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Why the Stock Mkt Feels Like a Roller Coaster—and Why I Still Love the Ride! Okay, real talk: the stock mkt (yep, I’m using the shorthand because that’s what we all do scrolling our feeds at 2am) is honestly one of the wildest things I’ve ever gotten into. Some days it’s giving “rich in the morning, broke by night” energy, and other days I’m just staring at my phone thinking, “Did I really just lose my lunch money AND my patience to a red candle?” The Thrill & The Chill: My Stock Mkt Journey I still remember my very first trade. It was a sleepy Wednesday, and I bought a single share of some random tech stock that I’d seen hyped in a comment section. I was so nervous I checked the price every five minutes, convinced I’d either double my money or lose it all before lunch. Spoiler: I made $3.17. Was it life-changing? Nope. But the adrenaline rush? UNREAL. Since then, I’ve been through it all—fomo buys, panic sells, riding the hype train into the ground, and, yes, that one time I thought I’d found the next Apple (it wasn’t). I’ve watched the stock mkt turn good news into bad news, and bad news into a buying opportunity. It’s honestly hilarious if you step back and look at how unpredictable it all is. Why Do We Even Do This to Ourselves? Here’s my take: the stock mkt is kind of like that friend who’s always down for an adventure. Sometimes you have the best day ever, sometimes you get lost and end up regretting your life choices, but you always come back for more. There’s something about seeing those green numbers, that tiny win, that just hits different. And on the flip side, the losses? They sting, but they also teach you so much more than school ever did about patience, risk, and how to laugh at yourself. I mean, who else has felt the rush of refreshing their portfolio after a big earnings report? Or that sinking feeling when your favorite stock tanks because of some random CEO tweet? It’s a weird mix of excitement and anxiety, and honestly, I think that’s why it’s so addictive. Lessons I’ve Learned (the Hard Way) Never invest what you can’t afford to lose. Seriously—your rent money is NOT for Tesla call options. Don’t chase the hype. If everyone’s talking about it, you’re probably late to the party. Patience is everything. Sometimes the best move is to do nothing (harder than it sounds, trust me). Celebrate the wins, but don’t let the losses get to you. The mkt always gives you another day. My Stock Mkt Mood Swings There are weeks when I feel like the stock mkt is my personal ATM, and others where I’m convinced it’s out to get me. I’ve had days where I’m literally fist-pumping in my living room after a green run, and others when I just want to delete all my apps and move to the mountains. And yet—I’m still here, still learning, still pressing that “refresh” button. So, Should You Play the Stock Mkt Game? Here’s my honest advice: if you’re curious, start small. Don’t overthink it, but do your homework. And remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. The stock mkt is unpredictable, hilarious, and sometimes brutal—but it’s also one of the best ways to learn about money, mindset, and yourself. If you can handle the emotional roller coaster, the lessons (and maybe the gains) are so worth it. What about you? Got a wild stock mkt story, or a lesson you learned the hard way? Drop it in the comments—I love hearing everyone’s wins and fails. Let’s ride this crazy wave together! PS: Don’t forget—your mental health is worth more than any portfolio. Take breaks, touch grass, and don’t let a red day ruin your mood. The stock mkt will always be there tomorrow.