farm girl leadership for today's woman

If a Horse Can Find His Joy and Purpose, Why Not us?

Camilla Gray-Nelson

Camilla Gray-Nelson

Johnnie’s story reminds me of many people I’ve met, who are smart, educated and successful in their careers, yet they seem unsatisfied.

Johnnie Fay is my Gypsy Vanner horse.  When I brought Johnnie home as a weanling, I had dreams of teaching him not only to be ridden, but to pull a carriage, as his breed pulled the Gypsy caravans long ago in the British Isles. 

It wasn’t long before I realized, however, that pulling a carriage was not Johnnie’s joy.  In spite of careful and professional training, he hated it. After multiple runaways and one significant trip to the ER when he attempted to run through a fence with me and the carriage in tow, I was finally convinced that carriage driving was not Johnnie’s “purpose.”  Neither was being ridden; he bucked everyone off who tried.  Johnnie was beautiful, admired and smart, but Johnnie was an unhappy soul.  “Why?”, I kept asking myself.

For fun, we tried giving him a paintbrush to hold….and the rest is history.  Johnnie learned to paint! 

To keep him busy, I hired someone to teach Johnnie a few tricks.  Lo and behold, Johnnie enjoyed it, and especially loved taking and holding things in his mouth.  For fun, we tried giving him a paintbrush to hold….and the rest is history.  Johnnie learned to paint!  No longer moody and resistant, Johnnie became joyful and engaged.  He loved it!  Painting became his passion and now he’s happy, relaxed and seems deeply satisfied with life.  He has created many incredible works of art and with a new zest for life, he’s always ready to do more.  Johnnie has found his Purpose!

Johnnie’s story reminds me of many people I’ve met, who are smart, educated and successful in their careers, yet they seem unsatisfied.  They are accomplished, but not fulfilled.  Perhaps if they found their own Purpose – a passion for something greater than themselves —  they , too, could find true joy and contentment.    

After all, if a horse can find his Purpose, why not us?

Camilla

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Photo of author Camilla Gray-Nelson

Camilla Gray-Nelson

“No, I’m not your average coach or mentor, but that’s exactly why you should follow my unique perspective on life, love and career! I promise I’ll share things you won’t learn anywhere else, helping you become Enlightened, Empowered and Effective by decoding the life-changing secrets of Mother Nature herself.”

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