Lately I have been spending time out on my Aunt's ranch in Joshua Tree, California, and the rhythm of the animals has offered me a new perspective on how we respond to the boundaries in our lives. Watching the horses move through their space, communicate their needs, and express their energy reminded me how easy it is to accept certain limits without ever pausing to ask whether they still feel aligned. Their behavior became an unexpected mirror, showing me where I have honored barriers that were never truly mine or that no longer support who I am becoming. Their exuberance and clarity sparked something in me, and it led to a few honest reflections about how I define freedom and success.
As I witnessed one strong and determined horse rear up just enough to press her chest through the electric fence until it snapped, I felt this surge of admiration and recognition. There are moments in life when we feel something calling us forward, even if others do not understand it or caution us to stay put. Sometimes the only way to understand what is possible is to trust our instincts and step into the unknown with confidence and curiosity. On today's Wise Walk we will explore the barriers we have been honoring, the beliefs that might be holding us back, and the freedom available to us when we choose to move beyond them.
- Is there a self imposed barrier you honor that no longer feels aligned, and are you ready to let it go so you can run free?
- How can you build your confidence and communicate clearly so this barrier no longer holds you back, whether it is mental or physical?
- Are you ready to release any naysayers in your life and trust what is possible on the other side of the barrier?
- Is it worth it to you to cross this barrier, and what limiting beliefs are keeping you from taking that step?
- If fear of failure is present, can you let it soften so your momentum and desire can carry you forward?
- What mental or physical barriers feel most constraining right now, and how does your definition of success influence whether you stay within them or move beyond them?
- What becomes possible for you when you define success on your terms and allow yourself to feel free and expansive?
- Where in your life can you embody the majestic power of a horse and invite more freedom into your daily rhythm?
- What vision of success feels true to you, and how can you move through obstacles with strength, grace, and authenticity?
I hope you tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk. As always, I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode. Feel free to reach out and message me.
Be sure to break those barriers that do not feel good to you anymore and let yourself run free with that majestic power that you already innately have.
In this episode:
- [02:34] I break down the fencing on the ranch and how going from pipe corral to an expanded electric fenced area was a plan to give the horses more area to roam.
- [04:12] My Aunt put up four volt electric fencing which the horses have used before.
- [05:01] When we opened the gates, the horses were bucking and running and having the best time in their expanded area.
- [06:06] The horse who was the boss was thinking about breaking free in spite of my Aunt's warnings. Suddenly, she pressed her chest against the fence and it snapped.
- [07:07] All of the horses and the Donkey were running wild on the property. They were still contained, because there was an additional fence line.
- [08:04] They had so much joy with the additional space and free access to the feed station.
- [09:03] If we have the drive and know the goal, nothing can stand in our way. The horse's example creates a great reminder for us to pursue our dreams and authentic desires.
- [11:16] For different periods of my life, self-limiting beliefs have gotten in my head. I've tried some of the advice I've been given when I became a self-employed author and podcaster, but some things don't align with me.
- [12:10] One of the things I've learned from this experience by reflecting is knowing what success means to me.
- [13:17] The self-imposed barriers that we might be living by could be due to our own internal beliefs or external pressures. We get to decide which ones we're going to keep.
- [14:29] There's always a leader who will break through first and show us what's possible. It's up to us to decide if we want to follow.
- [15:28] Remember that you are powerful and have a spirited personality just like a horse. Others are attracted to you when they see you running free and tackling your life.
- [17:19] My Aunt and I are still laughing about this incident, and we're giving kudos to the horses and the donkey for being themselves.
- [18:19] Can you support other people when you see them getting ready to break a barrier?
- [19:04] I feel myself gearing up to break some barriers that no longer serve me.
Memorable Quotes:
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- "There are moments when we outgrow the barriers we once agreed to, and our heart knows it long before our mind catches up." - Mary Tess
- "If a boundary no longer supports who you are becoming, you get to redefine it or release it." - Mary Tess
- "When we stop honoring old limitations, we make space for new energy, new confidence, and new possibilities." - Mary Tess
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