New Year's Resolutions

The last day of 2011 is shaping up to be memorable around here, but not in a good way. We are having what the meteorologists call a “fierce wind event.” Living just below the Continental Divide and at the mouth of a river canyon (a big wind funnel), the wind can definitely wreak havoc around here. Right now the wind is howling—shaking the window panes-- but later today we are expecting gusts over 100 mph.

 

Even the horses are staying holed-up in their stalls rather than coming out to soak up the first rays of sun as they usually do. They don’t have to see the weather report on TV to know what kind of day it’s going to be. Today is one of those days where being in a stall and bundled in a blanket doesn’t seem so bad to them.

 

I love making NYs resolutions. I do it every year and almost always keep them. Last year one of my resolutions was to use up all the food in my freezer. I almost succeeded. This year, I have three resolutions that have to do with my personal life, my horse and my professional life. Here they are:

 

First, I resolve to finish my project of cleaning out every nook and cranny of my house—getting rid of unused clutter and organizing the remaining stuff. I’ve made it through my dressers and most of the bathroom. Just have the mud room and kitchen to go. Watch out Good Will—here I come!

 

Secondly, I resolve to work on Western Dressage with my horse and perfect our bridle-less riding. This doesn’t really take much resolve on my part because I love doing it but a person needs to have goals. Actually, I set these goals because of some presentations I will be doing at expos this year, so I thought I’d co-opt my goals and turn them into a resolution. Why not? If you’re going to do it anyway, may as well make a resolution out of it!

 

My professional resolution is to focus on bringing our new programs to fruition. We have been working on developing a “study club” for individuals and groups who want to get together with others and study horsemanship. Think book club. We have also been working on an apprenticeship program and I am hoping to bring both these programs to fruition in 2012.

 

I love this time of year because looking ahead to the new year-- it is all potential. A fresh new start. New opportunity awaits and who knows what exciting adventures the new year could bring! I love making resolutions because it is an opportunity to challenge yourself and do better. What about you? What’s your resolutions?

 

With all the wind today, it looks like a good chance for me to hole up in my house and start cleaning out closets. Believe it or not, that sounds like fun to me!

Happy New Year!

Julie