I was struggling quite a bit this fall to be motivated and present in my riding. Honestly, I've been so busy and my rides have been generally so subpar, that I was just kind of going through the motions and putting in the time because I knew I should.
The holiday season brought me a legit excuse to take a week off. No worries, no schedule to keep, multiple days in a row at home up the coast with G, and a super helpful barn mate to ride the pony in my absence.
In the midst of our week off, we took a trip to Vancouver to do some post holiday shopping. One of the tack stores was having a pretty spectacular sale. I didn't need much, and wouldn't have actually gone if it wasn't for G pushing me to 'just go look'. I'm glad I did! I found some great deals on new apparel for myself and the pony, and as I tried things on and picked out a new color scheme for B I suddenly realized I was excited again for show season. As the days went on, I found myself making a tentative schedule, reading up on all things fitness for B, and generally feeling optimistic and motivated. (Oh, and spending WAY too much money on all the new things!)
Moral of the story: If you're feeling burnt out, take a break. Think about things. Or don't. Come up with a plan. Or don't. Also, retail therapy is a thing, and it helps.
How fun! You know how I feel about this, I'm with you, this sport is too demanding (especially with careers like ours!) to go go go all the time. Sometimes a step back is just what we need.
ReplyDeleteI so wish I could take a step back from work instead :) But yes, no idea why I continue to forget how important a break is.
DeleteI also agree completely and yay for awesome tack shop sales! I'm in Seattle again for most of the week and was going to visit another new tack shop but finally decided not to after I looked at my bank account haha.
ReplyDeleteWise choice :) I hope you didn't get too much rain and cold weather last week, it's been record breaking cold here!
DeleteThere's something so refreshing and reinvigorating about getting that rush of motivation again - feeling excited again about making plans and practicing and all that. Definitely worth the occasional break or breather to get that feeling back again!
ReplyDeleteExactly! One of my favorite things is sitting down to plan the year ahead and being so excited about it!
DeleteSo glad your getting your motivation back!! Horsey shopping is the best!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big shopper, but once I start...LOOK OUT! ;)
DeleteRetail therapy is totally a thing! I'm glad that your excitement is coming back!
ReplyDeleteI always have a hard time letting myself feel OK about taking breaks.. but they really are SO healthy! Very excited for your renewed enthusiasm!
ReplyDeleteRight? I have no idea why as an adult taking a break from anything still makes me feel lazy and guilty.
DeleteHaha. Sounds like you did a good unplug plug in. Now you're ready to go!
ReplyDeleteAll systems go!
DeleteI took a week off and went to BC with the SO and some friends and when I came home I was excited to ride again. It's amazing how some time away can reset you mindset. I hope you post about your haul!
ReplyDeleteI think time physically away in a new/different place is a huge part of it for me.
DeleteHaha great lesson learned!
ReplyDeleteShopping = happiness. Who knew? ;)
Delete