My family and I recently started a 50 states adventure that we hope to complete before my husband and I turn 50 in 2033. One of our family goals is to ride a rollercoaster in every state. My husband and I love rollercoasters. Like…. LOVE, love them. When I was a kid, I rode the Phoenix at Knoebels with my dad 6? 8? times in a row. This was back in the 90s when the world was way more chill and there weren’t so many stinking rules lol. If there was no one in line, they just let us stay on the ride- over and over. This was also back in the 90s when people didn’t know everything about everything so Knoebels was our special little hidden amusement park gem. You could go on a whim, spend $20, and enjoy a nearly empty amusement park with virtually no lines! Now people visit it like they do Hershey Park or any other awesome (or not so awesome) amusement park. And, because I’m talking about it, if you haven’t you really should. Knoebels is just the best. 

Anywho, roller coasters. I think my husband and I would like to believe that we are rollercoaster connoisseurs. The Phoenix at Knoebels? Hands down best coaster…ever. It even has a song. Watch it… trust me, you will not be disappointed… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0yCUT-sRVs) 

So here’s the thing about Pennsylvania coasters. They don’t have SEATBELTS!!! This summer we rode coasters in Michigan, Illinois, and other states and every coaster had seatbelts AND the bar thingy- whether that be over the head or across the lap. So, Ipso Facto- PA coasters are the best because we’re wild over here and don’t care if we fly out of our seats– that’s the best part! 

I’m sharing this analogy with you because I want to give you the option. This truth of mine is a bit…wild. At least in conservative country Pennsylvania, it’s wild. I’ve always been a weirdo and while I don’t mind, I have often been told that I tend to shake things up. I push boundaries, I make people uncomfortable, I don’t settle for status quo. I don’t like rules, I tend to break them, and I tend to get in trouble when I do… like get fired. lol. The other side of me though likes to be liked. I want to be Good. I want to honor my faith, my family, to have integrity. Holding this paradox within myself has been… well… quite the rollercoaster ride!

So, if you’re here and reading this, I hope it’s because you want to read it. I hope you found me on your journey back to your true self and that my life inspires you and validates your process of unbecoming. I’ve done much of this on my own, in a pretty close minded culture, and even with all that pressure to conform, I’ve arrived at a place where I have no other option but to just BUST OUT of this cage! So if you are ready to break free, then just pull down the lap bar and let’s ride this Phoenix all the way from Texas to Pennsylvania! (Obviously, I’m obsessed with this coaster- you can learn more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(roller_coaster)) 

If you’re here because you love me but/and/or you’re caged, tamed, or comfortable in your going-with-the-motions way of life… you may wanna put that seat belt on before you pull down the lap bar. I’m giving you a fair warning because I think of my pastor, my family member, the Karens in my life, and sadly, the many many super judgey Christians that I know that will probably stumble on over here after I post this on social media. Friends, it’s gonna get wild. It might even make you wanna puke. Just please, if you need to puke, find a garbage can or a bush…. I really don’t want to see that and neither does anyone else. So what that means is, at least to start, keep your negative Nancys to yourself. I too have been a judgmental, self righteous, know it all “Christian” too, thinking I’m being an ambassador for Christ but really all I’m doing is puking on someone’s coaster. Listen, it happens. If it indeed does happen, know that my higher self will be challenged to meet you with compassion and grace. I want to create a judgment free zone- but that means I have to be judgment free too. You are where you are and you think what you think. Say what you want to say, but just remember… These are my precious thoughts, my soul and spirit… Please handle with care. Please handle everyone with care. The world needs more of that. 

Honest. Kind. Shine.