I'm sure you know the saying "Life is like a roller coaster". Usually what people mean by that is that life is full of ups and downs. Which obviously implies that the "ups" are those great times when everything is going fine and life is treating you well and the "downs" are the bad times in your life when things go terribly wrong and you're depressed...
Makes sense right? WRONG!
Here is why the roller coaster analogy is more powerful and true than I ever realized before:
You get on the roller coaster for the "downs" not the "ups"! That's not trivial. Because the "downs" are where all the fun & thrill is. You made your decision to take the ride in anticipation of the thrill you're going to experience during the accelerating ride down.
It's not even a 50/50 thing. It's not like both things are part of the fun on the ride. No. The "ups" are just a means to get to the point of riding down! You get that? Let me say it again: The "ups" are part of the way down!
Alright yes - you relax and enjoy the view during the "ups". You take a deep breath. You're heart rate is slowing down again a bit. You get ready for whats about to happen next. But that's it. That's all the "ups" have to offer to you.
A roller coaster that would only go up would be basically a very large and clumsy elevator...boring as hell..going in one direction...practical & functional maybe if you need to go to a meeting in the 26th floor...but for sure no fun!
And that's what life's supposed to really be I guess - a lot of fun & a hell of a ride down! ; )
Nice post, I can really feel you! Makes beautiful sense to me. It is a very complicated thought though to think that the fun is when you are going down:) However, I agree when you say that it is all about having fun no matter if you are on your way up or down. Life is good!
Posted by: Lefti | October 03, 2009 at 09:09 PM
Interesting. ;-)
Btw, that ride looks evil. Know where the picture was taken?
Posted by: Tim | October 03, 2009 at 09:09 PM
@lefti: yep it is...I'm not quite sure if I get the message across but I think those who are ready for it will get it (or at least be entertained by the thought ;)
What I'm simply saying is that all contrast/learning/growing is happening in the thrill of the downs in life rather than the enjoyment of the ups.
Lots of love to Stuttgart!
Posted by: Steli Efti | October 03, 2009 at 11:48 PM
@Tim - I have no clue where that is :( Can't find the reference/info...but it sure looks like an evil pleasure...hahahah...
Hope all is well - need to catch up sometimes soon! Cheers!
Posted by: Steli Efti | October 03, 2009 at 11:49 PM
Without long comment:
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Vassili.Efti | October 04, 2009 at 11:43 AM
@vassili :)) Love you brother!
Posted by: Steli Efti | October 04, 2009 at 09:54 PM
SOOOOOO true! ;)
Posted by: Vlad | October 05, 2009 at 10:14 AM
I read it three times and love it :-) Thanks for sharing, Duderopeles!
Posted by: Ramin | October 06, 2009 at 05:42 AM
Im being evicted from my apartment tomorrow.
Exciting, right?
Posted by: Avinish | October 08, 2009 at 03:17 PM
@vlad - we've had our fair share of exciting downs my friend...and looking forward to more and more rides with yoU!!!
@Ramin - looking forward to our next chat!! just had a very delicious coconut thai soup and had to think of you! cheers to bangkok!
@avinish - where do you live? if you're for real...I might be able to help...just ping me at steli@supercoolschool dot com
Posted by: Steli Efti | October 10, 2009 at 12:16 AM
Blogs are so informative where we get lots of information on any topic. Nice job keep it up!!
Posted by: Geography Dissertation | November 02, 2009 at 02:40 PM