CHANGE = LEARNING

Rather than reflect on 2009 and what we did, what happened etc, lets focus on what we learned and apply it moving forward in 2010.
We always benefit from what we learn. We all had challenges in 2009, but what we learned from those challenges is what we shall apply to the new year.

Change is proof of learning: Whether it is a change that is only visible within our self or one the whole world can see, when we learn something it changes us and how we do things.
Think about teaching: A student hasn't learned how to post the trot, once they have their "ah-Ha" moment- its like flipping the switch that totally changes how they ride.
Learning changes everything. It has the beautiful ability to flip the switch from bouncy and difficult to smooth and rhythmical.

*What did you learn over the last year (or decade) that flipped your switch? How did it change your life?

We are constantly learning and applying newly acquired knowledge to everyday practices. Try to go with the flow and allow it to be simple. I often say "take something positive from a negative situation". You CAN from every challenge that cross' our paths.

Ex. Young man working as a groom for well respected hunter jumper facility. When asked to assist with grooming & cleaning at a regional show he was compensated for his time and accommodations. Upon arrival home young man realizes he lost money on this last trip. WHY- Because he realizes he was compensated for his time "at the show", and hotel was paid for. He also is know realizing that he was not compensated for fuel in his own vehicle, tolls, or the 6 hours of time total driving to and from the show. Realizing he actually lost money..... (all that was earned was spent on fuel, food, and tolls)..... He has a choice in the way he chooses to move forward with what he learned. He could choose to be bitter about the whole endeavor, or...... he could choose to take what was learned and apply it moving forward in his young life.

Examples like this happen all the time in our everyday lives.... at the hair salon- hair cut cost more than we expected, etc..... and we are left feeling a loss, or what happened scenario. So what is the positive from this situation? What changed that made us learn something? We were left in the end scratching our heads thinning we did the right thing but still got something messed up. What is it? What is the thing that got messed up?? What is the lesson learned?

Here it is........CLARITY. We did not think of everything the first time. We did not foresee there would be other costs. Happens all the time. Don't dwell on it, take the positive part of the lesson and move forward applying it to the future. Next time you are asked to do a job, ask more details. Or the next time you show up for a hair appt and the receptionist mentions kindly your 15 mins late when your confident your appt was at the correct time- make a mental note to start calling ahead. Your time and money is so much more valuable than we give it credit. And no one likes feeling "taken" afterwards.

Look at all the changes made and learn something from it. Look at everything on the sunny side and watch how you will glow with optimism!!!!

Meghan

A Merry Christmas!

Wanted to give thanks for a wonderful reunion with my family! My Mother, her husband and my brother were able to make it down for a joyous visit on Christmas day. We kept things very simple, had a delicious spiral ham Christmas Eve, with roasted potatoes, salads and a few glasses of my new favorite wine "Crimson". Christmas Day we sat around reminiscing and enjoying each others company. Thank you everyone for a wonderful Christmas!
And now.......back to Monday. :)

Peace & Quiet

More and more we find ourselves lost in the "hustle and bustle" of life these days. It is easy to find yourself lost. That is usually when I catch myself putting the cereal in the fridge and the mild in the cuboard, or walkin up the house and trying the unlock the door by hitting the unlock button on my cars key fob! I know at that point it is time for a break!!! Earlier this past fall Michael and I celebrated our anniversary with a getaway to Marthas Vineyard, and had the pleasure of staying with my cousin Diane. On our relaxing visit we spent some quality time on her screened in front porch, and shared it with her GORGEOUS Great Dane "Sailor"! Here are some pics of us lounging on the porch, soaking in the lucious afternoon sun.

Moral of the story..... Remember to take time for yourself! Celebrate your birthday, or anniversary or just some down time. We all deserve it and cannot function in a possitive manner if we do not celebrate ourselves.

This past weekend I went on a road trip with my husband to look at a new truck to pull our new horse trailer. We have been looking and looking and we may possibly have found it. And it does not hurt that it is painted my favorite color.....Burgundy.

