Author: langlep

So 2020 was going to be my year. The year I got my life sorted after being served redundancy notice from my job in November 2019. The year I ticked off more things from my horsey bucket list. The year I got my mental health back under control and reduced stress in my life. I had a plan. And it was a good one. Then the plan changed dramatically on 2 January. I came off my horse at speed and broke my ankle. Badly. Like all good equestrians, I got back on and rode back to the yard, sorted Buddy out and then drove myself to A&E. That’s where this journey really began... I was sent home from A&E and told to crack on, only to receive a phone call later to say they’d missed a fracture (and a rather serious one at that). Whoops! So fracture clinic on 3 January, surgery on 5 January and home to recover. I started this blog as a way to chart my recover back to the saddle. As I cleared clinics and competitions out of my diary and wondered what the next few months would bring, it's been a safe space for me to say how I'm feeling. The new plan was to get a new job, to keep Buddy is kept ticking over and recover from my injury. Another good plan! I didn't expect a global pandemic, lockdown and all that happened in 2020. This blog has changed over time but it's continued to be my safe space to share the things going on in my life, with Buddy and the cats. Enjoy!

Reflection time

So it’s been two years since I found out I was being made redundant for the third time and 9 years since I found out I was being made redundant for the second time. Talk about significant career date. You couldn’t make it up!

Understandably, I’ve been in reflective mood. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much in the past 12 months again. Covidland is weird. That’s all I’m saying.

I didn’t think there would be more lockdowns.

I didn’t think both of my parents would be in and out of hospital (again).

I didn’t think I’d spend time in hospital with Covid myself.

I didn’t think being my own boss would be such an emotional rollercoaster.

I’ve lost friend I thought would be there forever. I’ve made ones I can’t imagine my life without. I’ve been scraped off the floor by some. I’ve been humbled by how far some will go for me.

I’ve learn so much about myself. It’s shown me that I am resilient, resourceful, determined, tenacious and so much more.

I’ve learnt to ask for help. I’ve learnt to help others the best way I can.

It’s been scary. It’s been emotional. It’s been so hard having to face so many things on my own. I’m grateful for the incredible people I have in my corner.

I know things will get better. I just have to keep moving forward and trusting the process. I will keep fighting, growing, believing, hoping and loving.

Blank canvas

So it’s finally done. After several aborted attempts, several culls and a lot of swearing, the cotoneaster is no more!

I have a whole new blank canvas wall to play with. It’s so exciting. I didn’t realise how deep the border actually is.

Looking forward to Spring and lots of new plants.

Friends

I was sent this today. It made me cry in a good way. I’m so very lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.

If I’ve learnt anything in Covidland, it’s how much I need good people around me. To support me. To love me. To lift me up. To cheer me on. To listen to me. To make me laugh. To let me cry. To remind me how amazing I truly am.

And I will always return the favour.

Thank you everyone who’s in my corner. You are amazing.

Sent to Coventry

Another road trip today. Rather than being sent to Coventry, I jumped at the chance to meet up with Katie. We met through a course we were doing and have been talking for months now. It was fabulous to meet up in person.

We talked non-stop. About life, entrepreneurship and business. Katie is helping me get my business strategy clear. More on that soon. 👏🏻

It did get me thinking though, why do you get sent to Coventry?! Anyone know?! I love finding out the stories behinds common phrases. There must be a a good story there…

Carry on showing

This photo came up on my memories and always makes me giggle. It was 7 years ago at The Veteran Horse Society Champs.

Is it any wonder we call it ‘Carry on Showing’?! I’ve definitely had more than a few laughs over the years at a variety of horse shows. Long may that continue!!

Deer deer

Another couple of firsts for Buddy today. Our first outing to Gunton Hall and his first experience of BIG deer!! And lots of them. There were several herd of Red and Fallow deer. The stags had huge antlers too. They really are magnificent creatures.

I have to admit, Buddy was amazing! He was a bit weirded out at times, but he soon settled. Very proud of him today. Even though there was lots for him to look at, he jumped lots of the bigger jumps there.

Stubble dreams

Oh how we’d love to go for a blast on the stubble. Buddy and I will have to keep dreaming though. We’re not allowed on these fields. I’m very grateful for the off-road hacking we have, so I wouldn’t want to break the rules. As tempting as this looks….

It’s definitely an equestrian thing. To look at a stubble field or a beach and think bring on the galloping….. 😝