The most important thing in life is not the daily ups and downs we experience, but rather our reaction to those events. Our capacity to Bounce back from challenging situations determines our direction and destiny.
To be “Bounced” can also have another meaning. The term is also used to signify 
rejection or failure. At first glance, it appears the meanings of the word Bounce are incongruent. When we take a closer look we actually see they are very much in harmony.
Those who are most successful in life and achieve that which many only dream about are typically the people who effectively deal with rejection and failure. The more they are “Bounced”, the stronger they become. They recuperate and Bounce back from being “Bounced” because of a high degree of confidence and tremendous conviction in their abilities.
To be a better Bouncer there are several factors to take into account. Where we happen to be in our particular cycle is one of the most crucial to consider. Sometimes we are up and sometimes we are down. If we are at the bottom of a Bounce, our capacity to look at things in a positive light and come out fighting is more complicated. If we are on top of the world and feeling wonderful, our capacity to Bounce back is enhanced.
One of the biggest misconceptions of motivation is that we can feel up and motivated all of the time. There are times when we feel down and there is nothing anyone or anything can do to make us Bounce back at that particular moment. Nor should we expect that we should never feel down. If we never know that feeling of misery and misfortune, we can never truly experience the exhilaration and excitement of life.
There is a time for everything and each and every instant has a reason for being. When we feel down and out instead of getting upset with ourselves or with those who want us to miraculously feel up and motivated, we can instead say:
“Don’t bug me, I am in a bottom of a Bounce, but I will be back!”
Being congruent and in harmony with our emotions is perhaps one of the most difficult things we can do. We are taught from a very young age that it isn’t always wise or desirable to show what we feel. Instead we often repress feelings which elicit extreme emotions in the positive and the negative.
When we are down, it’s OK to be down as long as we know we can and will Bounce back. When we are up and motivated, we should bathe in the beauty of the moment. At the same time, it is realistic to accept that there will be a time when the cycle changes and thus prepare to Bounce back when we feel we are in the bottom of a Bounce.
Those who Bounce best assure that the agony of defeat will time and again lead to the thrill of victory.
It’s the Bounce that Counts!
∞ Rob McBride ∞
LL I 18