4 Signs You’re Ready For The Roller Coaster Ride of Writing

Anticipation, excitement, anxiety, and fear are the price of entry.

It’s a dilemma, this roller coaster journey of writing.

And every day, I ask myself if I’m ready to buy another ticket.

I think what drives me is the anticipation of reaching the top of that metaphorical hill of success, my hair blowing in the wind, screaming with abandon — reveling in that elusive sense of accomplishment.

And so I continue to take the chance, jumping onboard in the hope my work will inspire, improve, or bring someone a little comfort or insight.

Personally, I have to find out what the ride is really all about — and how far it will take me. More than anything else, that’s the hook that pulls me forward, convincing me to step into that tiny metal car.

Why the metaphorical reference to roller coasters?

The similarities are hard to ignore.

Although I haven’t been to an amusement park in years, I’ve retained some vivid memories …

Long lines of adventurers moving in unison, shuffling forward a few inches at a time, their relatively calm and orderly approach in definite contrast to the anxious thrill-seekers standing on tip-toe counting heads in an attempt to get closer to the gate — if only in their minds.

I remember one scorching summer day in particular

Grasping my ticket tightly, I waited impatiently for my turn, glancing at the crowd to determine my future travel-mates — and worried I might not meet the minimum height required for entry.

Then I noticed him — the green-faced kid hiding behind his father’s legs.

I prayed he wouldn’t end up in the seat ahead of me. I was certain the first slanted, twisting curve would force his stomach to reject its contents, projecting the purple cotton candy and sugary orange soda he’d just slammed down into an airborne kaleidoscopic stream of organic shrapnel — heading straight for me.

I envisioned my new white cotton blouse permanently transformed into a chaotic tie-dye pattern — one my mom wouldn’t appreciate.

Reaching the front of the line, the attendant waved me through and pointed to an open car with a torn cloth seat — its condition revealing a suspicious history of clutching fingers and stains of unknown origin.

Within seconds, the metal bar dropped down into my lap — a sign of assurance; all was well and the last panic-stricken rider had bailed.

A sudden clank of gears and the initial lurch of the coaster made it real — I was committed

The cars moved slowly at first, the coaster straining against gravity as it climbed the first elevated track.

The anticipation of that first drop began to build. Even the underlying vibration added to the excitement — and fear — while our loosely-secured bodies bumped and leaned in perfect precision.

Those feelings of excitement and anticipation are what motivate me to continue writing

Even through the nostalgic filters of youth, I recognize the unmistakable similarities between a thrill ride and sitting down to begin a new article.

Here are a few comparisons I discovered behind the motivation of those more-than-willing participants seeking both types of adventure.

1. Before buying a ticket and taking our place in line, there are moments of doubt

We wonder if we have what it takes to follow-through. Because we don’t want to be the one who jumps off the track at the last minute, unable to finish the ride.

2. Even though the destination is in plain sight, it takes guts and confidence to pursue our journey

We might think we’re experienced passengers, perhaps having taken the risk before. But we know each ride is different. We’ll be with people we haven’t met, exposing our anxiety and terror to others who may be feeling the same thing.

And unless we take that step — buy the ticket and wait in line — we’ll never find out how much better this ride could be, compared to the last. All we need is the courage and inspiration to get in the car and buckle up.

3. We know the trip won’t be smooth or easy

In fact, we expect and anticipate a few challenges. Otherwise, we’d immediately head for another line — an easier, less exciting choice.

But once we get past the pregnant pause of a blank screen and begin moving forward, we can’t stop the momentum — and we don’t want to. With each keystroke — continued progress along the length of track — we remember we’re heading uphill, toward the crest.

And pretty soon our hair will be whipping in the wind, our knuckles white on the safety bar in anticipation of the next slope.

4. The ride consumes our focus, not only sharpening our vision, hearing, and feelings, but our imagination as well

Deep down, we know it’s about finding out where that coaster will go, and what we’ll experience along the way.

And when we’re finally traveling at full speed, nothing else can distract us — a curious phenomenon that blocks out everything, including the high-pitched squalor of the neighbor’s mating cats outside the window.

And that kid in line ahead of you?

Maybe he won’t regurgitate his lunch all over your dreams.

But then again, maybe he will. At the very least, we can learn from the experience.

But we’ll never give up the ride.

Here’s a little encouragement to help you stay the course — and continue the journey:

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Jill Reid is a writer, founder of Pathway to Personal Growth, and editor of Real Life. Her articles explore life, happiness, self-improvement, health, productivity, and personal success strategies for living longer and stronger through positive lifestyle choices. Find Jill on Medium, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.