Sitting on the mounting block, tears streaming down my face, my beautiful horse, just breathing into me as I once again couldn't get on. I let fear hold me back from riding my beautiful girl. This wasn't the first time, but it was the defining time.
We were moving to Kentucky with property to ride on and I was terrified to ride outside the arena. My passion was to ride and yet, I was letting fear hold me back from hours of joy. Like many of you, whether it is something happened to cause your fear or the fear just crept in, the joy that is taken from us can't be replaced, it is gone forever.
I believe we were put here on earth to enjoy life and not only conquer our fears, but to help others conquer their fears as well.
Using a system, is a great key to success and you can conquer your fear too. Whether the fear is internal fear like fear of success, or external fear, like riding a horse, the system can be used to conquer either.
There are a number of steps in the system, but my favorite was to prepare for success. Creating a pre-flight checklist, like a pilot looking over a plane before flying was so much fun! I created one for me, and one for the horse. Imagine looking at what your fear, and creating the perfect checklist to know you are safe and don't need to worry about the fear, just like that pilot that feels safe heading down the runway at top speed to leap into the air like a bird.
There are a number of steps in the process but this one, creating a checklist will get you started on your way to feeling great about bringing that joy back into your life.
For more information on the entire system, you can read my journey, and learn the process in my book, Rise from Fear to Courage!
With the start of every new year, millions of people around the world make resolutions in the hope of improving their lives. However, studies have shown that a staggering 80% of individuals fail to keep their commitments within just a few months. This was shocking to me! I didn't feel so alone in my failure after learning this.
One of the key reasons why people fail to achieve their New Year's resolutions is the establishment of unrealistic expectations. Many individuals set overly ambitious goals without considering their current circumstances or abilities. For example, resolving to hit the gym for an hour every day when you've never been a regular exerciser can be overwhelming. I know I failed this one, more than once!
Another significant factor contributing to resolution failures is the lack of proper planning and accountability. Setting goals without a concrete plan often leads to aimless efforts, making it easier to give up over time. To counter this, break your resolution into small, actionable steps that you can follow. Additionally, finding an accountability partner or joining a community with similar goals can greatly increase your chances of success by providing support and encouragement.
Sustaining motivation and willpower can be challenging when faced with inevitable obstacles and setbacks. As the initial excitement wears off, it's common for individuals to lose interest and give up on their resolutions. To combat this, it's important to remind yourself of the underlying reasons why you made the resolution in the first place. Visualize the benefits and stay motivated by tracking your progress and celebrating small milestones along the way.
Perfectionism and the all-or-nothing mentality can also contribute to the failure of New Year's resolutions. Many people believe that if they can't do something perfectly, it's not worth doing at all. This mindset often leads to disappointment and eventually abandoning the resolution altogether. Embrace the concept of progress over perfection and recognize that small steps forward, even if imperfect, are still steps in the right direction.
And here is my number one tip to success........Really sit with how you want to feel, if you had been successful in your resolutions. Set your resolutions around how you want to feel, instead of the action of going to the gym or eating healthy. For me, when I set a goal to laugh 400 times a day, my whole world changed for the better. My relationships, my career, my living situation, my health (laughter really is the best medicine). I am not sure what it is for you, but I know that setting resolutions around how you want to feel, is a life changer.
If you would like to start finding your joy, get my free guide, 3 Steps to Finding Your Joy by clicking here! (And it will also get you on the email to find out about the 2024 PREP RALLY coming end of Sept. We need an adulting Pep rally to get ready for 2024 together!)
Life is often full of roadblocks that can prevent us from achieving our goals, especially after an accident. Whether it's physical, mental, or emotional roadblocks, they can sometimes feel overwhelming and leave us feeling stuck, like we talked about in the last blog. But what if there was an easy way to overcome these obstacles? In this blog, we will explore a lighthearted and creative solution - using cartoons! Get ready to embark on a journey where colorful illustrations help you navigate through life's roadblocks with ease.
1. Visualize Your Roadblocks:
One of the first steps in overcoming roadblocks is to identify and acknowledge them. Creating a visual representation can help you better understand the hurdles you're facing. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, consider translating your roadblocks into cartoons. By turning these challenges into quirky characters or silly situations, you'll be able to approach them with a fresh perspective. Think of Wile-E-Coyote and the Roadrunner! My favorite example.
2. Shift Your Perspective:
Cartoons often provide us with a unique lens through which we can view the world. They simplify complex situations and offer whimsical interpretations of reality. Use this idea to your advantage by applying it to your roadblocks. By adopting a cartoon-like perspective, you can begin to see challenges as temporary obstacles that can be overcome with creativity and resourcefulness.
3. Find Humor in the Situation:
Humor has an incredible ability to lighten our burdens and create a sense of joy. When faced with roadblocks, try injecting a healthy dose of humor into the situation. Imagine a witty cartoon character who finds humor in their challenges and uses it as a tool for growth. By embracing laughter, you can shift your mindset from frustration to resilience, making it easier to find solutions and move forward.
