The Key is to Get Moving

I just love hanging out in the shade of our run-in shed here at Hold Your Horses Farm. The flies aren't as bad in the shade, and I can enjoy the company of my herd. Sometimes, though, the humans have a different idea, and want me to "work."

They put on my halter, and begin to try to move me with the lead rope. They want me to leave the comfort of my shed and go out into the sunlight and into the round pen. Don't get me wrong. The "work" they want me to do isn't plowing fields or carrying heavy humans around on my back for hours. They want me to interact with other humans and help them learn important lessons.

I start teaching right away. The human pulls on the lead rope to try to get me to move. I plant my feet. I want to see if they really mean it. I'm not going to make this easy. Sometimes they talk to me, and I can tell by their tone of voice and their body language if they are determined or not. I weigh about a thousand pounds (the grass has been lush this summer). I am stronger than they are. I'm pretty determined to stay in the shade. They pull. I dig in with my back feet and throw my weight backwards. I can tell that they are beginning to get frustrated. I think they might give up and let me stay here. I think this is a test of what they do when they encounter things that are difficult. I think I can win this. They pull; I resist. I can do this all day.

Then someone moves me to the side. I can go in that direction. This must be a compromise. I am willing to move a few steps. Or someone taps me on the rear with the lead rope. That's annoying. I'll move to get away from that. The point is, I have begun to move.

Once I have started moving in some direction, I know I am ready to work. They have learned the lesson I wanted to teach: Even though movement toward a goal isn't always straightforward, the key to reaching a goal is to get moving and keep moving. Once the movement toward a goal begins, you can easily change directions if things aren't going in exactly the right direction.

This isn't only true of moving horses. It is also true of your ability to move towards your human goals. The key is to get moving. Do something. Take action. You can always adjust your course, but you get nowhere if you don't take that first step.

Neighs and Whinnies,

Preacher

P.S. If you have trouble getting started with your goals, my human, Linda Pucci can help. She knows all sorts of ways to help you get started and keep moving. She helps lots of humans get unstuck in their life or their career. You can reach her at 865-983-7544 or by email at Linda@InnerResourceCenter.com. I'll bet she can get you moving. And she won't even have to use a halter and lead rope!

© 2009 Linda S. Pucci, Ph.D.