Grace, Beauty, Spirit, Fire...

I've been having a really good couple weeks, which I guess you can blame for the lack of writing. It's funny, because even though I got seriously injured, stuck at a gas station, nearly sprayed by the skunk that sprayed my dog, had to live under the same roof as a skunk-smelling dog, and left in charge of my sisters when I was already crazy busy, I loved every second of it. When you find yourself a good head space, and when things are going your way its amazing how the little setbacks become even smaller. I'm so close to being ready for competition, I've seen all my good friends from in and out of school recently and for the first time in a while I'm happy with a quiet and boring boy situation. Well, at least by my standards. There have been some funny karma moments, even funnier blonde moments, and a lot of laughter. My little creature deserves a special mention as well, hard work with few good results is something that can kill the spirit and the want to work harder. It took a year of hard work and few results, but finally my 1,500 plus hours of work have come through - success, understanding and patience have grown between myself and this stubborn little horse. He is the reason, above all else, that I'm so content.

So I guess what I'm saying is that its important to have different aspects of your life to keep you going when things get tough. Everyone needs an escape from reality, I just chose an escape that I can run to every day - the barn. Some suggestions: if you don't already have one, get yourself a pet. And get yourself a hobby separate from everything else in your life and work really hard at it. Whether it's playing an instrument, a sport, or an art form. The reward you will gain from it is unimaginable to those who sit in their basements playing video games and watching movies.

I am in school. I provide full care for two horses. I spend time with friends. I have a job. That's over 15 hours of school each week, over 30 hours at the barn, over 5 hour of work, and I can promise you, you still have time to eat, sleep, study, and go out.

I have such a difficult time understanding those who complain about having no time because I think if you dig really deep, and you're completely honest with yourself, you do have time. There is always time. Sure, you have to prioritize and some things take a back burner for a couple days, but there is always time. Focus on what you need to do, what your goals are and how to achieve them. Then take that jump and allow yourself to put all your effort into these things. It's scary putting yourself out there in a place where you might find that your best may not be good enough, but at the end of the day we are better off trying and failing than never trying at all.

- xx, Kelly.


p.s. This is a little bit of a jumbled post, but I think I got everything out. Bottom line - challenge yourself, work hard, find things you enjoy and pursue them, don't let silly girls or stupid boys ever stand in your way, karma will come to everyone, and remember the sun always sets no matter how bad a day has gone and rises to a day with a clean slate.