Shurla has attended two Unbridled Retreats. She is a recent graduate of a health coaching program, proud mom of a 13-year old son, and CEO of her household. How did you discover Unbridled, and when was your first retreat? My first retreat was the beginning of my journey. It was Spring of 2018. I […]
Living the Transitions, Cowgirl-Style by Martina Will, PhD “Life is in the transitions.” – William James In their cowboy boots and hats, they look like cowgirls, but the horseback women at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado include the CEO of a high-end skincare line, a massage therapist, a former college professor, and an […]
This month’s Sisterhood Spotlight is Sarah from New Hampshire. Sarah, who has been to four Unbridled Retreats, is 70 years old but says she doesn’t feel that way. A retired nurse turned baker (her dream job), Sarah is living proof that when you are Unbridled, life just keeps getting better. When did you go on […]
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The Best Way to Start Your Day The #1 habit I began to change my disorganized mess into tidy success was making my bed every day. Now, it’s a non-negotiable for me that starts every morning off right. It’s amazing how a daily 60-second act has changed my self-perception. Achieving this simple task each day […]
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Interview with Unbridled Alum Jen O’Hare What was your vision going into your first retreat? Afterwards, how did that change? And how do you stay anchored to it? My first retreat was at White Stallion Ranch in Arizona in November 2021. It was right after I’d turned 50, and I wanted to do something special […]
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Women are choosing to attend women’s retreats more and more as a way to find inspiration, purpose and community, while engaging in fun activities and exploring new, beautiful locations. According to Pamela Madsen, author of Shameless, “Women are on a mission to find something bigger in their own lives. And though retreats can be an […]
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My relationships have changed drastically in the past sixteen years. First, is my relationship with horses. Second, is my relationship with my body. Both of these relationships are now based on a two-way street of communication, mutual respect, trust and compassion. I grew up in the ego-dominated world of showing horses competitively where it was strictly […]
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“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu Horses live in the present moment. They aren’t worried about the fight they had with their spouse yesterday, or what the […]
None of us are raised to think about our breathing. We assume breathing just comes naturally. Some cultures, and religions, and scientific studies, however, show us the significant benefits of bringing awareness to your breath. When we take short breaths, we tend to be disconnected from our physical sensations and stuck in our head—overthinking, uptight, and […]
Are you going through a rough time, feeling out of whack, or just want some tools to feel better in general? Check out my TOP 5 TIPS FOR WELL-BEING… BE IN NATURE “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir Being in nature is an efficient healing source and a […]
“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey Yesterday, I got a text from Luis, the man who turns my sprinklers on each spring. He asked if he could come over in the afternoon to turn my sprinkler system on. Luis has a waitlist of clients this […]
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When you feel inspired, there’s a reason. It’s an intuitive hit saying pay attention, this is a bread crumb on the trail, see where this leads. This morning, I was up at 5:15am, journaling (I’ve been getting up WAY earlier in the past two months since I stopped drinking alcohol) and I had Spotify music […]
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Since moving to the ranchette, I’ve softened. My energy has softened, my voice has softened and my body has softened. I’ve started living in alignment with who I truly am. When I’m on the phone, my friends tell me that my voice is less intense. I’m not trying so hard and pushing to make things […]
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Awhile back something happened that really rocked me. I received my first scathing email from someone who attended a retreat I led. As I opened the email and read the first sentence, I stopped breathing and braced myself for the blow that was coming. My eyes raced through the first paragraph, trying to avoid the […]
While scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed this morning, I stopped mid scroll when I came across Dr. Christiane Northrup’s post. (Side note, if you haven’t read her book “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”, I suggest you do so immediately.) She posted: “What did you love when you were between nine and eleven years old? Is that […]
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I learned just how powerful my intuition is when I packed up my life, left a six year real estate career, cashed my last commission check, and moved from a Denver townhouse to the Larkspur ranch. Well-intentioned friends, family and colleagues advised me to keep my real estate license “just in case” and “as a […]
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A life of riding became my life’s mission to help others experience the transformative power of horses. I was blessed to grow up with horses, although at the time I didn’t realize just how lucky I was. Both of my parents are horse people. Every Sunday we would go to the pasture across from my […]
