As a child, I quickly learned that many things could be repurposed. Hand-me-downs were a favourite and it felt like Christmas when it was time to trade clothes amongst cousins and I won't lie, I still like a re-gifted piece of clothing. And as a farm girl, you would be amazed what can be done with baler twine and duct tape if you are in a pinch. This upbringing has brought about the entrepreneurial spirit that drives my business today supporting a resourceful and resilient attitude. When it came time to expand Soul on Fire and clear our forested land, I have to admit I had some guilt in making changes to a habitat that housed a number of animals including deer, raccoons, squirrels, woodpeckers, porcupines, etc. There was a time when I didn't appreciate this land as much and often asked my husband if we could move. I always wanted more cleared land and didn't think that was possible here but anything is possible when you change perspective to see what can be.
A couple of health crises in recent years helped clear the path for clearer thinking, a new vision for Soul on Fire was created and then COVID hit. A time of slowdown and renewal. A time to sit and listen within myself on where the greatest impact could be created for clients. A time of self-care and snow-shoeing with the dogs in the winter where they could roam free as I listened to the birds sing and walked along hearing the crunch of the snow below my feet and watching for all the signs of various animals knowing they had used my trails as their own pathway. A time of learning to "be present" and appreciate all that I had not seen before. We still have lots of forested acreage where we can share this space with the wild animals and I am giving my horses a larger area where they can graze happily in a more natural environment. This land has allowed me to get really grounded in my own purpose and what matters - what really matters. In fact, I have learned so much through this process. Coaching with horses as my co-facilitators is what matters and where I see the greatest transformation for clients. Contrast creates clarity (as I was once told by an intelligent woman, friend and mentor (right Hillary?) What I am most proud of with this project is that we did this as a family and repurposed so much. As you can see from the pictures included in this blog, we repurposed the brush, branches, etc. into mulch which we will be used for bedding. The manure from our cows and horses was used to fertilize the land and foster the growth of the grass seed. The rocks that were picked are now a pathway in the woods and the logs have been sawed for lumber for our permanent structure where the "Coaching from Barn" can happen year round in the warmth of this building and the horses can still participate. It has been a labour of love for sure. A labour of love for the well-being of horses, the well-being of clients who come here for the services provided and for my own well-being. Are you ready? Is it your time to re-purpose or maybe find purpose for the first time? The horses are waiting for you to arrive in so many ways. My horses and I are here to guide you through your own process. Life is precious. Waste not, want not. New programs will be announced this Fall and I am taking on new coaching clients, or clients wanting reflexology or Indian Head Massage. I look forward to serving you soon! Feel free to PM me for more information.
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AuthorI am an experienced business woman, a certified leadership and life coach (Co-Active Coach Training Institute recognized by the International Coaching Federation), an MBA with a concentration in Human Resources, a horse owner for 25+ years and have studied Equine Assisted/Facilitated programs such as the Horse Medicine Leadership Academy, Natural Lifemanship and EAGALA. Archives
August 2020
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