Seeing opportunities instead of roadblocks
No matter what we set out to do in life, it is inevitable that we hit roadblocks, setbacks or even just seem to not be able to move forward in any direction.
Recently, a horse one of my clients owns got seriously injured when he fell badly while cantering in the arena.
He had swelling in one of his front legs, was obviously very sore and stiff and had cut himself on his right stifle. But fast forward a day, and he was also walking very crooked, with his hindlegs no longer tracking straight but at an angle to his front end. And the stifle ended up with a big, I mean BIG, hematoma!
The vet was called out right away, a second opinion was obtained, and even a third. Pain Relief, antibiotics, chiropractic, acupuncture treatment, and bodywork were utilized in his recovery plan. His vet was in frequent contact with the owner and regular adjustments to the plan were made to accommodate his changing needs.
Through it all, Dude (yes, that's actually his name!), was a model patient. He was so incredibly cooperative - well, with most things - bute in paste form is still not something he likes or wants!
He is well on his way to recovery and has actually been cleared for walking under saddle by two vets. He is now able to go out in a small area and has two buddies next to him, one who even loves to play halter tag!
Through it all, his owner never stopped wanting the best care for him, the most favorable outcome. And yet, I am sure it sometimes seemed like such a huge set-back. The first time he rolled and felt unsteady when getting back up. The first time she hand-walked him, the first time he got to go outside. Everything was worrying - and for good reason. No doubt about it. And yet, here we are looking at such great progress.
We humans tend to live in the past or the future.
We either end up remembering "that time when he stumbled" or imagine things that may not happen at all. And the only way through it is to continuously take action towards our goals, our dreams based on the "NOW". To never, ever, stop trying to move forward, even if it is baby steps. Walking a little further on the property, increasing his range of motion and eliminating more of his stiffness. Watching when he lays down to roll (which he did an admirable job of, I might say, and all without bobbling one bit!), and celebrating every small improvement.
Life will never just go according to plan, no matter how well we actually plan it. Staying open to learning, to new opportunities, to the possibility of new experiences allows us to step out of what we know.
I should know - I had to make some pretty big adjustments to my work after I fractured my own wrist. It took almost two full years to gain full strength back in my hand. And that's with me being diligent, almost obsessive, about my exercises and working on my wrist's proper function every day. But here is the important part - I would not trade that experience for anything. It makes me so much better in understanding when my client's horses face recovery. How we need to stay flexible, adjust and rethink the original plan. And to never give up - because amazing things are possible.
No experience is wasted.
I look forward to the day when Dude and his owner will be in the ring, riding and both smiling. Having fun. And having grown stronger as a team. And remembering this episode not as a set-back but as a huge and important opportunity to grow as individuals and as partners. And that's why I love my job!