To Laugh and to Grow

Written by: Krystle Rhea; Just Breathe Mama

Yes! Even though my heart races. Am I nervous or am I excited? I am both!

They say, “Do something that scares you, and you’ll grow.” Well I did it. I found that thing that I had been missing in my life. I found it at the stables. It all started with my daughter Bella.

Bella Claire was born a true cowgirl. Not because she had any outside influences, but because it is just who she is. Her passion and love for horses is amazing, and it has sparked the love that I used to have when I was a young girl. The love that I had forgotten.

It all started with getting Bella into horse back riding lessons. She had done a couple summer camps, but we knew she needed more. After going for a couple weeks, I had learned that they offered an 8 week program based upon building a relationship with horses. I was asked if it would be something I would like to join, so I said yes!

I have just completed my 6th class. The whole session was done blindfolded!

Now if you know me at all, you’ll know that I maybe be a tad OCD, mixed with a mild (cough*cough*) case of control freak? This can be a challenging combination! And here we were throwing a blindfold over my eyes to guide an 1800 lbs animal through an obstacle course, all based on trust and communication.

As soon as that blindfold went over my eyes my heart started to race. An interesting fact that I have learned about horses, they can hear your heartbeat — they know when you’re nervous. So I took a couple big deep breaths, calmed myself down and proceeded.

We had a partner that took us through step by step. Listening was key. Being aware of the energy of the horse and where she was standing. One step at a time I completed the course. We took turns being the guide, and I quickly learned it was a lot easier being the one that was blindfolded (the main part I originally thought of as being the scariest), than being the one guiding.

At the end of the session, I felt a sense of pride. I knew that the fear in my head was a lot bigger than the reality. It wasn’t the least bit scary, or intimidating. I feel that life can have a lot of moments like this. We say no to something because we think it is scary, but once we get into it and actually live it, it’s amazing!

If I hadn’t said yes, I wouldn’t have Monday nights to look forward to. I wouldn’t have an amazing group of women to laugh and grow with. I wouldn’t have a newfound passion and love in my life. And I wouldn’t be able to say that I have overcome a fear that I once had.

Say yes! Because life is so much better when we do!