Have you ever had to disassociate with someone or set strong boundaries with family and friends? The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your life, especially when it comes to your dreams and goals.
After completing my two-year Equine Gestalt Coaching certification through Touched by a Horse, Dave and I decided I should pursue my master’s degree, which would take another two years. When I shared the news with my mom, she was disappointed and disapproving. She questioned why I needed more education when I already had my certification. I loved my mom dearly, but I knew I couldn’t let her disapproval dictate my future.
I wrote her a letter explaining that I loved her, but I would not allow her to tell me what I could or couldn’t do with my life. She received the letter, apologized, and our relationship changed for the better. She stopped trying to tell me how to run my life, and I’m so glad I had the courage to set that boundary.
Your loved ones may have their own ideas about what your life should look like, but their dreams for you don’t have to become your dreams. This reminds me of Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory and the freedom that comes from releasing your need to control what others think. You can love people without giving them the power to determine your future. Don’t let someone else’s opinions keep you from pursuing the dreams and goals that are on your heart!
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Have you ever had to set a boundary with someone you love to protect your dreams or goals?
Have you ever been so busy doing good things that you didn’t realize you were neglecting the people who mattered most? Ten years ago, I received a four-page letter from my husband, Dave, that completely changed the way I looked at my life and my priorities. At the time, I was working hard to get Happy Success Ranch Retreats started while serving on boards, committees, task forces, and groups through organizations like Oregon Horse Country, the National Speakers Association, etc. I didn’t even realize how much I had taken on. Dave was working 70-hour weeks while also caring for the horses, the ranch, and our beach house.
The first sentence of his letter was, “I love you, but I cannot do this anymore.” I was shocked. I had no idea he felt that way, and our marriage almost ended. Thankfully, we chose to have the difficult conversations, went to marriage counseling, and I made some changes. I stepped away from many of the boards and committees I was involved with so I could be more present at home with my husband.
When I shared this story with my business coach, Sandra Yancey, she gave me a quote I’ll never forget: “What you take for granted can be taken away.” That was a powerful wake-up call for me. Dave didn’t need me to accomplish more. He simply wanted me to be present. Are you making your priority people your priority? This isn’t just about marriage. It could be your children, your parents, your friends, or anyone who means the most to you. Don’t get so busy building a life that you forget to be present with the people who make that life meaningful.
The final three months of the year are a powerful opportunity to refocus, and finish strong. The 3X Formula is all about putting in a little more effort to create greater reward in your life. Over the next three months, focus on ways to enrich, enhance, and grow the areas that matter most to you. Small, intentional actions can create change, so use this printable to reflect, set your intentions, and discover how you can make the most of the final stretch of the year.
Have you ever experienced someone’s love through the way they protected you? In this week’s Hope & Horses Bible Study Devotion, I’m reflecting on 1 Corinthians 13:7, which tells us that love always protects. Did you know that I had skin cancer removed from my arm? My husband, Dave, cared for and protected me throughout the process. His love reminded me of the way God loves and protects you. Sometimes God’s protection may look different than you expect, but you can trust that you are never outside of His care. Love doesn’t just speak beautiful words. Love protects you when you’re vulnerable. I hope this devotion encourages you to think about the people who have protected and cared for you and, even more importantly, reminds you that you are deeply loved by God.
Have you ever found yourself in a season of change and wished you had someone to help you navigate what comes next? My one-on-one equine gestalt coaching sessions are designed to help you gain clarity and create transformation with the help of a very special co-coach: a horse. These 1.5 to 2-hour sessions give you space to step away from the craziness of everyday life and do deeper healing and transformative work alongside the horses.
Horses are incredibly intuitive and present, and they have a beautiful way of helping you become more aware of what you’re feeling. They want you to be happy and whole. They can help you discover things about yourself that you might not uncover sitting in a therapist’s office talking. These sessions can be especially meaningful when you’re going through a major life change, feeling stuck, longing for more happiness, or ready for a new direction in your life.
You don’t have to come alone! I also offer 2-on-1 sessions, which can be a wonderful experience for sisters, mothers and daughters, or two people who want to grow and heal together. If you’re ready for some transformation and a little more happiness in your life, I’d love to invite you to spend some time with me and my co-coaches, the horses. Click below to learn more.
