“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
In my last post, Course Correction: Do You Need to Adjust? I mentioned that over the past several months, just like I encourage my clients to do, I have taken the opportunity to reassess my own direction, evaluating areas of my life, career and leadership. In this process, I have decided to make a course correction, an intentional shift in one particular aspect of my career that I am excited to share with you.
After much prayer and self-reflection (asking myself the same questions I would ask of my clients) I have decided to pursue something that has been on my heart for years. While I have no idea how things are going to shake out and what the path ahead is going to look like, (especially in light of current world events and the COVID-19 pandemic) I know if I do not at least try, I will regret it.
So with that…are you ready?…I am currently taking active steps to incorporate equine assisted learning into my coaching offerings in the very near future. (Eeeh!)
As a bit of backstory, those of you who know me best, or have listened to Episode #1 of the Called Up podcast, know that horses have a special place in my heart. I grew up riding and showing horses, to some in our community I was simply known as “The Horse Girl” and I was totally fine with that. From before I could read, I remember bringing my Dad the newspaper (talk about dating myself!) and asking him to read the classifieds in section 404, “Horses, Riding and Stable” to see if the perfect horse might just be waiting for us.
My parent’s purchased my first horse when I was in second grade and I sold my last horse when I left for college. While I understand people relate to horses differently, for me, being around and riding horses has always been good for my soul. There is just a part of me that comes alive when I am with horses.
Despite my love of horses, and particularly quarter horses, over the past 20 years, for a variety of reasons including raising three sons and the time and financial considerations that come with having a family, my involvement with horses has been nil. While not able to be directly involved with them, my interest in and passion for horses has never relented. My husband and boys will tell you that I have continually talked about the day we would own a horse again and I have steadily kept my eye on the horse market, just dreaming about that day.
Over the past few years as I knew we were getting closer to a season where having a horse again maybe, just maybe could become a reality, my search became more intentional. As I continued my hunt for the perfect horse this winter, a few horses of interest came available in Illinois. While I so wanted to go and take a look, there were a few considerations in each case that made the horses close, but not quite. While feeling discouraged, and honestly overwhelmed by trying to find not only a horse, but figuring out purchasing a trailer or delivery options, finding a stable, buying tack again, not to mention deciding on the right equine coaching certification to pursue, etc.
I decided that rather than letting myself become overwhelmed and discouraged, just like I would encourage my clients to do, I would simply take the next right step.
So what did that look like? Well, rather than driving to Illinois to check out possible horses that I knew were not ultimately going to be the best fit, I drove to the local saddle shop to buy some riding jeans and boots so I would actually be ready when the time to look at a horse came. I also set up appointments to look at various horse barns so again, when the time was right I would know where we wanted to board our trusty steed. I also begin to reach out to others in the equine coaching field to set up informational interviews and gather additional information about certification options.
While none of these steps where overly big or bold, they were small, but important steps in the right direction. They kept my feet moving in faith towards my larger vision. They were each a great reminder of the importance of taking small, simple steps forward.
When you think of what has you feeling overwhelmed or discouraged today, what is one small step in the right direction you can take?
Do not allow yourself to become disheartened, just take the next right step and then the next one. Before you know it you will be at your destination looking back on the path you travelled – one step at time.
For me, the simple steps I took led me in the right direction and proved to be more timely than I even realized when I first took them. But more on that next week. For now, just know you’ve got this. Just take the next right step.
For you,
Lynne