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“Music is the universal language of mankind.” – Henry Wadsworth Music is healing balm and can help us process and release our emotions. Connecting through music enables us to communicate with people and confront thoughts and fears that are hidden below the surface. Music to Inspire: “Music has real health benefits. It boosts dopamine, lowers […]
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As a coach, one of the most common things I hear from people is “I have a dream but I’m stuck on HOW to make it happen.” I’ve been there too, and here’s what I’ve learned… Check out the 5 steps for HOW to make your dream happen: 1. Ignore your Inner Critic The more […]
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I’m getting better at communicating my needs. Last week I was with my family on a vacation in Mexico – my first family trip in 2 years. I’m used to traveling alone, living alone, and being on my own most of the time. I love my family AND my introverted self was worried about being […]
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When I have too much routine, I go crazy. I crave adventure, I need adventure, especially in nature. Adventure is food for my soul. One of the beauties of working from home is creating my own schedule. I go on mid-week adventures and spontaneously pick places to explore. This week I chose Kenosha Pass, a […]
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I just busted myself in a familiar pattern – avoiding my creative impulse. I got up early, couldn’t go back to sleep, and “Charley,” my cat, was walking all over me – a sign from the Universe to wake up and write. I walked downstairs, fed Charley, started typing on my laptop. Ten minutes in, […]
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Recently I’ve been reading my old journals. The #1 difference I notice between my past and present is the way I talk to myself. Self-talk. Old journals have scribbled, “Why do you keep doing this?” to current journals reading, “You’ve got this, Dev.” My relationship with myself has changed drastically over the years and I […]
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Are you overworked, overscheduled, feeling contained, and wanting to break free? It’s time to become Unbridled. You’ve been holding onto the reins of life so tightly that your “sense of security” is robbing you of joy. Time to gently let go, trust more and worry less, ease up on yourself and everyone around you. Life […]
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Do you know the biggest difference between people who are living their dreams and those who aren’t? It’s TAKING ACTION AND GOING FOR IT IN SPITE OF FEAR, plus the ability to tolerate risk, uncertainty and feeling uncomfortable for a while. There are no guarantees in life and none of us know what the trail […]
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This picture of Detail and I was taken 3 years ago. I keep posting it to remember the good old days before lameness took over. Detail’s been off for over a year now. We’ve tried changing vets, changing farriers, ultrasounds, Platelet Rich Plasma injections, arthritis medications, corrective shoeing, chiropractic adjustments, Reiki, the list goes on… […]
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This is Lobo, a ranch horse, who was at liberty (loose) in a large riding arena at the Unbridled Retreat. He walked right over to a woman in our group who was sharing her pain of being in an abusive marriage. Lobo promptly nudged his way to her heart and acknowledged, honored, and validated how […]
Giving your fears the boot is a skill and a practice. Your fears have most likely have been with you for a long time, but they DO NOT have to control your life. Here are 7 solutions to help you confront and overcome your fears… 1. WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF FROM YOUR FEAR Acknowledge […]
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The Unbridled Retreat was showcased in Horse Illustrated Magazine! Read the article below… Equine Wellness Retreats by Stacey McKenna As equestrians, we know that horses are good for us, and often head to the barn on the most stressful of days. In recent years, that intuition has been supported by a bevy of scientific evidence. […]
Last week, I did 2 things that were uncomfortable. First, I went to a fitness center I’d never been, Orange Theory, and worked out with 20 strangers for one hour. I felt uncomfortable not knowing the workout routine, or how to use the machines. The instructor walked me though the gym and described the […]
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COWGIRL LIFE: Cowgirl Rising When a woman’s attempt to live the cowgirl dream is derailed by a series of personal tragedies, she explores beyond the arena in hopes of getting back in the saddle. By Deborah Donohue Photography by Lori Faith The sun was setting in a pool of pink, crimson and gold behind the […]
Recently, a friend mentioned she eats avocado toast for breakfast. I was intrigued for a number of reasons… 1. It sounded healthy and delicious. 2. I’m tired of Kashi cereal and almond milk every morning. 3. My theme word for 2019 is E X P A N S I O N and my focus is […]
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Happy New Years! On New Year’s Eve I stayed in and burned a Duraflame log in the fireplace, sipped some bubbly, watched “Big Little Lies,” got in bed, thanked the Universe aloud for lessons learned in 2018, and turned out the light at 12:04am. The older I get, the less I’m concerned with FOMO (Fear […]
