Monday, June 29, 2015

a small herd of gentle, well loved horses

Note: This post was written on Saturday to post on Monday morning, and when it goes live, I'll be riding a horse somewhere in the mountains of the Bob Marshall Wilderness (Montana, USA).


I'm on a week-long adventure that involves horses, breathtaking scenic beauty, intensive therapy, and most likely grizzly bears. Wowza! I have no experience riding horses or being around horses, am freaked out by bears, and have significant anxiety about entering unfamiliar situations, but I felt a strong calling from God to go on this adventure and confront the fears that hold me back from fully living into life.

Not ever having done something like this before, I have no experience to draw on for setting expectations or preparing for what to bring. This has caused considerable anxiety as my fears tend to run wild when I lack information and experience, both of which provide me a sense of control. Apparently, I'm a bigger control freak than I ever realized! Yikes.


Nahum wants to come with me!


When I first read the description of this program, the phrase "a small herd of gentle well loved horses" tugged at my heart. I'm not sure why, but it was very compelling, enough so that I took the plunge and am now riding a horse in amazing beauty.

When I get back, I'll fill you in on the status of my fears. I'm hoping I can leave the bulk of them in the wilderness. Meanwhile, join me in a toast - to courage!!

11 comments:

  1. Kudos to you! I miss being around horses, and it's been some decades since I've done any riding. I think you'll find this a wonderful adventure--both internally and externally!

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  2. I know you will have a grand old time!

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  3. Wow! Cannot wait to hear your stories!

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  4. That is fantastic -- we await your return.

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  5. Goodness, are you sure you didn't reach into my brain?? Those kind of control issues are exactly what I have! I realized some time ago that my anxieties were about control, but I haven't got your courage to step out and do something without all the information! Good for you! I hope you have a fantastic time!! Can't wait to hear how it went!

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  6. I'm over here giggling wondering how the fear of bears is holding back your life ;)

    But I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time and find yourself opening up and being more comfortable. Best wishes for your greatest good.

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  7. guys...hope yur dad haza safe trip anda awesum fun time....N we iz like 100 purrcent sure.... therz a bunch oh peepulz ...animals two...that R freeked out by bearz....

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  8. I am so glad! This was an uplifting post. I will look for your thoughts when you return.

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  9. oh this sounds amazing! I admire your spirit of adventure and can't wait to hear more about it!

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  10. Nahum is so cute!

    For those reading this, check out my cat blog archives for some informative posts and stories about the cat abandoned/feral colony I manage.

    http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com/

    Debby in Arizona

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