Since today is the last day of 2021, I figure I might as well acknowledge this past year. There is a lot to be thankful for. Starting with, the fact that my family, as well as May, have been able to stay healthy despite all the challenges this year.
May and I got to compete in Southern California this year. The distance between our first USEA horse trial and our most recent one is 2,796 miles, so while I may not be able to measure our journey in jump height, I think that statistic speak for itself. While we didn’t do as much as I had hoped, May remained a steady and reliable partner for me, even through all the ups and downs of this year.
For the sake of full transparency, I haven’t been able to ride since December 11th. I tried a great horse in Northern California, started my drive home, and was the victim of a freak hit and run accident. I managed to walk away from it, but some damage will just take time to heal from. I am so tired of talking about it that I can’t bring myself to repeat the story here, but hopefully it is enough to know that I am recovering and have amazing support from my barn family, friends, and husband.
That being said, buying a horse in 2021 didn’t work out either. After looking at too many videos to fathom and sitting on more than a dozen horses, I have vetted 2 (both uncovering issues that were beyond my threshold) and had 2 that didn’t even make it to the vetting. (Yay for my pocketbook. Boo for me). I know the right horse will come along, but the process is definitely a drag for anyone. And let’s be honest, having a great partner for so long has made me wildly picky, and the whole process is even more of a drag when your budget starts with a one and has less than 6 digits.
Again though, I have amazing friends at a great barn, so I have gotten to ride a lot of different horses in the past few months. They have reminded me of my own strength and abilities across different types of horses, and they have helped me shake the dust off of an old toolbox. I’m confident that when the right horse does come along, I will be ready.
The ray of sunlight cutting through 2021 was definitely my ability to leave an old, abusive job that was damaging my mental and physical health and join a company that is compassionate, fair, and forward-thinking. The job market in 2021 may be known as the “Great Resignation”, but I think people just woke up and realized what mattered to them. We realized that the proverbial rat race isn’t the golden brick road to financial freedom and the lives we have always dreamed of. I’ll continue to work hard and look to be rewarded for that hard work, but I can’t say I will ever put a job before my family or myself ever again.
So tonight, at 9PM (because that’s when the ball drops in Time Square… so it is late enough for me), I will leave a mountain of bad vibes in 2021 and put good energy into what 2022 could bring.
Happy New year!! Thank you for taking me along for your ride (the ups and the downs!!) Hugs to May and you and Matt. 2022 Has gotta be better!! 🙂 Love ya!
Oh my gosh! I’m so glad that you are going to recover from the accident. Lots of good vibes your way for recovery. Here’s hoping 2022 is kind to us all.
Agreed. We can all use more kindness from the universe for a while.
Oh goodness. I am so sorry about the freak accident. Such a bummer in general regardless of when it happened. Leave all that bad juju and hello to a joyful new day, every day. I am glad for your support system, including May! Being in the right environment with the right people for you is what it is all about. Life is too short to compromise. The rat race is not worth it in any way from where I stand.
So sorry to hear about your accident, and I’m really glad you’re on the mend. I hope 2022 brings only wonderful things your way!