I love roller coasters. It's a good thing, too. I live on one. We all do. And we can either scream in terror and beg to get off, or we can check to see if we're secure in our perfectly molded seats - strapped in, kept safe from permanent harm by the strong arm that holds us in, and enjoy the ride. 


I choose the latter. When you know you're Ultimately Secure, you can relax, throw your hands up, and enjoy the ride. Yes, you can - I've done it. But it takes conscious effort. It takes a deliberate thought process; one that reacts to the thrill of occasional air-time and the discomfort of crushing G-forces with an appreciation of the sensation that each experience brings. You can't have one without the other. And the air-time is so worth it. So is the feeling at the end - "Whoa, Nelly - what a ride!"


I've been riding for forty-three years now. There have been priceless moments of thrilling air-time, and terrifying moments of crushing pressure that threatened to reduce me to a lifeless heap. And I've learned that it's okay to scream when you're scared - sometimes it's an involuntary reaction. But so is squealing with delight. My sense of security makes it all ultimately okay. And I'm counting on the ear-to-ear grin at the end. 


 I don't know how often I'll get to write about my ride. But if you want to come with me, you're always welcome.