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Imagine standing in front of a room of people for three minutes and saying absolutely nothing. Just standing there. Making eye contact. Breathing. Connecting. No words. This is what I signed up to do, yes, paid for, in a class I attended called Soul Speaks. Throughout the class, each person has three individual turns to stand […]
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I was going to write about the beautiful snow this morning but something else is on the forefront. What’s going on is I like a guy. His name is “J” and he has big muscles and writes poetry. Yesterday he shared some of his poetry with me and it was deep. Thoughtful. Spoke right to […]
I recently read a poem aloud at the Montana Retreat and I got chills because IT’S THAT GOOD. The poem strikes a deep chord for me, and I have a feeling it may resonate for you too. It’s called “You Have Permission” by Leonie Dawson… “Today, and everyday, you have permission. You have permission. You have permission to say no […]
Last Saturday night I called my friends to go out dancing and nobody was available. I was bummed because I really wanted to go out, and my intuition was nudging me to dance. I couldn’t bear staying in another night, zoning out to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I had a choice: take myself out […]
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Chronic people-pleasing is a crime. It’s a crime against your soul, who you are, your unique gifts, purpose and message to share with the world. By the time I was 21 years old, I was addicted to people-pleasing and external validation. I didn’t believe that I was good enough. Or smart enough. Or cool enough. […]
At 7:06am I hear the clanking of heavy machinery outside my loft balcony and I know construction has begun. When I hear the “beep, beep, beep” of bulldozers, I think of my ex-boyfriend Monte. Monte was a construction foreman and a cattle rancher, but it was construction that gave him a steady paycheck and health […]
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I checked an item off my bucket list. I jumped out of a plane that was 12,000 feet in the air. I went skydiving. It was terrifying and exhilarating. As I turned on the dirt road toward Out of the Blue Skydiving in Calhan, CO, I peered up from my car windshield and spotted a […]
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With a heavy heart I need to share that Playboy, my incredible equine partner, is no longer with us, in physical form. Due to health complications, he made his transition while I stroked his forelock and sobbed goodbye. He was an integral part of my life and a beloved member of Beyond the Arena and Unbridled […]
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” Thanks, Henry David Thoreau, but what if I don’t have the confidence yet? Here’s what I propose, “Go in the direction of your dreams….one shaky step at a time.” “I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.” – […]
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Recently I stayed at Canyon Ranch…a world renowned healing and wellness resort in Tucson, Arizona. I got my boots shined at the airport, then flew down to meet about a position to create and run their equine retreats for 2018. It was a dream come true. During my meeting, I sat at the head of a […]
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Being present allows us to enjoy and experience our lives more fully. It relives stress, brings peace of mind, and deep contentment. As I type this blog, I’m listening to the click-clack of computer keys and smiling because it reminds me of a horse’s hooves on pavement; click-clack, click-clack. It’s my first time noticing this […]
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Yesterday I drove through the sprawling New Mexico desert headed south to the Unbridled Arizona Retreat. Two hours past Albuquerque, I got a hit of inspiration to share my manifesto after singing along to Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” and listening to a Podcast about lifestyle manifestoes. Listen to my manifesto by clicking below: What’s […]
“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” –Vicki Harrison I woke up this morning feeling sad. I had a tear streaming down my face before I got out of bed. The busy-ness of […]
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I met a guy when I wasn’t looking to meet a guy. I was innocently walking around Cheyenne Frontier Days when I got roped, literally, by a 3-year-old kid walking behind me. I felt the rope come over my boot-clad ankle, then heard a giggle. I turned around and saw a cute kid in a […]
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It’s been a month since I began boarding Detail and Playboy at a beautiful new barn and it’s freed up my time immensely. Detail is fed twice a day, Playboy is fed 3 times a day, and that’s 90 times someone else has fed my horses this past month. 90 times I didn’t have to […]
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Growing up, my mom used to tell me that quote and I’d roll my eyes. Now, I realize how true it is. Earlier this week, I was supposed to meet a blind date for coffee. This was a blind date I was excited about. His profile pictures looked great, his online messaging banter was witty […]
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Recently, my life has been in flux with lots of uncertainty. I gave my 30 days notice at the ranch where I live and work and I don’t know where I’m moving yet. It’s the right decision, to move on. My intuition had been telling me to do it for months yet I was paralyzed […]
You know what feels good? Decluttering. Last night I cleared out 4 large drawers under my Ikea bed and here’s the result (Charley supervises while Namo sleeps peacefully in the background)… In the pile are 46 items I’m giving away and that does NOT include the tattered clothes I’m throwing out. 46 items I haven’t used […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.png00Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2017-02-03 11:46:362017-02-03 12:24:40How to Declutter and Bring More Joy into your Life
