02/05/2026
For a split second, I almost gave up and went back insideβ¦
We had a plan. We were going to take one of the horses for a mindful walk, soak in the gorgeous (but windy) weather, and get our daily movement in. But the horses had other ideas. One by one, they saw the halters and gave us a firm, spooky, "No thanks." Usually when we pull out the halters, the horses line up to volunteer, but not today.
In a busy, "go-go-go" life, itβs so easy to force the plan anyway. To push through the resistance because thatβs what was on the schedule. But itβs important to slow down and pause when plans get changed.
So, the horses were feeling fresh & spooky with all this wind. Thats when I looked at the goats. And the goats looked back at my son & I like: "Put us in, Coach."
Iβll be honestβIβve underestimated these guys over the last few months. Being my first experience with goats, I wasnβt sure what to make of them. I saw the stubbornness, but I missed the message.
Also, I knew they wouldnβt behave any differently in the wind, because they donβt seem to be bothered by much.
And it turns outβ¦Watching Colton lead the goats out was a masterclass in unexpected fun! They were incredibly polite, worked in perfect tandem, and matched our energy beautifully. They didnβt need more discipline; they needed enrichment. They needed a job. They needed a relationship. A leader, even.
The Lesson of the Goat Walk:
Sometimes the "crazy" in our lives (the stress, the kids acting out, the projects stalling, etc), isn't a sign to quit. Itβs a sign that we need a new approach. We get so caught up in the "way things should be" that we miss the beauty of what is.
Today, I found two new walking buddies and a fresh perspective. We tried something new, laughed at the absurdity of a goat parade, and remembered that even in a hectic week, there is always room for a pivot toward connection.
Don't overlook the "goats" in your life. The solution to your stress might be smaller, quirkier, and much more fun than the "horse" you were trying to lead. πβ¨
