Several years ago I chose to take a course that opened a new doorway that forever transformed my life. I followed my heart.

In the moment, I was facing forward, I got really honest with myself about two distinct challenges I was experiencing. One, the nurturing of my 15-year-old son, my steadfast priority as I homeschooled him. Second, the endeavor to cultivate confidence as I stepped into the spotlight within my community, with the intention to establish myself as a valuable asset.

In the transformative realm of Kathy Pike's Mindful Horsemanship Program, my vision was laid bare before me. As I stood beside Diva, ground reins in hand, Kathy posed a pivotal question: "What challenges lie ahead in pursuit of your vision?"

Contemplating her query, I assigned symbolic representation to my aspirations and perceived obstacles. The large barrel embodied my son, a significant presence in my life, while the smaller barrels signified the confidence I sought to project my vision outwardly.

...

I've been thinking about grace a lot lately. It really got my attention the other day when I was working hard outside with my husband, preparing a section of land to fence in as pasture for my horses. It was good, hard work, and I could see my dreams becoming reality before me. 

Dreaming out loud I told my husband, "So, I'm thinking we'll put the fence out this direction," motioning with my hands to show where the fencing would go across the field. 

He invited me to walk with him as he showed me how he envisioned it would all come together."The fence will come out this way and go around the raised beds..." As I followed and listened to him I began to feel bewildered. This was not how I had imagined it would be, or what I thought we had agreed on. I began to pepper him with questions, my cadence shortened, and I felt my throat tense up.  

Before my eyes I saw him shut down - and for the life of me I couldn't understand why! "Are you angry?" I asked him with...

What are two challenges you face moving forward? I have always wanted to learn how to drive a horse; my heart’s desire came true with Diva, at a Mindful Horsemanship Program several years ago. 

I remember stepping into the arena to stand behind Diva, I gathered the long reins in my hands, and prepared to move out.     

“What is your intention?” My coach asked.   

“I’ll move out to the right and pause by the big barrel, then make a big circle moving from right to left coming back down through the center of the arena.”  

“Want to step it up a notch?” she asked with a grin as she stood the big barrel up and moved small barrels to stand parallel in the center of the arena.   

“Sure!”  

“What are two challenges you face as you move forward with your vision?”  

“Hmm…” I thought for a moment, “being available...

Some days make you wonder about the path you are on. There can be days where for absolute weeks, months, and years, decades even! You have been on a path that you have felt called to be on, and then, all of a sudden, a door closes. It’s bewildering, it can be devastating even. It can feel earth shattering and you cry out “Why, what’s happening here!?” 

I’m recognizing today that those moments in my life, when I’ve taken the time to slow down and actually come into presence, in my heart, body and soul, there’s a message for me.  

It’s not “Do not pass Go.” It’s not “Stop.” Or “You’re bad and wrong and what your doing is not worth anything.” It’s not “You’re never going to succeed. You’re never going to be good enough.” 

Though all those seemed like they might be the answer, there was just something wrong with me. There...