I’m a 33 year old woman. I live in a commercial-sized chicken coop turned cozy cottage (see pics below). I have two horses named Detail and Playboy, one dog named Namo, and one cat named Charley. I love to ride horses and help people. I like open spaces and feeling free. I like being myself. […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.png00Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2016-12-14 09:40:172018-01-07 12:16:42Back in the dating saddle
It’s Arizona or bust. Today, I’m embarking on one of my favorite trips…a road trip to Tucson, Arizona where my ultimate destination is White Stallion Ranch where I’m leading the UNBRIDLED Retreat. I love a good road trip. Do you like road trips too? There’s something about being on the open road with the windows down blasting Steppenwolf, Taylor Swift […]
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Today is my 33rd birthday. I like the sound of “3-3″…I think those are lucky numbers so I’m going to go with it. One thing I want to do this year is to write more, and I’m beginning today. Kind of like making a commitment to go to the gym except I don’t need to […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.png00Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2016-10-21 10:07:462016-10-21 10:31:05It’s my birthday and here’s what I’m doing
I currently have my laptop on my right and The Right to Write by Julia Cameron, on my left. I also have my phone playing Tim Wheater’s flute music which the book suggests. I know two things for sure in this moment: number one, I feel called to write and number two, I’m stuck on what […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.png00Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2016-08-26 05:58:312018-09-05 15:35:45Grieving the loss of my relationship
Look! The UNBRIDLED Retreat was featured in COWGIRL Magazine’s 2016 June edition. Step into the boots of COWGIRL editor, Deborah Donohue, and read about her life-changing UNBRIDLED experience and how she overcame her fears, once and for all. “When a woman’s attempt to live the cowgirl dream is derailed by a series of personal tragedies, […]
Chronic people-pleasing is a crime. It’s a crime against your soul, who you are, your unique gifts, purpose and message to share with the world. By the time I was 21 years old, I was addicted to people-pleasing and external validation. I didn’t believe that I was good enough. Or smart enough. Or cool enough. […]
I always appreciate when people are real with me. Genuine straight talk. Tell me the down and dirty of how they got started in pursuing their dreams and what worked for them and what didn’t. Not just “Rah, rah, you can do it!” but the actual reality of how they did it. Recently, a fellow […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.png00Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2016-01-26 00:01:432018-04-02 09:34:40What it REALLY takes to make your dreams come true
Everyone has a calling; a path to follow. It’s our job to follow that calling in whichever direction it leads. It means trusting your intuition and having faith, letting go of who you think you “should be” and embracing who you are. When you follow what you love, you find what you’ve been looking for. […]
I just did something I haven’t done in a long time. I went for a run. Laced up my sneakers and bolted out the door before my familiar excuses could sneak up on me. I took off down the dirt ranch road and hit the street pavement running. It felt foreign and liberating to move my […]
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Twelve years ago I was in Tucson, Arizona as a patient at a holistic eating disorder treatment center called Mirasol. I had hit rock bottom and was in the throes of self-loathing, addiction, and numbness. Recently I returned to Tucson, Arizona and it was for a different reason…to lead UNBRIDLED, a holistic healing retreat at […]
You’ve seen the commercial…. Scenes of a couple holding hands while horseback riding into the sunset, snuggling by the campfire together and staring up at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck. These picturesque scenarios spoke right to my heart and said, “You too, can have all this…at FarmersOnly.com.” So, being single in […]
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I’m not usually one to fall when it comes to horses or men…it takes a lot to jolt me out of the saddle or jolt my romantic heart. However, I crossed trails with a cowboy and I was swept off my feet. I had an instant connection with this man, a soul connection. He understood my […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/arms-outstrecthed-2-1.jpg214377Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2014-10-28 19:02:252016-09-30 19:50:45How to get back in the saddle after falling hard…for a cowboy
I write this in honor of our beloved paint horse, friend and herd member, Sadie. She was laid to rest in the green grass by her favorite west pasture, the one with the hill where she liked to stand and overlook the ranch. My heart aches and the tears come in waves. Sadie told us, […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/sadie-hill1.jpg640640Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2014-09-12 01:23:392021-05-18 11:00:09In honor of Sadie and what our beloved animals teach us
Sometimes a woman needs a change of scenery. As much as I love the Colorado ranch, I needed to go beyond the arena for a few days. On an adventure to Big Sky Country for a Wildheart Retreat. I decided to drive there. My gut told me I needed a solo road trip. I didn’t […]
