot to Success" and goes like this:
 

You hop on, and it slowly takes you up a 20-story tower, where... it lets you off, and you climb back down the stairs to do it all over again.

Look at the enthusiasm in this picture just before unloading to climb down and repeat it! (Wouldn't that make for a pretty boring roller coaster ride? Yeah. But isn’t that what we often think we want out of life? A steady, predictable, safe climb to success?) The thing is, if that’s what life gave us, we’d likely feel pretty unfulfilled. Without the lows, the highs would mean nothing.

Now, let’s check out the second roller coaster, called "Joy in the Journey." This one goes like this:

You board, get pulled to the top of a big hill, and then the ride takes you through a series of ups and downs, loops and sharp turns. Everyone’s terrified and laughing at the same time.

Even when the riders plummet at breakneck speeds toward the ground, they’re grinning.

Now, is that crazy, or what? Are they in denial about their circumstances?

No, they’re genuinely enjoying themselves because they know the fear is temporary, that the danger is just an illusion, and the ride will end soon. They know they’re in a controlled, safe environment that only appears dangerous. Deep down, they’re certain everything will be fine in the end.

Which roller coaster ride do you think would have the longest line? "Straight-Shot to Success" or "Joy in the Journey"?

I choose the latter. And here’s what helps me make it through the scary parts:

Believe it or not, just like a roller coaster ride, life itself is a safe environment—even with all its dangers.

It’s easy to think that life is full of risks, but in reality, it’s safe. From God's perspective, the things we fear aren’t even a big deal—not even death itself.

Do you realize that the life you’re living right now is the exact life you would have chosen all along? This life—complete with its ups and frustrating downs—is the one that brings you the most joy. So, be grateful for the downs. As you let your heart fill with gratitude, you’re setting yourself up to experience the “ups” that God has waiting for you next.

The highs and lows of life help us feel.

It’s the transition from up to down—and back again—that helps us recognize the difference between emotions. Without the lows, the highs wouldn’t have the same meaning. The downs help us appreciate the ups.

Bob Proctor once said, “Most people tiptoe through life, trying to make it safely to death.” Do you see the irony in that? Instead, we should have the courage to chase our dreams, pressing forward with bold, fearless intention.

Fear not!

As Mark Twain wisely said, "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."

You get to choose what you focus on. So, choose to think about the expected highs that bring a smile to your face, instead of worrying about a potential train wreck at the bottom of the hill that hasn’t even happened yet.

It’s only when your heart is at peace that you’re truly ready to receive inspired solutions to your challenges.

So, if you’re heading downhill, be at peace. The tracks are curved, and your roller coaster car will climb back up again in time. It’s going to be thrilling! And, according to the Law of Rhythm, you’re already on your way.

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