Just Do It!

Just Do It!

This is more of a pep talk to myself, rather than a blog to the world. However you may benefit from my ramblings! I think the hardest thing to overcome in life is irrational fear. Irrational fear is typically disproportional to the actual danger posed, thus being identified as irrational.

Nigel, years ago gave me a pull off from his daily calendar. It said “courage is getting back in the saddle, after falling again and again”. He gave it to me because, for a while, all I seemed to do was fall off my horse- again- and again- and again. Those not of a horsey persuasion might ask why would I keep doing it? Well it’s because I love it! And to be fair, I always say to the kids- Practice makes permanent- not perfect- and now I have been permanently in the saddle for quite a while now (mostly anyway), and although I am definitely not perfect, I am certainly more permanent.

So why my irrational fear? I don’t know. I am intelligent, educated and don’t want to jump in the Puissance Class at the Dublin Horse Show (well- if I could it would be great, but not very realistic). So why do a couple of poles on the ground drive such fear into me. And I’m talking gut wrenching/ sleepless nights/ unable to breathe fear- not to mention the bathroom trips- enough said!

And I have pictures, proof, beside my bed, or me competing- actually jumping. But still the same irrational fear. My very patient trainer asked me this morning, what I was so afraid of. Is it falling off? Is it my horse- eh no- she’s a saint? What? Why? I have no answer. Those of you that know me will understand how this frustrates me. As I have an answer for EVERYTHING.

I jumped three fences in a row this morning. Perfectly (well almost), and how did I feel- Great! Will I remember that positive feeling the next time- unfortunately no!

So I have decided. I am going to practice until it becomes permanent. Will I ever get over this clearly irrational fear? Probably not. Will it stop me? Definitely not.

So to all of you out there saying- I can’t do …. In the immortal words of Nike.

“Just Do it”

And do something different- even if you are afraid. Sorry but- “You’re worth it!”