Riding the Rollercoaster of Life – From Finish Lines to Farewells

Life has a funny way of reminding us that it’s not all smooth roads and sunny skies. Just last week, I was flying high—literally—crossing the finish line of a 155km bike race I had trained hard for. I was sweaty, exhausted, and so very proud of myself. And then, almost in the same breath, life threw me into a whole new ride: supporting my daughter, my spouse and self through the sudden loss of our beloved cat. From triumph to heartbreak in 36 hours—it’s enough to make you want a seatbelt for your soul.

This is the rollercoaster of midlife. One day you’re celebrating an epic personal win, and the next you’re wiping tears, making space for grief you didn’t see coming. It’s messy, emotional, and completely human. What I’ve learned is that grief and joy can—and do—exist in the same heart at the same time. Back to one of my favourite beliefs – 2 or more things can be true at the same time. You don’t have to choose one over the other. You can honour the heaviness of loss while still remembering that your body carried you through an incredible race, or that laughter can sneak through tears. It’s all part of the ride.

I guess it’s striving for resilience – I am believing the trick is to let yourself feel it all. Don’t stuff it down, don’t judge it, don’t rush it. Move through grief in a way that feels right for you—whether that’s crying in the shower, hugging your people, looking at pictures, or going for a long walk just to breathe. There’s a beautiful TED Talk by Nora McInerny, “We Don’t Move On From Grief, We Move Forward With It,” that perfectly captures this truth. Grief doesn’t get smaller; life just gets bigger around it. And in that bigness, there’s space for joy, purpose, and even new goals that remind you of your strength.

And because we’re all about igniting what’s possible here, I want to leave you with a few simple ways to navigate grief while still making space for joy:

• Create a “Grief Space.” Give yourself permission to feel—whether it’s a cozy chair, a journal, or even just a cup of tea with your memories.
• Move it through your body. Walk, stretch, cycle, dance—grief stuck in the body gets heavy. Grief in motion finds release.
• Start a ritual of remembrance. Light a candle, write a letter, or create a small tribute that honours the love.
• Take breath breaks. Try a simple 4–4–6 breath: inhale for four, hold for four, exhale for six. Instant nervous system reset.
• Invite joy on purpose. Even on hard days, do one tiny thing that sparks joy—a funny podcast, a song you love, or coffee with a friend.
• Talk it out. Share your grief with someone you trust. Silence grows the weight, speaking it out lightens the load.

So here’s the invitation: don’t fear the rollercoaster. Life’s ups and downs aren’t signs that you’re off track—they’re proof that you’re living fully. Celebrate the wins, feel the losses, and know that both are shaping you into someone with deep courage, grit, and heart. Joy and grief are both fuel for your inner power—so ride with both hands on the bars and trust that the track ahead, twists and all, is worth it.

I love you Fofo Bear 😊

- Kim