You are Worthy.

I didn’t grow up showing horses.

I didn’t start riding at a young age.

I grew up in a non-equestrian family.

But here I am today.

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My journey with horses began on a birthday trail ride when I was 10 years old. Fifteen minutes into the ride, I was hooked. This was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life - ride beautiful horses.

I started taking lessons one day a week when I was 12 years old. By 13, I was working at the barn three nights a week after school with my sister, and by the age of 15, I bought my first horse.

A stable was built on my parent’s farm. An arena was made up. Pastures fenced in. The horses were brought home. Humble beginnings. A dream come true.

Fast forward to 2020. Today, I’m riding in a new setting - a new barn and an unfamiliar arena...and I’m scared! I hate to even say those two words out loud to myself. But please remember: I grew up in a non-equestrian household, I never showed when I did have my own horses and I didn’t really start riding until I was in my teens.

So, going to new barns and riding in new places is intimidating for me. It’s a mental battle that I have to overcome. I worry about all of the “what-if’s.” I overthink it. I look for ways to control my environment. I get anxious and then proceed to be hard on myself for being “weak.” And I berate myself for being so “silly.”

But.

I still quietly get my horse out of his stall, tack up and ride. My rides this week have been far from perfect, but they have taught me something about myself: I can make a plan and execute that plan at my own pace. And that is 100% okay. I can extend grace to myself.

Even if I’m scared, I am still worthy.

Even if I’m scared, I AM WORTHY.

I am worthy of riding beautiful horses.

I am worthy of learning new things.

I am most definitely worthy of overcoming fear.

You are, too my friend. You are worthy. Let me say it again: YOU are worthy. On your good days and on your bad days. The world needs you and all that you are and all that you have yet to become. So saddle up and ride, darling. You’re stronger than you think. You are an over-comer. You can do it at your own pace and that’s totally okay. Keep pursuing your purpose.

xo, Alyssa