Recently, I have seen several different memes and quotes related to average vs good vs great people in their chosen field of work, career or hobbies. Then just a few days ago, I had the most pleasant conversation with a beautiful, young lady, friend and cohort in a shared passion. This young lady – I will call Ashley – is an extremely talented artist. In a short time and with a lot of work and dedication, Ashley excelled to the top junior ranks of our shared passion. She was very fortunate to have everything working in her favor with family support, encouragement, assistance, optimal competitions…until one day, out of the blue…came the announcement that she would be stepping back from the lifestyle she had lived so feverishly.
Most would wonder what prompted this decision when she was on the express train to such great success. I, on the other hand, did not have to ask. I know what it takes to remain on that express train. I missed being home when I was away at competitions, I missed my family and friends at home when traveling, I basically lived out of a suitcase, I would be worn out returning home only to be greeted with catching up on chores, schoolwork…in later years, this would transcend into my job/career, which supports the passion that eventually left me feeling like I was isolated from everything that felt so normal up to that point.
I knew when I got to the final stage of “burn-out”. I had everything packed and ready to hit the road but I found myself sitting in the driveway for a few minutes, contemplating whether to precede or unload and remain home for a long overdue rest. Deciding I had put in too much work getting to this point to back out, I pulled out of the driveway, vowing this would be my last competition. Despite another awarding accolade that weekend, there was already a sense of renewal with my prior decision, as we made our way home from Tampa that weekend. That was 30 years ago and I have not looked back since.
Ashley said, “wow, you really get it and understand my decision”! “I never knew…but what a relief to find someone who truly understands…thank you for sharing…it means more to me than you will ever know”!
I concluded by telling her, “relish the experience, the discipline, the gained knowledge, the opportunity, the support, the friends you made along the way, the successes, the losses, the tears, the accomplishments…no one can take any of that away from you. Keep them in your memory bank but you must remain true to yourself and do what makes you happy”.
Moving forward to my purpose in writing this blog. Ashley and I have remained with our passion but behind the scenes and center stage. We continue with our passion not only because of our sheer joy for the sport but we are not constantly having to prove ourselves or bear the responsibility of a winning representation for anyone… other than ourselves.
Therefore, when I see quotes and memes about average people not seeking out instruction…I get it… for the uprising potential who has established advancement goals. For those that do opt for this traveled road, I will be your biggest fan and cheerleader during your journey…from the sidelines as I nurse “water on the knee”…lol…but encouraging you every step of the way! Furthermore, I am an advocate for continuing education when the opportunity arises. However, one needs to consider the financial / job priorities and dependents before one can sign up for that elusive lesson or clinic. Since the day I chose to officially retire from the center stage of my passion, I have successfully managed to rely on my instincts, experience, knowledge, dedication and hands-on listening skills to maintain happy, healthy candidates to enjoy, while always keeping my sights on a future lesson when my budget is not “in the red”. The health and care for all my dependents – tiny humans and animals alike- come first. Additionally, I have earned my senior right to set my own pace, select a lesson schedule that is within optimal temperature range or simply watch the sunset, counting my past and present blessings.
Take my riding passion for an example…aside from knowing my horses, their limitations and most importantly, truly listening to them and adapting to riding changes that benefit each horse, you learn to have patience and reward the baby steps. Remember, you are no longer on a time clock. You can celebrate the baby steps as they arise…and your horse will respect you for the time to adjust to an advancement. I consider every horse in my care a success story in their own right…some more irreputable than others…but happy solid citizens, nonetheless. The first thing I will be sure to tell a trainer or clinician is that I am not a prospect for returning to the competition world. I am there to make certain I am doing right by my horse(s) so that I can help them maintain a long, happy, supple, and sound life. I make certain to get all pretenses that I am there to achieve fame or fortune out of the way as quickly as possible…lol!
As I have always told my girls, I will not hold any unrealistic expectations of you. If you recognize your gifts, your talents, your individual uniqueness, know your value and worth…you are already on your road to success. Whether you decide to pull weeds for a living or a become a company CEO, do it with desire, devotion and dedication and you will be successful. The most important thing is that you are HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SAFE!
I do not profess to be great, good or even average with my passions. But with continued devotion and dedication, the most important thing is that I have been able to continue with and enjoy my passions with no regrets for choosing a life outside of returning home long enough to do laundry, repack, restock and hit the road again.
The one thing that is constant in life is CHANGE. It is about how we adapt to change, the choices we make, learning from mistakes (and yes, it is ok to make mistakes), living life and experiences to the fullest, looking for the silver lining, sharing your blessings…but above all, being true to yourself (and others) will unequivocally align you with your purpose and consequently, reveal the recipe for happiness. In other words, it can be REMARKABLE TO BE UNREMARKABLE 🙂 Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
Homestead Memoirs 