Blog Post

"Do you need an ambulance?"

Ollie Smedley • Nov 11, 2020

Discovering we might need help to achieve our goals

I was stunned, flat on my back in the middle of the road looking up at a tractor driver.

Meanwhile, Jennifer, my youngest daughter was looking down at me from her horse, very concerned.

Of course, I'd been 'de-seated' - the more technical term for being chucked-off my horse after it took fright from a tractor.

You see, I'm not an experienced rider; I sort of learned back in my 20's when I worked at Esso Fawley Refinery in the New Forest - I used that time to learn to horse ride and sail.

(Nb. It's probably not good idea to ask me to sail you anywhere, either....).

But I love going for a hack every now and then and this was a Dad / Daughter thing that Jennifer and I thought we could do as we both got older.

However, the horse and tractor had other ideas and my inexperience showed when Sultan (that's what you call big horses....) lost the plot.

As I lay there, my first thought was "what have I broken?" shortly followed by "that really hurt!".

As my breath returned I slowly got back on my feet.

Luckily there was nothing broken and this time I didn't need an ambulance.

Now I know what you're thinking and, yes.... I eventually got back on the horse!

To be honest it didn't take me very long to decide, once I released I could actually climb back on.

Sultan, my bruised pride (& bum) and I walked the 200 yards back to the stables and off I went for a hot bath and some contemplation about how very fortunate I had been.

And the moral of the story?

Well I have to say it did take me a while to think about it as it's not about the horse or getting back up after a set-back. (I was glad I did, by the way.....).

No, it was actually about realising where I am with my riding and where I'd like to be.

My enthusiasm and commitment have got me quite a long way - I'm definitely an 'enthusiastic amateur'.

But I realise that if I'm serious about having this as a long-term activity for Jennifer and me - I need to approach it in the right way.

Whilst getting-by can be absolutely fine and is often enough - my fall reminded me that it can often take a set-back for us to realise that we need help to achieve our goals.

A kind of jolt to the senses that brings things into focus and ensures we get the expert help to get us on, or back on track.

Or in my case - on Sultan!

I'm happy to report it was a lucky jolt but some long overdue riding lessons are back on the agenda now that my bruises are fading!

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"You're having a tantrum - aren't you?!"

By Ollie Smedley • 11 Nov, 2020

Sometimes it can feel IMPOSSIBLE to stop yourself losing your temper!

Half Empty or Half Full?

By Ollie Smedley • 17 Mar, 2020

We have a choice about how we approach adversity

“I’m really busy. How are you?” “Good...yeah, busy too”. How many times have you heard that this week? However hard we try, this time of year always turns frantic. 🏆 Pushing 2019 business objectives over the line… 🎯 Planning for 2020…. 🍸 Social……. ✈ Holiday plans. 🎄 Christmas logistics – presents, diaries… ? And on and on… With a bit more than 2 weeks to go until Christmas, I call this stage: “I CAN STILL DO EVERYTHING!" - all that’s needed is for EVERYTHING to go perfectly and for NOTHING to get in the way.... I thought it might be better being self-employed but this week I’ve been juggling my diary, new client intake sessions, finishing my tax return, drinks with network….. Until, just in time, I noticed myself starting to inwardly grumble about leaving my desk for my daughter’s school concert. 🙈 Hmmmm…………the power of self-awareness… So I had a firm word with myself and was reminded: . I really can’t do it all. . Much of it can wait or doesn’t matter. . I won’t be distracted from the really important stuff ❤ What are you NOT going to do as you race to the finish?! Ps. The concert was fab!