The Grass Is Green On My Side of the Fence
Posted: Sunday, August 21, 2011
by The Old Gray Mare
www.DressYourHorse.com
Do your horses think that the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence? Mine do.
When turned out with his horse friends, does one of your horses leave his own pile of hay to check out all the other piles in front of the other horses because their hay is certainly a lot better than his own? When he realizes his own hay was the best, it has already been stolen by his best horse friend. Mine does.
I don’t know what you think, but I’m more inclined to be happy with what I have now.
In the past, I was restless and wanted more and thought I was missing out. I believe that it is human nature to want something better – and don’t you know it – there is always something better to be had. There are more riches and greater beauty, better health and amazing luck in the lottery, 1st place winners and also-rans. It has taken me several decades and maturity to make peace with myself about always wanting something that really was beyond my grasp.
Don’t laugh at me when I say this now. I think that I have learned much from my animals and especially my horses. I see that their quest for a better tidbit or their dissatisfaction with a particular spot at the fence doesn’t work. The battle in the chicken house to be the top guinea hen leads to constant strife among the five birds.
All the antics displayed in our barnyard, and there are many little battles, have made me realize that quiet acceptance works in my favor. Sure, I think now and then about the what ifs. However, I am thrilled to have a comfortable roof over my head, an amazing family, good health, the sweetest dogs and loyal beautiful horses. I have all the trappings I could ever want. Also, I have grown comfortable in my own skin, value my many abilities, am thankful to have best friends in my life, and that I have a life to live. I am so very happy.I have grown to realize that if I buy another horse, or get an expensive horse trainer, want what the Jones have or feel restless due to needless desires, wants or unrealistic demands, I’m only fooling myself. If I actually had these “things,” it would be only a matter of time before I’d expect to have more.
Yes, I really like my present status quo. For the first time in my life, I am sated. My ego is alive and well, and my desires have translated into accomplishments. I want to leave a legacy – something I am good at – so that I’ll be ready to leave when angels come calling.
That part of my personal equation still needs work. For now I am dealing with it. I’m working hard on the new and improved Heidi. The most important thing is to be happy, totally happy - keep my mind on track, focused and to relish the time I have.
Everything falls into place with a positive outlook!
The Old Gray Mare writes for www.DressYourHorse.com and her Blog Sites.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Dearest OGM:
AMEN and Amen. "Sated" is such a good word. It says you are still in the business of living, but you have become conscious of your true needs. People are pretty modest to look at you know? I think its horses who should have egos! Nothin' looks like a horse - standing, eating, sauntering, galloping or just looking at you and saying: "Not only am I taller than you, but I am better looking." Isn't it great being old enough to have the sense of satisfaction build? Love your article!
Yours,
ChristoferIt's true. A horse's outside is good for man's inside. There's not that much that's great about old age but I'm settled and satisfied. That in itself is a great feeling. I now go with the flow and don't worry about the small stuff anymore. I avoid stress always. And I'm smart enough to see it coming and when I can, I remove myself from it. So that's always worked for me.
And yes, even plain looking horses are better looking than most humans. Just think, we wear clothes and, for the most part, they make us look a whole lot better. The horse is just a horse. Yep, he's better looking. Teehee. Thanks for reading. Heidi
What a breath of fresh air! It is a wonderful feeling to be content where you are. I believe you can learn from our pets as well. I hope Bing reads this as I'm sure he will share your sentiments. Wonderful read Heidi. Great way to start my morning. Beautiful setting, is that your property? Your grass is greener! :)Thank you for your kind comments - it is our property. I do think you can learn from pets. I have grown comfortable in my skin and who I am as a woman. Worked hard at it too. Makes all the difference in the world. Took me a long time to become settled to where I'm really stable and satisfied. Kinda tough for a competitive type.
I loved reading this, Heidi, thanks. It reminded me of everything that's really important. Life goes so quickly and it's too easy to waste it on longing for what somebody else has. Better to do what you love to do and what comes from it will be much more meaningful. Kudos for finding contentment!Thank you so much. I agree with you about wanting what others have. That's what is so great because a lot of that instability has abated. I'm not in competition with anyone. I enjoy exactly what I have and where I am. I don't feel the need to show my horses off and beat everyone either. I am still ego minded but it's not a driving force. I just need to do the best job that I can.
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