Pushing Yourself

 So, you've gotten comfortable, you're happy with how you're doing. But every single time you're asked to go beyond what you've been doing, you get so nervous and end up not doing it or somehow finding a way to not really do it (faking). What comes next? Do you push yourself to go further, to train harder, do something that you've never done before?  Or do you stay in what you know? What you can do without having to really give 100 percent?

I just finished running my first Spartan Race, though it was only the Sprint. It was challenging, but I'm so glad I pushed myself into entering, training and then running it. I've never done anything like it, I run and workout and riding keeps me pretty fit. Yes, I'll be sore, I'm so tired, and covered in mud with some cuts that will probably turn into scars, bruises that I'm sure I'll find later. But it was so worth it! A good friend of mine just did her first long format 3 Day Event, and another one just completed her first 1*, and I'm so happy for both of them! I know Angela went through such hard work with her and her horse Buddy and her story is incredible! Coming back from an injury that you weren't even sure if you could ride again, nervous about jumping above 2', to completing your first International event is a pretty big deal! It took me awhile to make a decision and push myself to going beyond 2'6 in my riding years ago, I have a man named Harry DeLeyer to thank for lighting a fire under my butt for that. And then Hannah really supported it, because it wasn't that I wasn't ready. Or that I was scared, I had just gotten comfortable in the same old same old. I came back from the week at camp  and slowly but surely raised the jumps hole by hole. Jumped each hight until I could do it in my sleep. First with verticals and then with oxers. I got to 4' vertical and oxer. That was several years ago on my little Quarter Horse. I also had to push myself in singing, I would always get so nervous whenever I had to do any high notes in my classical training, even though I knew I could do it. (All in my head).  And to a certain point, trainers/coaches/bosses can help with that, but it eventually will have to be a decision that you make for yourself. And it will take time, it might take some hard deliberate work. But 9 times out of 10, it will be well worth it in the end.

Whether you're a equestrain/athlete, musician/artist  or you work a normal job everyday, we're all guilty of staying complacent just because it's what we know. Afraid to push ourselves and get defensive when a good friend/boss/coach try's to push us. I'm not talking about absurd jumps that you haven't trained for or a job that you have no knoledge in, in that way it would do more harm than good. What I'm talking about is gradually pushing yourself beyond what you think you can do. You will surprise yourself more often than not. It can get increasingly terrifying as you further and further down your road. But take a leap of faith and step out of your little comfort box.

Thank for reading! I hope to write more often once competition season is over (last one and training move up starts on Friday!!) But, till next time lovely people :)

Start Of Something New

Well, being how this is my first post. I'm not going to write much, but i wanted to start of by saying hello! To anyone who might find me and read whats in my head... Not a place you would normally want to be in my opinion. So I just wanted to fill you in to whats been going down...

At the begining of this year I had to move from my barn of 9 years, the barn that was always there for me, just to be my haven as I navigated life. That was my little place that i could escape to everyday... I learned on the lesson horses who took great care of me, and then eventually, brought my first, second, and third horse (Lilly) there and worked there taking care of the horses and place. Not only did I move barns, I lost my trainer. Hannah Mason who was 17 and working at Target when I met her, and at that time, her mom was teaching me. And when Breaca (her mom) moved to Texas. She became my Trainer, best friend and a sister. We rode together often, and when we wern't riding together, one of us was watching the other. She left to pursue Chiropractic at Sherman College, we try and see each other, and she trys to come to every Horse Trial. We talk almost every day and post stuff on each others Facebook wall constantly. And I can't forget about Perry, Hannahs grandpa who took care of the hay and maintence as far as fence work and wood work. He became like a second Granfather to me (and getting to know where he stashes his chocolate in his house), and possibly one of the kindest people you will ever meet. I recently saw Him the other day when I went to pick up Lillys blanket and sheet, and had the pleasure of telling Him all about my plans and letting Him know how everything is going. I am now boarded at Keywood Meadows Farm, its been such a change from taking care of Lilly in every way and being meticulous in how I do things to now having to let someone else do it. Sometimes I find myself having a nervous twitch about not doing anything around the place. But I now take Dressage lessons from Samantha Kestner and she is a wonderful teacher (congrats on the future Kestner!) Apart from all of that, Hannahs old trainer/person she worked under for several years, Kendra Kent, offered me a position to come down to FL to work for her. After thinking it over, I could not pass up this amazing oppertunity. And what better way to learn more about and improve our Dressage than to go and spoend a couple months with a Dressage trainer? She has been so gracious and willing to work with me. I have to say, I'm geting  more and more excited for the end of December to roll around so that I can make that long drive and get to work.

Apart from Riding, I sing in my church band, read tons (right now im reading Ernest Hemingway For Whom The Bell Tolls), run (about to run a Spartan Sprint Race this weekend), and I try and go to as many concerts as I can (favorite music-eveyrthing, but mostly Rock & Roll) . Hopefully might make it to Bonnaroo next year. Recently went to see Grace Potter with Rayland Baxter opening, and they were fantastic! Met Rayland Baxter afterwards, but i was so tired all i could say was like a Jennefer Lawrence "Thhhannnkkkss" multiple times.... With Eyes half closed. So, I'm pretty sure they were thinking that I'm a crazy chick, or I'm crazy drunk. But I came away with a signed record so all is well. Hope to see them again in the near future, maybe next time I wont be half asleep... Speaking of music, my record collection is constantly growing, so if you know a band i should listen to, let me know!

Well, a little bit longer than planned, but at least now you know a little bit (or a lot more than you wanted to) know about me. So be kind to one another, compliment someone on a job well done, connect with the people around you and keep on keeping on. Until next time!