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams…” Thanks, Henry David Thoreau, but what if I don’t have the confidence yet? Here’s what I propose, “Go in the direction of your dreams…one shaky step at a time.” “I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.” ~Georgia […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Just-a-girl.jpg226300Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2014-07-23 15:09:122017-12-19 21:20:52What to do when the Confidence train doesn’t stop at your station
GRATITUDE. This morning I was tossing and turning and got up at 3:12am and could not go back to sleep. It was because of a couple of things. I was focused on feeling alone and not having a special someone to share my life with (a “lack of” thought). I also believe and have experienced […]
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about L.O.V.E. and questioning my old defiant attitude toward staying single. Maybe it’s because it’s summer and everywhere I look I see couples outside, holding hands. Maybe it’s because my friends are bringing along their boyfriends, fiances and husbands on our former “girls only” happy hours. Maybe it’s because […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/country-love-1.jpg335500Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2014-07-03 15:17:472018-01-07 12:07:25WANTED: Intimate love, holding hands and long country drives
The last few days have been weird. A flashback into my past. I stayed at my parents house for a few nights taking care of their dogs, koi fish and bullfrog (I clearly hail from a family of animal fanatics) while they are out of town. It felt strange being in the childhood home I […]
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The last few weeks have been tough for my family. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news was a shock to all of us. It felt like someone hit me with a stun gun. I couldn’t react. I couldn’t believe it. Yet the tests were in and it was confirmed. My family huddled […]
https://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/horsehugs.jpg239360Unbridled Retreatshttps://unbridledretreats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/unbridled-retreats-logo-navy-300x108.pngUnbridled Retreats2014-03-04 17:32:192016-09-30 20:33:19Cancer. And what a real hug feels like.
Yesterday I got a horrible text. It was from the morning feed crew at the ranch. It came at 7:27am and it read “I know you had a lot on your mind last night, but you left Archer in the stall.” My heart stopped momentarily and my upbeat morning coffee buzz came to an abrupt halt. […]
Earlier this week I received a private Facebook message that stopped me in my tracks. A Facebook “former” fan of Beyond the Arena, someone whom I do not know and have never met, wrote me this: “I liked your page because it was about getting conscious and going inward with the power of horses. Comparing a […]
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I recently had an intervention from an obsession that crept up on me so fast, it hit me like a ton of bricks when I finally felt the reality of it. Being single for a while, and frankly, just curious, I joined the online dating site, Match.com. I took my time, finding the “best” pictures […]
Sisterhood Spotlight with Unbridled Alum, Shurla
/in Unbridled Alums/by Devon CombsShurla has attended two Unbridled Retreats. She is a recent graduate of a health coaching program, proud mom of a 13-year old son, and CEO of her household. How did you discover Unbridled, and when was your first retreat? My first retreat was the beginning of my journey. It was Spring of 2018. I […]
Sisterhood Spotlight with Unbridled Alum, Martina Will, PhD
/in Unbridled Alums/by Devon CombsLiving the Transitions, Cowgirl-Style by Martina Will, PhD “Life is in the transitions.” – William James In their cowboy boots and hats, they look like cowgirls, but the horseback women at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado include the CEO of a high-end skincare line, a massage therapist, a former college professor, and an […]
Sisterhood Spotlight with Unbridled Alum, Sarah
/in Unbridled Alums/by Devon CombsThis month’s Sisterhood Spotlight is Sarah from New Hampshire. Sarah, who has been to four Unbridled Retreats, is 70 years old but says she doesn’t feel that way. A retired nurse turned baker (her dream job), Sarah is living proof that when you are Unbridled, life just keeps getting better. When did you go on […]
Self Care 101—Make Your Bed and Lift Your Mood
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsThe Best Way to Start Your Day The #1 habit I began to change my disorganized mess into tidy success was making my bed every day. Now, it’s a non-negotiable for me that starts every morning off right. It’s amazing how a daily 60-second act has changed my self-perception. Achieving this simple task each day […]
Interview With Unbridled Alum Jen O’Hare
/in Unbridled Alums/by Devon CombsInterview with Unbridled Alum Jen O’Hare What was your vision going into your first retreat? Afterwards, how did that change? And how do you stay anchored to it? My first retreat was at White Stallion Ranch in Arizona in November 2021. It was right after I’d turned 50, and I wanted to do something special […]
8 Reasons to Go on a Women’s Retreat
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsWomen are choosing to attend women’s retreats more and more as a way to find inspiration, purpose and community, while engaging in fun activities and exploring new, beautiful locations. According to Pamela Madsen, author of Shameless, “Women are on a mission to find something bigger in their own lives. And though retreats can be an […]
Is your relationship with your body based on CONTROL?
