“Until you hit the ground” — that’s a lyric from a Chris Stapleton song that has resonated with me for a long time. It captures the experience of riding the high, only to come crashing down. Life comes in waves, and I’ve definitely experienced the near euphoric highs followed by the lows a couple of times in my life and career.
Learning how to weather the ebb and flow has been crucial for finding peace when shit hits the fan. There have been moments where I’ve felt like I was in the driver’s seat of a truck on fire, going 90 down the highway. I rightfully lost my shit in those moments, desperately searching for a life preserver as I was being drowned by the water.
I’ve walked through the fire multiple times, each experience teaching me something new about myself and life. We’re all on our own journeys, so my takeaways may not be the same as yours. But I’m doing my best to share the things that have helped me keep my head above water when life gets overwhelming. Reinventing myself was never my intention, but it has become a recurring theme in my life. I hope that I’m learning from past mistakes and becoming better at anticipating and navigating the pitfalls. But progress can only truly be seen in the rearview.
One of the challenges I face is the tendency to view life through a rearview lens. It’s easy to get caught up in past experiences and let them dictate our present and future. Each day is an opportunity to change our course, but most people stubbornly stick to the path they’re on, even if it’s the wrong direction. It’s important to pause and reflect on where we are and where we’re headed.
Using a map, metaphorical or literal, can be incredibly beneficial. I’ve learned that making minor course corrections along the way is necessary and ultimately leads to growth. While I’m content to follow the road until it no longer serves me, I’ve also realized the importance of being open to new possibilities and detours.
Life is a journey, and it’s natural for ups and downs to occur. The key is to embrace the highs, learn from the lows, and adapt as needed. By doing so, we can navigate the twists and turns with more grace and find our way to where we truly want to be. So, as I continue on my own journey, I’ll keep reminding myself to stay present, adjust my course when necessary, and appreciate the progress I make when I glance in the rearview.
