Hello Reader,

July seems to have been the month of simple but profound celebrations -- all of which were remarkable for this recovery workaholic who made the time in the midst of internship and deadlines to savor the moments!

Yes, it is possible to quit striving and start thriving.

That's the sweet spot I'm living in this season.

If you've been around a while, you know that it's been hard won as I'm a work in progress just like you.

It's still hard to let things go. To say no. To not feel guilty. That panel of inner critics still tries to slam me with the "shoulds" but I'm getting really good at shutting them down.

Want to know how so you can follow suit? Well, it is this simple:

1. Admit you're driven in a way you'd like to change.
2. Get help through coaching or therapy to uncover the root issue and identify strategies for change.
3. Stay accountable to coaching, therapy, or a support team in implementing those changes.

And I'll add this . . .

Be humble before God, remembering that your time on this earth is but a breath.

Hurried and unhappy aren't the way we are made to live. There is another way when we slow down to savor the moments, like the ones I got to cherish this past month!

We celebrated our twins 18th birthday, which feels like an imaginary finish line for motherhood especially with both heading off to college this month. The timing of reading Mother Hunger as I seek to tend to my own mother wounds, has reminded me of the incredible importance of the role of mom throughout the lifespan of a child. I wish I knew back then what I know now in terms of how impactful the relationship between mom and child truly is -- it isn't just about keeping the little one alive and fed and dry. There is so much more in the relationship between mother and child that impacts the way we show up in life and navigate other relationships. I see this theory of attachment play out over and over again as I listen to clients share their stories. So this season of celebrating the milestone of becoming a mom of adults is quite poignant as I consider the ways I need to still show up for my kids.

The 18th of July was Kodiak Jack's Gotcha Day and marked one year together. What a year it has been -- becoming a first-time horse owner with all the new things to learn and grow through, while also staging a comeback from nearly debilitating fear. I never quite let on how scared I was to ride, especially canter, after my falls off Teddy in late 2021 and early 2022. Kody, as you might know, was my rebound and way more horse than I ever should have adopted considering my riding ability. But I fell in love with his personality -- which I love even more today. So he may be big and fast, but he is smart in a way that makes me feel safe. With him as my partner, I've navigated through fear and anxiety to find calm and confidence on the other side, loving the way he covers ground with ginormous strides at the canter plastering a smile on my face as I cowgirl on!

Speaking of Finding Calm, July also marked the completion of the manuscript for the book and course that is coming out with HorseClass.com in the late fall! Y'all, it is by the grace of God that I wrote this book in my sleep (and sleeplessness) while doing my practicum and starting my internship. When I signed the contract with HorseClass last fall, the concept was for a workbook. More than 50,000 words later, it is a full-length book and one that I am uber proud of! Although it is written for riders navigating through fear and anxiety, so much of the material is relevant for ALL equestrians and . . . humans! Yes, swap out the stories for situations without horses, and the bones of the content are so relevant for all of us humans who crave finding calm.

Last, but not least, my husband and I celebrated our 27th anniversary with a slow day together, packing a picnic and enjoying a putting (and going fast) around a local lake. He might not have caught any fish, but I got to do what I love -- unplug and nerd out reading about what makes horses and humans tick while spending time as first mate to the best man on the planet.

One more really exciting thing happened in July . . . but you'll have to wait until August to find out about it! Let's just say God answered a prayer I've been lifting up since I started grad school four years ago. I'm still pinching myself about the open door . . . which I'll tell you about as soon as I can!

In the meantime, I'd love to hear about what July moments you are savoring. Seriously, email me back and fill my inbox with good things to savor with you. I might not reply right away as I unplug on our family trip. It sure would be nice to come back to an inbox of good news!

As always, I'm here supporting you in the journey of arising, stabilizing, and thriving. Yes, I do believe that is possible for all of us!

Peace and grace,

Lisa

Founder of StableMinded.us

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Growth Opportunities

Join the wait list for online coaching! My schedule is booked through the end of September, so now is the time to reach out to get on the list when a spot opens up.

I have two openings for equine-assisted sessions! One on Monday morning at 10 am and Saturday at 10 am. Just reply by email and I will guide you in the next steps.

September and October are already filled up for the Restorative Retreats, so now is the time to book your Restorative Retreat for November through January! Yes, we can do it in the cold weather with our indoor space!

Interested in planning creative Leadership Development and Team Building Workshops for your company, church, or school? Drop me an email or complete the form on this page.

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Do you ride? Or know someone who does?

For the last six months, I've been working on a special curriculum for equestrians in partnership with Horseclass.com. Finding Calm: Helping Riders Navigate through Fear and Anxiety is expected to release in the fall of 2023. Woot, woot! This curriculum is packed full of the neuropsychological perspective that informs the way we think, live, and ride! But it is not only rich in science, it is steeped in story -- not only mine but others -- as well as practical worksheets for cultivating connection, confidence, courage, and calm!

I am so excited about the way this material will help riders and also the opportunity to coach riders in the Finding Calm Coaching Program, which is open to horsepeople in any discipline, season, or stage who are ready to tackle their fear and anxiety with a mindset shift that will transform their riding and horsemanship. I would be so grateful if you forwarded this information to the riders in your life!