In Franklin D. Roosevelt's First Inaugural Address in 1932, he uttered the oft quoted line: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Truer words could not be said. How often have we conjured up those feelings of dread, the pit of our stomach churning, about something that we envisioned happening -- but never comes to pass. Which leads me to another quote, this one from Mark Twain: “I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened.”
I ponder both of these quotes as River and I are going through a transition. The good news: River is feeling MUCH better. The bad news: She has lost her manners and needs to go back to charm school. Six or months of semi-retirement can do that to you, I suppose.
A few weeks ago, I was riding River when she spooked. She jumped sideways and bucked. I stayed on, but it definitely shook my confidence. And lack of confidence doesn't translate well in being a leader to your horse. So, I am working on getting my confidence back - and those quotes resonate in my mind. The mind is a very powerful tool and can be your worst enemy -- conjuring scenarios in your head. Heck, in your mind you've already fallen off the horse before you've gotten on! Conversely, the mind can also propel you to new breakthroughs -- hence the large role of sports psychology for those that compete.
I have been through this before -- fallen off a horse and it took awhile to get my mojo back. At that time, I didn't think I would ever be brave again -- but I got there. And I will again. The key is to get my head away from what negative might happen to what positive might happen.
This same things applies to any aspect of life in which we feel fear -- fear of failure, fear of public speaking, fear of (fill in the blank). So, I am filling my head with positive thoughts -- and putting my fears behind me.
What fears are you facing that become bigger in your mind than they are in reality? What positive thoughts can help you overcomes those fears and make breakthroughs? Make your mind your friend and ally.
Here's to overcoming our two biggest nemeses!
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