I have always loved horses. I love their power, their grace, and their faces. When I was 11, my parents embraced my childhood adoration and signed me up for horseback riding lessons. My heart melted when I was introduced to the handsome lesson horse that would change my life as I knew it.
Gordon was a chestnut brown quarter horse with an attitude, but he was an excellent teacher. He knew when to challenge his rider and when to encourage them, and he did it all at his own pace and in his own style. Gordon and I were both stubborn and strong-willed (which might be why we worked so well together) and loved each other with every ounce of our existence. When I fell off, he stood beside me until I got up. When he was scared, I did my best to be his courage. I felt divided when I wasn’t with him, and my best when I was. It was undeniable that our bond was strong and unique, and that it only made sense for me to have him. My heart chose him and his chose mine.
Now, nearly two decades later, I have no doubt that Gordon is, by every definition, my heart horse.
What is a heart horse? Let me try to explain.
Heart horses are rare and special. Some believe that heart horses are created for the sole purpose of making a specific person whole. They may not be incredibly beautiful, or experienced, or smart, but there is just something about that one horse that makes you feel complete. They challenge you, teach you, and reward you in just the right way and at just the right time. The bond is so strong that sometimes it physically hurts to imagine a life without them.
My heart horse taught me how to be patient, humble, and gentle, but also how to think on my toes and to be tough. He taught me the importance of staying calm and collected in stressful situations (colic, escapes, stitches, and beyond). He continues to teach me what it means to love unconditionally, that change is okay, and how to live in the moment.
While some equestrians will never find their heart horse, I was lucky enough to not only find mine, but to spend more than half of my life with him. Gordon has happily munched on hay, rolled in the grass, and made me laugh at my family’s barn for the past 19 years.
He’s an old man now and will be turning 32 in October (that’s around 96 in human years!). Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I see his gray hairs or his rigid movements as his joints stiffen with age. I try to breathe deeply during these moments and remember what a wonderful life we’ve already shared together and what we have to look forward to despite whatever amount of time I still have with him. I’ll forever be grateful to the universe for bringing the two of us together, and allowing me to learn these important life lessons that only he could teach me.
Have you been blessed by a heart horse or other animal?
All photos featured in this blog post, except for the featured photo, were taken by the incredibly talented ReBecca from ReBecca’s Photography. Learn more.
Mornings have always been hard for me. Quite frankly, I’m a grouch until 10-11 a.m. regardless of the number of hours I slept. “Happy” is the last thing I would consider myself feeling, and anyone who knows me would agree (although they might just be scared to say otherwise for fear of my inner grouch rearing it’s ugly head).
Unfortunately, my adopted pup, Erin, doesn’t understand this.
She wakes me every morning no later than 6 a.m. to start our day. Granted, 6 a.m. probably doesn’t seem that bad, but for someone who struggles with mornings as much as I do, it makes my heart hurt.
I tried snoozing my energetic, furry alarm but resistance was futile.
Coffee helps to take the edge off, but it isn’t quite enough to satisfy my inner grouch. I didn’t like how I felt; I knew I had to turn my frown upside down as quickly as possible.
Why walk?
Erin loves going for walks, as many dogs do, so I started taking her on 30-minute walks around our neighborhood every morning to try to make up for my terrible attitude. Erin was able to explore and release some of her pent up, overnight energy, and I noticed that I was reaping benefits of my own.
Walking is good for your health. Thirty minutes of brisk walking daily can improve and maintain your overall health, including improving cardiovascular fitness, enhancing muscle strength, and reducing excess body fat. Additionally, walking can help ease stress, reduce anxiety, and boost your mood (a.k.a. happiness!). I’ve experienced this first-hand. After walking regularly for a couple weeks, I noticed that I wasn’t as grouchy in the morning, generally happier throughout the day, and actually looked forward to our walks. I even shed a few pounds! Note: Please consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen.
Walking is free. Since being unemployed, I’ve prioritized low-cost alternatives to things that I would consider purchasing if my situation was different; no gym memberships or streaming services for me!
Walking doesn’t require any special knowledge or training, and very little equipment; a decent pair of walking shoes or sneakers will do the trick!
Walking is flexible. Walking is a weight-bearing but low impact exercise which can be done for any length of time and at any pace. This makes walking an appropriate form of exercise for almost anyone regardless of fitness level. You can walk whenever and almost wherever you’d like (no trespassing, please), which makes it easy to integrate into a busy schedule. You can dedicate a set amount of time or distance to walk, like I do in the morning, or easily add extra steps into your day by taking the stairs instead of an elevator, parking farther away from a store’s entrance, or walking around the house while on the phone or brushing your teeth. However, if you are concerned or have a medical condition, PLEASE consult with your doctor before beginning any other exercise regimen.