/in Events, Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsMy relationships have changed drastically in the past sixteen years. First, is my relationship with horses. Second, is my relationship with my body. Both of these relationships are now based on a two-way street of communication, mutual respect, trust and compassion. I grew up in the ego-dominated world of showing horses competitively where it was strictly […]
How to Meditate in 7 Simple Steps
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled Retreats“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu Horses live in the present moment. They aren’t worried about the fight they had with their spouse yesterday, or what the […]
A Reminder to Breathe
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsNone of us are raised to think about our breathing. We assume breathing just comes naturally. Some cultures, and religions, and scientific studies, however, show us the significant benefits of bringing awareness to your breath. When we take short breaths, we tend to be disconnected from our physical sensations and stuck in our head—overthinking, uptight, and […]
Top 5 tips for Well-Being
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsAre you going through a rough time, feeling out of whack, or just want some tools to feel better in general? Check out my TOP 5 TIPS FOR WELL-BEING… BE IN NATURE “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir Being in nature is an efficient healing source and a […]
How to NOT multi-task
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled Retreats“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but schedule your priorities.” Stephen Covey Yesterday, I got a text from Luis, the man who turns my sprinklers on each spring. He asked if he could come over in the afternoon to turn my sprinkler system on. Luis has a waitlist of clients this […]
When Inspiration hits, do this
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsWhen you feel inspired, there’s a reason. It’s an intuitive hit saying pay attention, this is a bread crumb on the trail, see where this leads. This morning, I was up at 5:15am, journaling (I’ve been getting up WAY earlier in the past two months since I stopped drinking alcohol) and I had Spotify music […]
Do you feed your Soul or your Ego?
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsSince moving to the ranchette, I’ve softened. My energy has softened, my voice has softened and my body has softened. I’ve started living in alignment with who I truly am. When I’m on the phone, my friends tell me that my voice is less intense. I’m not trying so hard and pushing to make things […]
How to Handle Criticism
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsAwhile back something happened that really rocked me. I received my first scathing email from someone who attended a retreat I led. As I opened the email and read the first sentence, I stopped breathing and braced myself for the blow that was coming. My eyes raced through the first paragraph, trying to avoid the […]
Do you struggle to find your passion? Try THIS…
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsWhile scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed this morning, I stopped mid scroll when I came across Dr. Christiane Northrup’s post. (Side note, if you haven’t read her book “Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom”, I suggest you do so immediately.) She posted: “What did you love when you were between nine and eleven years old? Is that […]
Trust your intuition to follow your dreams
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsI learned just how powerful my intuition is when I packed up my life, left a six year real estate career, cashed my last commission check, and moved from a Denver townhouse to the Larkspur ranch. Well-intentioned friends, family and colleagues advised me to keep my real estate license “just in case” and “as a […]
My Life with Horses
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsA life of riding became my life’s mission to help others experience the transformative power of horses. I was blessed to grow up with horses, although at the time I didn’t realize just how lucky I was. Both of my parents are horse people. Every Sunday we would go to the pasture across from my […]
The Healing Power of Music
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled Retreats“Music is the universal language of mankind.” – Henry Wadsworth Music is healing balm and can help us process and release our emotions. Connecting through music enables us to communicate with people and confront thoughts and fears that are hidden below the surface. Music to Inspire: “Music has real health benefits. It boosts dopamine, lowers […]
How to get unstuck and make your dream happen
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsAs a coach, one of the most common things I hear from people is “I have a dream but I’m stuck on HOW to make it happen.” I’ve been there too, and here’s what I’ve learned… Check out the 5 steps for HOW to make your dream happen: 1. Ignore your Inner Critic The more […]
Telling My Family I Need Alone Time
