Remaining optimistic and perpetuating a façade of general well-being during the past two years of boxcar-sized dumpster fires created epic challenges for most of us. Truth be told, however, there is a wonderfully satisfied population of equines at East Point Horspice showing no worse for wear and have insightful and wise concepts we humans should recognize and emulate as the new year approaches. Consider the following a suggested list of lifestyle habits which could be more effective than any resolution.
1. Be a worthy member of your herd. Whether you are at work (a location that consumes most of our waking hours) or at home, take the attitude that those around you deserve to receive the best of yourself. Consider it an obligation to put forth your best efforts and help the ones you share your daily activities with to become better versions of themselves. We are all in this together.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Life manages to consistently put us under the backing bus but learn to evaluate the beeping sound and try never to put unnecessary energy into those things we can not change or show no difference even if we could. Ducks have demonstrated that letting the water roll off their backs can be a valid solution. A horse standing out in the rain with its rear to the wind obviously have taken this lesson to heart.
3. Appreciate the little things. A pair of warm socks, an unsolicited smile from a stranger, a fresh pile of green hay, or a breathtaking sunrise set against the Nebraska Sand Hills are signs of overall well-being in the universe. Do not take such things for granted but instead let these add to your list of why it is good to be alive.
4. Live in the present. What has happened is done. What will happen is anyone’s guess. Look deeply into the eyes of the creatures right in front of you at this moment while embracing this gift.
5. Don’t hold grudges. Forgiveness, grace, understanding, and empathy are all frames of mind with the potential to release the mental baggage associated with the curse of being angry with someone. Take the strength required to move on and use this as fuel to brighten your inner light so it may shine instead of becoming a smoldering pile inside the paper sack left on the doorsteps of your enemies. Let it go. Horses understand the futility in perpetuating a negative energy.
6. Remember to have fun. Horses do have fun. Like a friendly game of pitch, fun doesn’t need to be extravagant or expensive. The best fun is a simple joke or a gentle bite on the fuzzy rump of your stable mate who then returns the favor with a nibble on the withers or a pull of the tail. The social interaction is its own reward and when done in a gentle nature will prove to deepen the bonds with your friends.
7. Love yourself. Horses do not obsess over posts on Instagram or Facebook with the diabolical self-loathing created through comparisons and envy of the unrealistic expectations portrayed therein. You are who you are and for a good reason. Learning to accept this fact will bring you to a happier existence faster than a spoiled horse running to a bucket of oats.
As you contemplate the new year and all you hope it has to offer, remain steadfast in the knowledge that horses already have it figured out. The EPH critters wish you a Happy New Year and hope to find you out in the pasture real soon.