Best of 2009: Moment of Peace

Moment of peace. An hour or a day or a week of solitude. What was the quality of your breath? The state of your mind? How did you get there?

I lead a busy life, and I do it to myself. This is not a pity post, just stating facts.

I work full time in a fairly high-stress at times job, I manage 4 national magazines, and have to be on my game at all times when there is an issue going through. This job also requires that I commute, approx 2 hours each way. I would choose commuting over living in the city any day, so I did that to myself as a well.

Then, because I either need the money, or am completely insane, I work a part-time seasonal job, but this is an extra 20-25 hours a week. Somewhere in between all this I try to exercise, grow my photography business, connect with friends and family, ride my horse, and spend time with my fiance.

Whew, no wonder I often sleep in.

Now, you might not relate to this, but my moment of piece happens several times a week. Nights where I get to the barn and NO ONE else is there. It's just me and the mare. We chat while getting ready, I tell her about my week, she eats carrots. I listen to music while I ride, working through the assigned "goals" from my coach from the previous lesson, and then I congratulate her on all her hard work (she needs to be validated at all times).

Lastly, just as I am about to tuck her into her stall for the night with a nice big pile of hay, I give her a hug and tell her I love her, and thank her for helping me unwind.

Libby helps me rebalance, and I don't know if I could make it without her. She gives without asking for anything but love in return.

Love, and carrots, if you have them.