Well, Northern, most of my flights out of Sherburn this year seem to have had some degree of turbulence - often as you describe. (In fact my first [official] IMC lesson was just like that - a useful challenge keeping attitude by instr. and heading, VOR tracking, etc., when being thrown about!)

I eventually learned not to worry too much about it - just to coax the aeroplane and react to the major upsets, rather than every gust. Trying to transmit smooth RT, though, can be a challenge in heavy jolts - sounds as though one is hiccupping!

And, as you say, its all part of life's rich tapestry ...

All good advice & experience here.

I would add, if you want to really feal relaxed in this situation, then go and do some aerobatics! Not only are they great fun, but once you've recovered from a spin, a bumpy day won't worry you so much;)