Walking is a social distancing-approved activity.Normally, you could walk with friends or with a walking group, but social distancing has significantly limited our ability to do so. However, walking can be done individually, and you may find that you actually enjoy the time to yourself. I enjoy the quiet and use that time to outline my goals for the day, practice mindfulness, and enjoy time with my pup. If you can’t stand the idea of walking alone, consider popping in ear buds with your favorite playlist or call a friend to chat.
Obviously, walking has its benefits. I’d encourage you to experiment with walking and see if it helps to elevate your happiness as it has mine. It’s become something I enjoy so much that I’ve added an evening walk to my routine as well!
Five tips for happier steps
To build upon the inherent happiness-boosting properties of walking, I’d recommend the following:
Make walking a routine. Routines help us stay focused and structured, which aids in stress reduction and ultimately improves our happiness. The beauty of walking is that you can choose how and when it fits into your schedule, but adding it to your routine will take out any stressful guesswork or planning. Every morning, after Erin is fed and I have my first cup of coffee, we’re headed out the door for our walk. I don’t need to think about it, I don’t procrastinate, it just happens. Less stress = more happiness.
Go green. Head outside and fill your lungs with fresh air and soak in all of the Vitamin D you can. I try to stay away from heavy traffic and busy streets when I walk since those areas are loud, distracting, and take away from the experience and relaxation I look forward to. I’d recommend not only staying away from congested areas, but walking where you actually see green, like parks, open fields, or hiking trails. These areas will help you feel happier and less anxious overall, and shift your energy to a more positive one. More peace = more happiness.
Practice mindfulness. Use your walk to let your body and mind recharge, whether that means you plan out your day, practice meditation, or simply do your best to clear your mind for a few minutes. Leave your to-do list and stresses of the day at home, they will be there when you return. Appreciate and be thankful for moment you are in. More gratitude = more happiness.
Unplug. I recommend using your walk as an opportunity to take a break. I know it’s easy to pull out your phone and scroll through social media, but please, keep it out of sight during your walk. Not only is your phone distracting, it can be downright dangerous if you aren’t paying attention to where you’re walking. In fact, cell phones may inhibit your brain from recharging effectively. Take a break, relax, and be happy. Fewer distractions = more happiness.
Bring a friend (two or four-legged). Although we might not be able to do this now, I would recommend bringing a friend, whether human or animal, to accompany you on your walks. It’ll not only add an element of fun to your walk, but it will hold you accountable. The lack of accountability was one of my biggest obstacles to exercising in general. I always had an excuse; I was too tired, didn’t have enough time, didn’t want to miss this television show, the list goes on. If it wasn’t for my original commitment to Erin, to be a better version of myself for her, I would not have started walking consistently. I wouldn’t have experienced the benefits of walking regularly, nor realized how much I enjoy that time in general. Greater success = more happiness.
Whether you are in great shape or just starting out, walking has the potential to help you, body and mind. I hope you consider these tips helpful and encouraging.
Do you walk (or run) regularly? What are your tips for happier, more successful sessions?
I bought a pair of earrings when I was in Reykjavík, Iceland last November from the Rammagerdin gift shop inside Perlan. I loved the contrast between the cool silver hoop and the raw lava rock, and how it reflected Iceland’s landscape. I thought the accessory was sweet, delicate, and it totally complemented my sense of style. There was no question, I had to have them.
I wore them as often as I could until the inevitable happened, I lost one (I bet this isn’t the first time you’ve heard that, and I can almost guarantee that it won’t be the last).
I was distraught. I retraced my steps. I called the offices and businesses I visited that day hoping that someone might have found it and turned it in. I combed through receipts from my time in Reykjavík looking for a clue to find another pair. I looked online for another set to purchase. Every effort came up short.
As I put the lone survivor in my jewelry cabinet I tried to accept that I wouldn’t find its partner and wrestled with the idea of not wearing the set again. I thought about my Motivation Monday post from earlier this week and what I loved about the accessory. Then it hit me: It wasn’t the earrings themselves that I loved.
I loved the earrings because of how they made me feel and how they reminded me of how special my trip was.
Those earrings represented an extraordinary trip with my mother, grandmother, and family friend. We laughed, got lost, and enjoyed each others’ company as we experienced the wonders of Iceland (and Ireland) together. Thinking about the experiences we had, the people we met, and (of course) the food we ate brought me happiness, and every time I wore those earrings those feelings returned.
