- Going to work
- Going to the gym
- Keeping my planner
- Striving for my monthly goals
- Writing blog posts
- Coloring daily blocks for horses or exercise
- My planned competitions/clinics
- Studying
Mostly, I did what I needed to get through. I originally had thoughts of thriving through the pandemic, but just surviving quickly became the plan. Early in the month it meant doing puzzles so I felt like I was in control of some things. Oftentimes I didn't have motivation and wouldn't spend my time tacking my to-do list. I didn't even really want to think about it.
There were many great offerings of free education. I tried to do as many as I could and it was great, but pretty soon that got overwhelming also.
After the CSCA exam was cancelled in March, I replaced that Major Milestone goal with applying for a fellowship. I always knew that would be a very ambitious endeavor since it would require 20 hours of my time each week. After much thought, I decided to swap that Major Milestone goal out with another one. It took me awhile to come up with one that focused on my personal development outside of horses. But then when I found it, it just felt right. So, my newest Major Milestone goal is to finish 12 personal development books this year and I am right on track! I even finished Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin this month!
There has also been an influx of virtual competitions. So many that I had to decide which ones to do! April became a month of focusing on my in-hand work to compete and prepare for upcoming competitions. I am continuing with Virtual Obstacle shows. A similar competition held by a local trainer is now virtual and she offers an in-hand division of her Virtual Trail Rider Challenges. We found out we got 2nd in the first one and shot our video for the second one! We signed up for two Cowboy Dressage shows in the Walk only tests of Neck Rope Liberty. I'm excited to have more chances at hitting my Major Milestone goal of getting 72% in these tests. We also set up the full Cowboy Dressage Challenge Court in preparation for these shows. I also signed up for a Virtual Obstacle Challenge held by the North American Trail Riding Conference. This means lots of videos!
One of the most motivating things for me was a challenge to walk 50 miles for the Top Trail Tracks group. Of this 50% had to be with a pet. I walked with both Binks (my dog) and Zeke. I hit this goal! It was great and I signed up for another walking challenge in May. I realized that every time I lost weight I was making efforts to walk, and I needed a way to stay active since gyms are closed.
But don't get the impression that April was a total wash. It really wasn't. April was just very atypical. I decided this would be a year I try tomatoes in containers for the first time since we moved out of our apartment. I learned how to tie a bowline knot in the neck rope for liberty. I took a leap and ordered rhythm bead mane clips as a future reward! I've struggled to think of rewards, so now I have a good one lined up. I just have to decide what it should be a reward for. We made multiple outings with the trailer. Dan and Alex are learning how to get along on the trail. Zeke is getting some calm experiences trailering, following, and being in new places. We got the mattress for our living quarters and started getting things settled to start camping once it is allowed again.
April was different. It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. I've learned a lot about myself and have grown closer to Zeke and Alex. I wouldn't trade that. I know in May I have to form a routine again, but more on that in another post!