The Scary Truth is HARD

Probably the coolest and the scariest part of this business is that every day I get the opportunity to rebrand. Each day we grow to gain humility, improve our skills for the sake of the horse, and realize what we're truly passionate about. 

But what we might not realize? 

It’s HARD. 

Not just a little bit, but soul-consumingly HARD.

It can take on a whole other part of your life. To be so consumed with emotion for how to do what's best for the horse. Are we even doing what’s best? What if we do what we think is right and it backfires? The what-ifs will get you all day long. The only way forward is to take responsibility and admit the need for change.

It's so hard to not get emotional, or let your fears and doubts get in the way. But it’s okay to do just that. Let yourself get ugly so that you can transform into something more beautiful.

Because getting invested is hard. But to be truly advocating for the horses, we don’t have a choice but to be invested.

To be down a passionate path is hard. But I wouldn’t choose any other way. There have been many times where I’ve felt that the emotional and financial tolls were too costly, but I keep bringing myself back to the same conclusion every time:

I am here for a purpose, and I will fulfill it. For me, that purpose is to be a voice for those who don’t have one. As loud as necessary. 

Being a professional is hard. But each day I learn and feel more dedicated to my craft. 

It's hard to keep a healthy balance between work life and regular life, especially when the two of them are so intertwined. When your professional life starts to degrade you turn to your social life, and vice-versa. We go where we feel the most comfortable. It is pushing that boundary out of the way that’s the real hard part. 

Building a business that is centered around who I am, or who I will be, makes it more difficult to separate the two. I especially struggle with not letting pieces of my past dictate what’s happening in the present. It’s like I am constantly being pulled in multiple directions, but my spirit knows the true way to proceed. It’s that little nagging voice I have in my head 90% of the time that keeps whispering, “keep going, I promise it’ll be worth it.”

Bodywork especially, is a very intuitive practice. It is difficult to be 100% present at all times, but it’s something I work towards each day. However, I have to be careful not to let it consume me. In the same way that I cannot let my other hobbies and tasks consume me. Sometimes it feels like shedding a second skin when I step out of one role and into the next. Like I'm able to forgive myself for how I handled the day, and am given the opportunity to be better the next day.

Maintaining integrity while putting yourself out there is hard.

In this industry, there are so many opinions, methods, and beliefs. What’s important is YOUR beliefs. Do not let anyone deter you from your truth, unless you have re-evaluated and come to terms with needing to change what you believe in. This has to come from you, or you will find yourself resenting for the wrong reasons. 

No one really likes to talk about this part. How much the industry loves to tear you down for maintaining your integrity. There will always be someone trying to tear you apart because you don’t vibe together. It’s okay for you to grieve the loss of friends, clients, and fellow horsemen, but don’t live in that space too long. Realize that it’s not really about you, but it’s about their inadequacies coming to the surface. Move on from that chapter, and write a new one. 

Finding people that resonate with your spirit is hard, but it’s the best feeling when you find your people. It has taken me quite some time to come to this realization, but I did it. For that I am forever grateful, and will always hold space for myself when I need it. And I know that everyone in my corner will have my back, just as I will for them. 

Life is full of hard work, conversations, and internal battles, but it makes you realize that difficult decisions are paramount to your growth and success.

For anyone out there that is battling something that feels bigger than themselves, you can do this. Have faith in yourself and take that leap. I promise you won’t regret it.