This girl loves horses.
And we have told her since she was 5, she could quit anytime she wanted.
Because we want her to do it because she LOVES it.
Not for competition, likes, trophies, medals, or accolades.
Because she loves the hobby.
Not for crowd recognition, spectators, or applause.
Because she WANTS to be there and it sets her heart on fire.
Not to make money or to win ribbons.
Because it’s fun, joyful, a good place to learn, and an inclusive experience for her.
Not to make her parents happy or because everyone else is doing it.
Because she can’t imagine not doing it.
I don’t want her to look at hobbies as only things she can “win” at, use to make money, or improve her “resume” for college.
I feel like we have this “achieve, achieve, achieve” culture for our kids now. Urging them to always be performing, achieving, excelling, and performing. We don’t give them time to explore, learn themselves, try different things, or just frankly…..relax.
I want her to find passions that she loves and are just for her–
Whether or not anyone else is in the arena watching her.
