The Dance of Change
Change. It’s a strange beast, isn’t it? It’s like that odd relative who turns up unannounced and throws your well-ordered world into chaos. It’s unpredictable, it’s unsettling, and let’s be honest, it can be downright scary. But here’s the thing about change – it’s also an opportunity to grow, to evolve, to leap out of your comfort zone and into the realm of the extraordinary.
Let me take you back to when my husband and I decided to buy a 52-stall barn. Yes, fifty-two! Ok, it was mostly me, but he agreed to it and became more excited as we talked and made plans. When everyone else was downsizing, we were going big. There we were, standing at the crossroads of convention and individuality, with a choice to make.
I won’t lie to you, it was intimidating. The voices of doubt were loud and persistent. “It’s too much,” they muttered. “It’s impractical,” they hissed. But louder than their whispers were the drumbeat of my own dreams. Dreams of an equestrian center for shows and clinics and my own breeding program, dreams of carving my own path, dreams that were too precious to be silenced by fear.
So, how did I manage to quieten the voices of apprehension and take the plunge? Well, I found a secret weapon: humor. You see, when you can laugh at yourself, fear loses its power. It becomes less of a terrifying monster and more of a pesky annoyance.
Like the time I locked myself in one of the new stalls with my phone on the toolbox in the aisleway. Instead of panicking, I laughed. We were the proud owners of a 52-stall barn, and here I was, trapped inside one of them. The irony was not lost on me. Moments like these helped me keep things in perspective and reminded me not to take life too seriously.
And then there was the day we signed the papers. I remember standing there, pen in hand, heart pounding like a drum. It was a moment of pure exhilaration. I was scared, yes, but I was also excited, thrilled, and incredibly proud. We had faced our fears and emerged victorious.
The journey taught me a lot about myself. It taught me the value of listening to my own voice, even when it contradicted popular opinion. It taught me the importance of staying true to who I am and what I want, irrespective of trends or expectations.
So, here’s the deal with change: it’s scary, but it’s also liberating. It pushes you to explore uncharted territories, to question norms, to embrace your individuality. It’s a dance with the unknown, and while the steps may seem daunting at first, once you find your rhythm, it’s the most exhilarating dance you’ll ever perform.
So, to those of you standing on the brink of change, I say this: embrace it. Dance with it. Laugh at the fear, revel in the uncertainty, and follow your dreams. Because at the end of the day, it’s your journey. And there’s nothing more empowering than steering your own ship, navigating through the storm, and emerging stronger on the other side.