On days like today, that is, when I’ve been in a mood, I like to reflect the differences between today and a year ago because I like to believe that progress of some sort has been made. A year ago today was the final day of the 35 day research cruise on the research vessel Seward Johnson. We had been cruising the western Equatorial Atlantic for five weeks and were pulling into port, when I misstepped on a flight of stairs that I had ran up and down in high seas and low seas and sprained my ankle so badly I had to be on crutches for a few days.
Today, a year later, on the other hand, I had a fabulous jumping lesson on the schoolmaster, Queen Sophia. Last year at this time I had taken a couple riding lessons as a reintroduction to riding after having been away from it for about 12 years. Then I went on the research cruise. Then sprained my ankle. So I didn’t get to seriously start riding again until July. Ten months later, I’m comfortably riding a course of 3′ jumps. My two-point position is pretty good, I can switch diagonals on the up instead of the down (horse people will know what I mean), my trainer doesn’t yell at me to keep my heels down any more, and I’m using my legs to drive the horse forward rather than pumping with my upper body and seat. That’s a lot of progress. My trainer is comfortable with me showing any time. All I have to do is buy the clothes. So far I have show breeches. In June, I’ll look at boots and possibly a jacket on consignment. Then all I need is a collared shirt, called a ratcatcher for some reason. And gloves. My velvet helmet should be good.
That I’ve made so much progress in my riding is good for my soul. My trainer tells me what I’m doing wrong and how to correct it and I do it. I can follow directions, it turns out. This progress is so important to me as I become more overwhelmed with my upcoming teaching assignments. Teach a lab on basic oceanography. I have no idea how to start. An interactive cd? A video? We can’t exactly make currents and different density water parcels in the lab. How about a field trip to Scripps? They have all kinds of interactive sets in the aquarium display. Oh wait, that’s too far. I also have to make a presentation on material I barely understand on Wednesday. My confidence is shaky. Thank goodness I’m riding well. I’m grateful to be reminded that I do something well. I need this kind of confidence booster in times like these.
Glad you are feeling so good about how well the riding is going. You say your confidence is shaky about school-related projects, but it’s like diving into a pool where you know the water is cold. You just do it–and then you’re really into it. Nothing to fear but fear itself.