Here we are, and I feel like I just published my 2025 lookahead,
Last week I reflected on the events of this year. To be honest I almost didn’t publish that article. It’s too personal. It’s long and drawn out.
I did decide to publish it after all…more for my sake than for anyone else’s. After all this blog has been more of a personal diary with a sprinkling of education, research, and reviews. It was cathartic. Therapeutic. Necessary.
In the making of last week’s post I rehashed some difficult emotions, but I also unearthed some beautiful moments that almost went overshadowed by the dark cloud that loomed over me for the better part of the year. The bad times were indeed heavy and I will not deny that but I was discounting the good times as a result. In writing of that post I had a chance to step back and remind myself to look for the good and to never take that for granted.
Checking the Rearview Mirror
After saying goodbye to 2025 I am looking back one more time to review my previous “Goals” of 2025.
As a foundational concept:
- Diet
- Discipline
- Deliberate
- Details
The Result: This is an ongoing work in progress as I navigate how to maintain balance in my life and sticking to these foundational principals amidst massive chaos.
For Stanley:
- Perform a test that includes canter…and get the correct lead.
- Limited Endurance Ride (10-15miles)
- Camping
- Meet Cows
The Result: We started off strong with a promise of greatness. We didn’t get to Otter Creek for our typical camping but we did camp at Hitching Post Farm Adult Camp. I am counting that. Unfortunately the second half of the year halted our ability to take on an endurance ride or meet cows. We did, however get to training level dressage and rode fairly well in all three tests.
Travel:
- Go to Bromont
- Maybe volunteer for the Thoroughbred Makeover
The Result: We did not do either of these things. Instead we made our way back to Maryland….apparently our favorite destination for the last few years. Suzanne and Tiger participated in the Waredaca Classic Three Day Event and I regret nothing.
The Green Horseman:
- 1 Saturday Post at 9am
- Product review 1 Sunday monthly
- Book Review 1 Sunday Monthly
The Result: Aside from some misses here and there, I found myself to be fairly consistent in posting every Saturday. I did drop off on the product and book reviews when my season started to pick up in pace. This tells me I will need to use my quiet time on the bitter cold days to buckle down and get them written…or simply post when I can.
Personal and Professional
- Grow my inventory in Wahbee’s Woodworking
- Take on my photography gigs
- Take on coordinator roles with ENYDCTA
The Result: Wahbee’s was very busy this year. I managed to meet deadlines and deliver several sizable orders for a few incredible customers. I even have orders for spring once the weather warms up once again. I took on a few clinics for my photography side. This allowed me to use PixieSet in the way it was designed for delivering and selling the photos I took. I also worked under a photographer at a recognized horse trials. As a dedicated ENYDCTA member I organized the winter series, a dressage clinic, and the silent auction. When it comes to these three pieces of my life I’m quite pleased with the progress.
Moving Forward
I am taking what I have learned in 2025 and applying them to my plans for this coming year.
MY PERSONAL MANTRA:
“Balance Gives Me Power to Grow”
I’m not sure just yet how I will achieve balance in my life but I have been reflecting on this concept for weeks. Many times I will deplete my energy in one area to become exhausted and require a period of downtime and recovery. I may need to step back and say “no” more often but I will need to find my path this year. To create balance in my life; both internally and externally.
PERSONAL
- Continue my weight loss journey. I am down 30 pounds from last year. My goal is to lose about 30 more this year.
- To work with my trainers and therapists to create physical balance within my body. I have been given a series of exercises to help with this.
- Attend hot yoga when I can.
Find balance mentally and physically to become more powerful to support growth.
STANLEY
- Go to Aiken for two weeks to train
- Go Camping at Otter Creek over the summer
- Improve my training level test scores to upper 60s… ideally 70s.
Find balance in our riding endeavors to create a balanced horse mentally and physically to support his power and sustain his growth.
PROFESSIONAL
- Take on 1 or 2 clinics or horse shows for photography
- For Wahbee’s Woodworking I want to continue my growth but also make time to create a peaceful space to create. Learn to say no to hard deadlines if it is going to interfere with my wellness.
- As Wahbee’s Woodworking I have three shows in mind for sponsorships
- As the Green Horseman I plan to keep up with the weekly posts on Saturdays and biweekly reviews.
Create a balance in my professional life that powers my career towards growth.
“Balance Gives Me Power to Grow”
I realize that I tend to get myself in over my head and overwhelm myself. I grow as a result from these moments because I find the strength to get through it…but the cortisol and adrenaline pumping in my veins isn’t necessarily doing me any favors.
Being busy often keeps my feelings and bad emotions at bay…if I’m too busy and facing challenges I don’t have to think about my feelings.
I want to slow down and get more curious about this. I want to find this growth without triggering my fight of flight complex. I don’t know yet if I can do this as growth through chaos and overwhelm has been the only thing I have ever known. I have always lived for the push and the fear of failure.
This year I am venturing to take a new road to find balance inside and out. To grow and find power from this balance.
What does the roadmap of your 2026 look like?
The Green Horseman 
Leave a comment