It was nice spending a simple task as a road trip with him. It gives us a chance to catch up and enjoy the little things like a nice drive in the mountains.

Stay warm everyone.....yes I broke out the warmies already.

Meghan

What is on your "Makes Me Happy List"?

What makes us happy? What is on your "makes me happy" list? Do you recognize what makes you happiest and what does not?


My friends tease me about being "miss positivity, or the universe captain". Truth is, I really enjoy feeling happy. I am blessed to have had a positive values and feelings instilled in me at a young age. We had a lot of love growing up.

Now, its not that I dont have frustrating things happen, things go wrong, or s**t comes up, it happens. Stuff happens to everyone, the key is not letting it "GET" to you. I try hard to steer myself back to my natural hapiness state as soon as I am frustrated.

I thought this might be useful for you if I shared a few tips on how I manage this- even when your let down and the crap hits the fan.

* I try to have a mantra for the day. I can often be quoted saying "its all good" or "it is what it is".


* I find things that make me smile alot....... teeth exposed smile!!!!

* I surround myself with vibrant, positive people and eliminate the ones who are perpetually negative from my life, even if their family.

* I expect good things all the time and constantly am looking for clues or signs that they ARE happening.

* I am always trying to see the possitive in any situation, and what can be learned from the situation period.

* I try hard not to over analyize things, and dont take things personally, their rarely meant for you anyway.

* I have a low tollerance for crap & expectations from others that make me feel unhappy for an length of time. BE YOURSELF.

* I feel deep profound gratitude and appreciation every day, especially my love for life.


So go on and make your "what makes you happy" list and stick to it. Eliminate what is not congruent in your life, get rid of the negativity and things that do not flow. You will find you will be constantly changing your life to meet your needs, as you are constantly changing.





Be true to you, honest. BEEEEEEE HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!





Cheers , Meghan

Happy Thanks Giving

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

We hope the holidays will bring your families together and allow a wonderful day of reconnection. Have a wonderful day!

May the apple pie and turkey taste as good as it looks , lots of naps, and perhaps a glass of wine or two, and great company make your holliday the best!

Cheers, Sleepy Hollow Farm

Fall & Winter Preparations

Well its officially fall, crispy evenings, and nice days! Always bring thoughts of putting hay up for the winter, cleaning out the tack room, swapping all the blankets, bringing in all the freezeables from the tack room, digging out the water heaters, and certainly finding my winter riding tights!!!!

Lots of changes in the last month. We have welcomed in our newest boarder& close friend Janet and her beautiful Friesian TB cross mare "Beaucoup", also welcomed Michele who has been riding our mare Farrah- and is presently distracted with her future "Friesian" purchase. We have also had several new buildings & run in shelters installed, wind break walls, new water tubs with heaters installed, new electrical and lighting put up, painting, whew.......it never stops.

With all our new updates, I find I need to carve out more time for my training and office time, in order to launch our new product and services. So with that, I have decided instead of sharing an office with my wonderful husband, I am moving it into our downstairs appartment and will be enlarging my office where soon there will be a recording studio and my home base for training and consulting services. Very exciting!!!!! Ps....looking for a really nice big unique desk!!! Anyone have something fun????
Cheers and break out the scarves already!!
Meghan

Creating a new Product

Well it is a cool crisp September 1st here, 55 degrees and wonderful sleeping weather.

I have a confession. The little gerbil wheel has been turning in my head as it always is, some tell me I have smoke coming out of my ears often. That little wheel has been spinning ideas left and right as we are working on something huge! Something that will be so useful to equestrians all over the world. Something that you can use at home, in the arena, on the trail.

A hint................It is in keeping with the times of technology! We are working on a product that is very affordable and usable by every horse person out there! We cant tell you yet what it is, but we can keep torturing you until it is ready for its release....LOL.
Stay connected and keep watching for our updates as we blog.

Have a beautiful Tuesday and enjoy it!
Meghan