That’s Life

Many of you know the great late Frank Sinatra. As a fan of older music, I often get his songs stuck in my head on a regular basis. One song that’s been particularly in my head is That’s Life. If you aren’t familiar with the song please see the lyrics from genius.com listed below:

[Verse 1]

That’s life (That’s life), that’s what all the people say

You’re riding high in April, shot down in May

But I know I’m gonna change that tune

When I’m back on top, back on top in June

I said, that’s life (That’s life), and as funny as it may seem

Some people get their kicks, stompin’ on a dream

But I don’t let it, let it get me down

‘Cause this fine old world it keeps spinning around

[Chorus]

I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king

I’ve been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing

Each time I find myself flat on my face

I pick myself up and get back in the race

[Verse 2]

That’s life (That’s life), I tell ya, I can’t deny it

I thought of quitting, baby

But my heart just ain’t gonna buy it

And if I didn’t think it was worth one single try

I’d jump right on a big bird and then I’d fly

[Chorus]

I’ve been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet, a pawn and a king

I’ve been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing

Each time I find myself laying flat on my face

I just pick myself up and get back in the race

[Outro]

That’s life (That’s life), that’s life and I can’t deny it

Many times I thought of cutting out but my heart won’t buy it

But if there’s nothing shaking come this here July

I’m gonna roll myself up in a big ball and die

My, my

Link

https://genius.com/Frank-sinatra-thats-life-lyrics

As I’ve noticed over the past few years, life is much like a rollercoaster. Life has lots of twists, turns, highs and lows. The last few months have been unexpected for all of us. If I would have asked anyone a year ago if they would have thought 2020 was going to turn out this way, they would have said no. America and the world itself is going through so much right now. Sometimes, it’s really tough to see the positive. It’s tough to see the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. 

Back in March, I was on top of the world. I had been at my job for almost a year and I was moving into my first apartment with my boyfriend Erich. I was essentially starting a new chapter of my life. But within the first two weeks of living in our apartment, Erich and I both got laid off from our jobs. In reference to Frank’s song, that was the first time our dreams got stomped on. Then we filed for unemployment-Erich didn’t get a pin in the mail for over two months. About two months after I filed for unemployment, I got denied. It felt like we were getting kicked when we were already down. 

Then, by some grace of God, Erich found a job during this pandemic. That’s when the roller coaster was going up again for us. Next, our dishwasher broke-a dip on our rollercoaster ride. Then Erich finally got his pin from unemployment-back up again. Then our air conditioner broke-dropping again. I still couldn’t seem to find a job-another drop in the rollercoaster ride.

Sometimes, life feels dark. It feels like you just keep getting beaten down everytime you try to get back up. I know for sure that I’m not the only one that feels this way. I know there are people all around me struggling right now. We are in the midst of a pandemic. Some days, honestly it feels like the world is ending. 

But the toughest times in our lives are what make us stronger. As Frank says Each time I find myself laying flat on my face, I just pick myself up and get back in the race. So essentially, if you get pushed down 7 times, you better get up 8. You have to keep getting up and you have to keep going. Because the world needs you. Things may seem dark now but after the storm is a beautiful rainbow. But you have to keep going to see it. When the darkness is all over there will be a vaccine for the coronavirus. There will be police reform in America. Black lives matter and will be heard. I know that I don’t have a place to speak on it but I’m listening. Change is coming but we have to fight to see it. We have to keep going and fighting for what’s right. 

As Frank would say But I know I’m gonna change that tune, when I’m back on top, back on top in June. The world is changing and I hope and pray that something beautiful can come out of these last few months. I know change is upon us. I hope that life becomes less like a roller coaster and more like a mountain. Yes, mountains are tough to climb. But when you get to the top, nothing beats the view. We just need to fight to get to the top of that mountain.

There’s always another way of looking at things. For example, maybe you got laid off from a job that you didn’t really like anyway.  Maybe now you can finally look for that job that you’ve always wanted. Or maybe because you are home more you are pursuing a hobby that you never had time for before. Or maybe now that you are working from home you are able to call your friends and family more. Things may look grim and dark but there’s always something to be thankful for. 

I’ll admit, I’ve been struggling recently to see the positives in my life. But then I remembered that I have wonderful friends and family in my life. I have a lot of people that love and support me. I’m also thankful to have a roof over my head and food on the table. I know it’s tough to see the positives when you feel like you’re just climbing an endless mountain. But while you’re climbing remember who was by your side. Remember who was there for you at your darkest moments. Those are the people you want to keep around. 

Even Frank Sinatra, a famous singer knew about life’s ups and downs. No one’s immune to going through tough times. We all struggle sometimes in life. But the important thing to remember is to keep your family and good friends close to help you through it. You are allowed to break down sometimes. You are allowed to have a bad day, week or month but when you’re done feeling sad or mad you need to get back up and try again. You need to keep going. The world needs you. Your friends and family need you. You’re here on this earth for a reason. Even if you haven’t discovered your calling yet you will. But you won’t discover it if you don’t keep picking yourself up. Sometimes staying motivated is tough. That’s why it’s good to surround yourself with people who keep you positive and motivated. 2020 has been pretty tough for all of us so far but as Frank Sinatra would say you have to Pick yourself up and get back in the race. 

Thanks for reading and as always, feel free to comment your thoughts.