I am currently living my own advice. Tragedy, given enough time, can lead to miraculous and life-affirming changes. In the beginning, there is only negative. You feel the pain and see no glimmer of light nor is there hope for happiness to return. We all know that even after the harshest winter, spring follows and life is renewed. New beginnings are found in nature but also in our own lives.
It has been five and a half weeks since my precious horse left us. I talked about how time brings hope and happiness – I believed it in my head but my heart was stubborn and could not see past the hurt. Lo and behold, today I experienced real joy again, on my new horse, Ruby. Life looks good. It is perfect and complete. The truth is, it always has been. But weeks ago there was no way I could possibly know that without being a completely enlightened being. I’m afraid I fall very short of that distinction.
We picked up Ruby on Sunday and brought her to the barn, her new home. On Monday my trainer rode her and today I did. She is truly a wonderful horse. She has a good mind, sound body and both a sweet and willing disposition. How did I get so lucky? And how did it happen so fast? As I said to someone recently, I believe Barbie led me to her. I did ask her to do that. There were so many criteria that had to be met – age, price, disposition, mind, soundness, height, etc. She fit them all!
I am back at the barn after a 44 day absence. My tack locker has been cleaned out and new grooming supplies and tack box (different color) have replaced the old ones. The process was bittersweet but bearable which told me that the timing was right.
Riding her today, feeling her under me, made me realize that there is joy after pain. I am happy again. It was both a surprise and a delight. There is a new soul for me to love and care for. Not that I will ever forget Barbie. She will live in my heart forever. But there is room for a new one. And we will have adventures together and will bond in time. I am grateful and I am truly blessed.
The other exciting news is that my second book, my first novel – “The story she had to tell” is now in production with my publisher. I submitted the final edited manuscript this morning along with the cover which was designed and drawn by my youngest son, Kirin. I am thrilled that he will be a part of it, just as my older son, Otto was a part of my first book by writing the forward.
My life is going well. The road is currently smooth, no bumps, at least no significant ones. But as a spiritual being experiencing life as a human, I know the bumps will come again, and even the boulders. Yup, that’s what we all signed up for.
If your life is bumpy right now, or if there are boulders in your path, have faith. They are not permanent. You will survive and even find joy once again. It is only a matter of time, and an open heart. :))
