A few weeks ago, my wife and I took our family for a short end-of-summer trip and ended up at Cedar Point for a couple of days. Now, I have always enjoyed roller coasters, but it’s been a few years since I was at a park and a LOT of years since I was at Cedar Point.
At 50 years old, I still think of myself in decent health and sound mind. My kids were never huge thrill seekers, but were down to try almost everything. Still… it was a little tougher than I remembered climbing into the car and scrunching my non-limber well worn joints into an uncomfortable seat.
The feeling I got riding up the first hill. Thinking to myself, “What am I doing?” Cresting and about to dive headlong to an unknown ride, “Why did I think this was okay?!!” Feeling my stomach totally drop out from under me and screaming as it happens.
Spoiler Alert! I survived. In two days I rode almost every coaster in the park. The kicker? I had the same feeling, the same thoughts, the same scream (okay maybe there were a few louder than others) for each ride. And each one – be it smooth, bumpy, metal, wooden, upside down, or even one that had us going 120+ mph and 400’ in the air – was worth it. They weren’t all great – some I would NOT choose to do again – but I’m glad I got to experience them.
Ten years ago, I made the decision to leave a good paying job with responsibility, growth opportunities, and a team that I loved to work with (and still keep in touch with!). That was the start of my climb up that hill. At one time or another, I have had all of those same thoughts and feelings. It hasn’t always been smooth and fun – and there are definitely things that I would choose not to do again – but I am glad I have gotten to be a part of the communities we’ve served, the Clients and Owners we’ve helped, the employees we’ve given opportunities to.
Here’s to another 10 years.