The horrendous news of this week struck deep like a hammer into my soul. Consuming my thoughts and creating a familiar aching in my heart. And I know I’m not on my own.
The blog that I had in my head for this week now somehow seems pointless. Less poignant and certainly less relevant. And I feel almost embarrassed for complaining last week that my tired was tired.
In the darkest of times life has a strange way of reminding us to live for and in the moment, balanced with the stark reality that it can and does change in a heartbeat.
Life is not guaranteed – it’s an honour and something to be cherished on a daily basis.
It’s easy to slip into complaint. Work is terrible, the weather is grey and the nights are drawing in, your dressage test was not what you had planned, you fell off, your plans didn’t work out quite the way you wanted, your horse is muddy…
But then, you remember: you got out of bed today. You can walk, breathe, laugh, and choose. You can re-do that dressage test, you can choose to have more hours in bed, you can get up after a fall and give it another go. That alone is a gift so many don’t get, or one that is taken away in a matter of seconds.
When was the last time you stopped and smiled at the sunrise, went for a walk without looking at your phone, felt immense gratitude that your horse whinnied when they saw you, cleared out your underwear draw and put your best pants on?*
It’s not about ignoring hardships, but putting everything else into perspective. Does that dressage test really matter? Is the rain really going to ruin your day? Because in every inconvenience lies a choice: to moan about the puddles, or to put a coat on and splash through them.
Life might not be perfect, but it is precious.
And perhaps the most powerful reminder of all is that we don’t need to do this living thing alone. Communities – whether family, friends, EquiTeamers, or even strangers who show up when it matters – are what make us stronger. A single person can endure, yes, but a group of people coming together really does make more difference than it is possible to put into words.
There’s a saying that has always resonated with me: “Don’t wait for the storm to pass – learn to dance in the rain”- whilst this is mostly true – yesterday’s news reminded me that sometimes you also need to put an umbrella up, shelter those who need it and stand quietly together until the sun starts to shine again.
In loving support of Claire and her family x
* Listen to EquiTeam’s podcast with Dr Andy, The Art of Brilliance – From Surviving to Thriving.