Your "Best Self" does not mean your "PERFECT Self"
Have you ever heard the phrase, "Don't bring your baggage to the barn. Leave it in the parking lot to show up as your best self for your horse". I know I have! And for years I loved the concept of, not bringing my life stress into my relationship with my horse. The problem I see with this though is that my "Best Self" must be my "Perfect Self" then, because to be flawless is to be perfect. Maybe you're better at that than me, but frankly that is unrealistic (especially when my job is out with horses every day); the junk is bound to come through at some point. Which begs the question, what exactly is our "Best Self"?
What is my "Best Self"?
I'm learning that my Best Self is NOT the best version of myself. It's the most authentic version of my Self in that day and moment. It's the awareness and compassion for my flaws, nuances, and being that cannot be detached from, at least for any length of time. Not to mention that our horses can smell inauthenticity from 15 ft away.
What does it look like to show up as my "Best Self"?
My best self has flaws. She is impatient at times. She gets frustrated. She can be tired. My "Best Self", for myself and my horse, is my awareness and compassion; and sometimes sense of humor. It's holding my agenda for the day with open hands, or giving myself permission to not follow the agenda and simply hand graze or be present with my horse.
It's showing up, taking some deep belly breaths, looking my horse in the eye and saying, " I'm a mess today, friend".
I hope you'll join me in leaving your "Perfect Self" outside the barn, and approach your equine partner as your "Best Self"; flawed, honest, and compassionate.
If you would like help remaking your "Best Self" reach out and let's set up a free consultation. You'd be surprised just how comfortable horses feel with our "Best Selves" over our "Perfect Selves".
Happy Partnerships!
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