4. Break Down Your Roadblocks:
Complex roadblocks can often seem insurmountable and overwhelming. However, cartoons teach us that breaking down big challenges into smaller, manageable steps is the key to success. Just like a cartoon character navigating their way through a maze, tackle each individual hurdle one at a time. Stay focused on the achievable steps, and before you know it, you'll have conquered the seemingly impossible.
Life's roadblocks can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. But by using cartoons as a solution, we can inject some playfulness and creativity that can transform how we perceive and overcome these challenges. Don't be afraid to turn your roadblocks into quirky characters and humorous situations. Remember, just as cartoons teach us, with the right attitude and a touch of creativity, even the toughest roadblocks can be overcome. Happy cartooning and happy roadblock removal in your journey towards success!
Note: The use of cartoons as a solution is meant to inspire creativity and a lighthearted approach to overcoming roadblocks. Always remember to approach real-life obstacles with a balanced mindset and seek appropriate guidance when needed.
If you enjoyed this and want to smash more roadblocks, (especially with your kids), Turn Your Family Around with Laughter, has ideas that will help!
I had failed every new year’s resolution I had ever set. I felt the deep feelings of failure, like I was being sucked into the quicksand with no way out. Looking back, the roadblocks that held me back from success were multifaceted, physical, mental, and unexpected.
Many of us have experienced roadblocks that hindered our progress towards our goals. The good thing about roadblocks is that they can provide an opportunity for all of us to grow and learn.
Physical roadblocks are perhaps the most obvious type. I had everything from being tired and sick, to having to travel for work and allowing that to hold me back. While physical roadblocks can be difficult to overcome, they can also inspire creativity and innovation. Imagine solving all your physical issues in the next month! What would be the first physical issue you would overcome? Put a plan in place to overcome. For me, I made the decision I wanted to feel good and so I figured out how to feel good.
Mental roadblocks can be more challenging to identify, as they are often internal and subjective. I had lots of mental challenges with my goals. This was the biggest aha for me. It really wasn’t about the actions I was focused on; it was about how I wanted to feel if I accomplished the goals. Have you really thought about how you want to feel? It feels so good when you truly look at how you want to feel and figure out what you need to adjust to bring that feeling into your life, moment by moment.
Some ways to feel better include using positive “What If’s” and visualization of the amazing world you have all around you. The more we immerse ourselves in an amazing world like we did as a kid, and feel it, the faster it becomes reality.
Unexpected challenges are perhaps the most difficult type of roadblock to overcome. While these roadblocks can be devastating, they can also provide an opportunity for resilience and adaptation. The crazy thing about unexpected challenges is the revealing of our strengths, and our weaknesses. By capturing these, we can focus on building our strengths and mitigate our weaknesses.
Roadblocks are an inevitable part of the journey towards achieving our goals. While they can be frustrating and demotivating, they can also provide an opportunity for growth and learning. It is often the challenges and roadblocks that we encounter that ultimately make us stronger and more resilient.
In just 7 days, you can feel better and start knocking your roadblocks out of your way with the practice of mindfulness!!! Get my free guide here!
After 60 seconds of terror, left me searching for how to find the 1000's of hours of joy in the saddle again, I knew I had to find how to regain confidence. This type of experience can leave you feeling unsure and scared to get back in the saddle, but with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to overcome these feelings. We all have different situations, but we share the love of feeling the horse moving under us as one. That joy can be brought back to life.
It takes a lot of courage to admit that you are struggling and seek advice on how to move forward. So, give yourself credit for recognizing the challenge and taking steps to overcome it. Starting the journey can be the hardest part.
One suggestion is to start slowly, one step at a time. This may mean spending time in a non-riding capacity, such as ground play. This can help you build trust and a positive relationship again.
The second suggestion would be to prepare to ride. Make sure you and the horse are ready to take those first steps together again. There is no timeframe, you and your horse get to pick when you are both ready.
The third suggestion would be to start small. Mine first ride was 4 steps. I can do anything for 4 steps. Pick something really easy.
Additionally, it may be helpful to have someone with you as you begin to ride again. There isn't anything wrong with having someone lead you. An amazing Grand Prix dressage trainer, Alicia Dickenson has someone lead her the first few times she hacks a new off the track horse for additional safety. If she can do it, we can all have permission to do it too!
It is important to remember that everyone's experience with trauma is unique, and there is no right or wrong way to approach the process of regaining confidence. Take things at your own pace, and don't push yourself too hard. With patience, support, and a positive attitude, it is possible to overcome this challenge.
Lastly, don't hesitate to reach out if you need any further support or guidance. Your safety and well-being should always come first. Remember that you are not alone in this, and there are people who are willing to help you every step of the way.
I am happy to help you put together a plan if you would like to schedule a 30-minute coaching to get you started. Just click here to get it on my calendar!