This photo was taken at Blarney Castle in Ireland, another stop on our trip together.
I realized that I didn’t need to have a pair of earrings to remind myself of the trip and continue feeling that happiness. I decided to take my own advice and redirect my energy into something creative and productive.
Instead of obsessing that I no longer had a pair of earrings to wear, I added a chain to the remaining earring and made it into a necklace.
It still reminds me of my travels and gives me the same feelings of excitement and happiness I had when it was an earring. It still represents Iceland, I can still wear it as often as I’d like, it still complements my style, and I still love it. Let’s just hope I don’t lose this, too!
When was the last time you laid in the grass and watched the clouds float by? Or sat quietly by your window just to watch the birds or the trees? When was the last time you recognized the miracle of your (hopefully) growing houseplant? Silly, I know, but how great is nature when you really think about it? It’s everywhere! It provides us with the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the serenity we need if we let it. Sometimes the best act of self love is simply letting nature to do its thing and allowing its grace to bring us peace and healing in its own way. Stargazing does that for me and (*bonus*) it doesn’t cost me a penny.
For those of you who may struggle experiencing nature firsthand, this video is a very suitable substitute. Enjoy!
The shared family barn is also home to a dozen or so fretful laying hens and a vocal rooster. They are free-range, so they confidently come and go wherever they please, including Gordon’s stall.
Usually, I’m annoyed when I find chickens in or around Gordon’s stall. They somehow always find themselves underfoot, and find really inconvenient places to defecate. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has slipped or has deep-cleaned water buckets because of something similar.
But today, as I chased a hen out of Gordon’s stall, I noticed that she left a different kind of gift.
Pardon the terrible barn lighting, but it was too good not to share!
Nestled in the corner of Gordon’s stall, on a thick bed of wood shavings, sat a smooth, perfect, egg. I picked up the egg and studied it; I was a bit in shock and awe. This hen was brave enough to lay an egg in a stall shared with an animal 1,000 times its size, and I was fortunate enough to find the egg before it was destroyed. As silly as it sounds, I felt like I needed to take a moment to acknowledge and thank the hen for this small but significant offering. I felt that this small gift, even if given unknowingly, was a peace offering, peace between my sometimes trying relationship with the chickens, but also peace in my own mind that everything is going to be fine. I will get through the unknown the world is facing.
Hi, all! I’m Amanda. I’m a marketer/designer by trade, and was born, raised, and currently reside in Central New York. I consider myself to be a creative problem-solver, animal lover, and slight perfectionist. My favorite pastimes are traveling, drinking coffee, solving puzzles, eating pizza, and snuggling my old horse and recently rescued pup.
I traveled to Ireland in the fall of 2019 and met these guys on the Cliffs of Moher.
I’m regularly inspired by both the simplicity and complexity of nature, life, and love. I try to confidently live each day with gratitude, grace, and purpose because I know how blessed I am.
I have a family and friends who love me, I’ve traveled to places that some will never have the opportunity to visit, I studied fields that fascinate me at my dream colleges (proud Cazenovia College and Marist College alumna right here!), and landed a perfect job just six months after completing my undergraduate studies.
I was hired as part of the marketing team for a not-for-profit whose mission was to support a local university and it’s students. From the start, I loved the company and its purpose; I felt the job was made for me. I loved the benefits, the flexibility, the people, and my team. I loved that it wasn’t far from my family or my horse. I loved that I didn’t have to sacrifice who I was or what I enjoyed in order to be successful.
And then COVID-19 hit.
Within a week of the virus penetrating the United States, I found myself, along with thousands of others across the country, laid off of work.
In the blink of an eye I felt completely disconnected from the campus and the company I adored. To say that I was overwhelmed is an understatement. I had just recently purchased a house and adopted my pup, how was I to get by without my paycheck? And since we’ve been asked to practice social distancing, what was I going to do with all of that time stuck in isolation?
Despite my fears, I recognized and understood that, although I didn’t have any control over this unanticipated, monumental, life change, I still had control over my mindset. I wasn’t given a return-to-work date, but my lay-off is temporary and I am thankful to be able to collect unemployment in the meantime. I also feel that, whether it is fate, my subconscious, or the powers that be, I am being asked to slow down, be mindful, and to give myself some breathing space.
So here I am, starting a blog, wanting to share my journey with you. I hope to learn a lot, grow a lot, and write a lot, and I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
personal breathing space 