Horse Sense – Sort of

How did I get here?  Sitting beside a sun drenched arena in Wellington, FL watching some of the most athletic horses in the world fly over huge jumps.  It defies nature to see a 1,500 pound equine fly 6 + feet in the air.  Maybe I have also defied nature.

Although difficult to discuss, the aftermath of having declared personal bankruptcy in 2008 left me with little money, no husband, a good shot of shame and a lot of adjusting to do.  We had led a pretty spectacular and happy life for 20 years and those days were clearly over.  But much to my surprise a new, exciting and truly wonderful life was emerging; like Pegasus out of the ashes.

Combine the above events with the death of my former husband, (the father of my youngest son), and a burglary that resulted in my loosing many of the few material possessions that the courts did not take.  That included the cash I had saved to move out of the “hood”, (which came complete with the sounds of gunfire).  At that point in my life I could chuckle, shake my head and ask, ‘what is my lesson here’, OR throw a huge pity party.  I chose to be grateful for what I had and to be open to the opportunities that I would surely encounter in my future.  My perspective had changed, life would look different now.  But, just because I had lost my stuff, (including my horses), didn’t mean that I had to lose my dreams.

The key to my surviving so much loss and pain was my faith; I knew that if I had good health and trusted in my higher power, God, that I would survive.  Self talk–always reminding myself of the multitude of things I had to be grateful for, and just taking the next step; maybe it was just a baby step, but a step none-the-less, kept my sometimes fading energies heading in a positive direction.  Periodically a huge wave of terror would roll through and I would feel weak and very scared—but I was not going to succumb to fear—what good would that do me?

I will share with you bits of my new, fabulous, expansive, efficient, and board-certified fulfilling life–I have worked very hard to live a full life and not impose boundaries on myself just because of my shortage of money.

Jean and I wrote a book which is in the process of being published.  (I have retained my profession of 30 years to help finance that effort.)  We also launched an internet business and you are looking at it right now.

I moved to Kansas City, MO, (after 30 years in MN), to be near my 86 year old Mom and my 94 year old step dad. Although not an easy decision, these years are priceless and truly a gift that I would not have had in my previous circumstances.

Last July and August I headed back to MN to enjoy the beautiful summer and avoid profuse sweating.  My office travels well.  Renting one room in a private home was an adventure all its own.  My land lords, (I call them “land barons”), are wonderful people–now friends.

Spending January and February in FL, (sorry about the snow and frigid temps up north), was not an easy commitment to make to myself, it sounded so extravagant and privileged.  Thanks to my generous friends, I did it.  I was a visitor this year–next year I will look for a room to rent.

Because of terrible circumstances in my life I have been motivated to stretch myself to new horizons—it wasn’t always easy, but the rewards are off the charts fantastic.  Please push yourself to rise above the obvious and live beyond your comfort zone and self perceived circumstances—lose the excuses and soar.  Be a little bit dangerous.

The lesson I have learned from the magnificent equine—(not from the horses mouth, but from the horses attitude) is; ” Just because you should NOT be able to do something—doesn’t mean you can’t”.

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