All it it takes is 8 seconds and courage!

In the 80's, there was a bull rider named Lane Frost. Lane started off young, like most did in the rodeo. He went on to have a prosperous career and was known to be a little bit obsessive when it came to riding a particular bull. See, no one had ever been able to stay on this bull for 8 seconds. Although his story doesn't end happily, this got me thinking about life in comparison to riding a bull.

In life, there are always going to be twists, turns, spins, and unexpected behaviours. There are going to be falls. But it is from the falls that we learn the most. We learn to expect that the bull will do all these things, but we never expect the bull's behaviours to change. Why? If you aren't familiar with bull riding, the crash course is basically getting on an animal whose nuts are tied and staying on for 8 seconds. Humane, no? A valuable lesson, yes.

What we can expect is our ability to ride to increase with practice. To learn how to ride the spins. To learn to stay present and grounded. And that when we do fall, to examine why we fell and what we can do different next time. And to always get back up. Lane used to spend HOURS watching his rides. He would go over them with his dad to learn what he could do better the next time. This is how we learn!

This is the healing journey, where our triggers are the bull. When we have the tools and the strategies, riding becomes easier over time. There may be injuries, and it takes us longer to get up, but we still get back up. And we rise higher, with every lesson learned!

But first, we must be willing to step into the arena. To put on our chaps and our gloves. To tip our hat down and focus. To wrap that rope around our hand. To not EXPECT or DEMAND an easy ride, but to trust that by showing up consistently and with intention, that we will become a skilled rider. Being scared to ride the bull will GUARANTEE that we will never set foot in that area, let alone on the farm.

We will drive by that farm, and see these "crazy people"; the ones that are fearless, brave, and are chasing their dreams. We misunderstand them. We judge them. We become resentful of the relationships, career, money and experiences that they have. We say "it must be nice..."

And this cycle continues until we either numb out to life completely, or we break. And it's in the break that we experience the most pain, the most heartbreak, the wrecking ball of lessons. We look for another way - but only if we are brave enough to accept that there is one. It isn't about learning to control the "bull", but our response to the bull.

So my question to you is: are you open to the possibility that there is another way? Or do you believe that settling for "just good enough" is all you were meant for?

If you think there is another way, please do not hesitate to reach out. I have limited-time spaces open for clients and I would be honoured to serve you!