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsI’m getting better at communicating my needs. Last week I was with my family on a vacation in Mexico – my first family trip in 2 years. I’m used to traveling alone, living alone, and being on my own most of the time. I love my family AND my introverted self was worried about being […]
Adventure and the Joy of Feeling Alive
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsWhen I have too much routine, I go crazy. I crave adventure, I need adventure, especially in nature. Adventure is food for my soul. One of the beauties of working from home is creating my own schedule. I go on mid-week adventures and spontaneously pick places to explore. This week I chose Kenosha Pass, a […]
How I overcame my inner critic this morning
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsI just busted myself in a familiar pattern – avoiding my creative impulse. I got up early, couldn’t go back to sleep, and “Charley,” my cat, was walking all over me – a sign from the Universe to wake up and write. I walked downstairs, fed Charley, started typing on my laptop. Ten minutes in, […]
How to Be Kind to Yourself
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsRecently I’ve been reading my old journals. The #1 difference I notice between my past and present is the way I talk to myself. Self-talk. Old journals have scribbled, “Why do you keep doing this?” to current journals reading, “You’ve got this, Dev.” My relationship with myself has changed drastically over the years and I […]
How to become Unbridled
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsAre you overworked, overscheduled, feeling contained, and wanting to break free? It’s time to become Unbridled. You’ve been holding onto the reins of life so tightly that your “sense of security” is robbing you of joy. Time to gently let go, trust more and worry less, ease up on yourself and everyone around you. Life […]
The #1 Thing to Do to Follow Your Dreams
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsDo you know the biggest difference between people who are living their dreams and those who aren’t? It’s TAKING ACTION AND GOING FOR IT IN SPITE OF FEAR, plus the ability to tolerate risk, uncertainty and feeling uncomfortable for a while. There are no guarantees in life and none of us know what the trail […]
Letting Go of What Was, and Accepting What Is
/in Health and Wellness, Uncategorized/by Unbridled RetreatsThis picture of Detail and I was taken 3 years ago. I keep posting it to remember the good old days before lameness took over. Detail’s been off for over a year now. We’ve tried changing vets, changing farriers, ultrasounds, Platelet Rich Plasma injections, arthritis medications, corrective shoeing, chiropractic adjustments, Reiki, the list goes on… […]
How Horses Validate our Feelings
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsThis is Lobo, a ranch horse, who was at liberty (loose) in a large riding arena at the Unbridled Retreat. He walked right over to a woman in our group who was sharing her pain of being in an abusive marriage. Lobo promptly nudged his way to her heart and acknowledged, honored, and validated how […]
7 Solutions to Give Your Fears the Boot
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsGiving your fears the boot is a skill and a practice. Your fears have most likely have been with you for a long time, but they DO NOT have to control your life. Here are 7 solutions to help you confront and overcome your fears… 1. WRITE A LETTER TO YOURSELF FROM YOUR FEAR Acknowledge […]
Unbridled Retreat showcased in Horse Illustrated Magazine
/in Events/by Unbridled RetreatsThe Unbridled Retreat was showcased in Horse Illustrated Magazine! Read the article below… Equine Wellness Retreats by Stacey McKenna As equestrians, we know that horses are good for us, and often head to the barn on the most stressful of days. In recent years, that intuition has been supported by a bevy of scientific evidence. […]
To Change Your Life You Must Do This….
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsLast week, I did 2 things that were uncomfortable. First, I went to a fitness center I’d never been, Orange Theory, and worked out with 20 strangers for one hour. I felt uncomfortable not knowing the workout routine, or how to use the machines. The instructor walked me though the gym and described the […]
Cowgirl Magazine Article
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsCOWGIRL LIFE: Cowgirl Rising When a woman’s attempt to live the cowgirl dream is derailed by a series of personal tragedies, she explores beyond the arena in hopes of getting back in the saddle. By Deborah Donohue Photography by Lori Faith The sun was setting in a pool of pink, crimson and gold behind the […]
Increase Your Self-Confidence with Avocado Toast
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsRecently, a friend mentioned she eats avocado toast for breakfast. I was intrigued for a number of reasons… 1. It sounded healthy and delicious. 2. I’m tired of Kashi cereal and almond milk every morning. 3. My theme word for 2019 is E X P A N S I O N and my focus is […]
Beyond the Arena is 9! (and 9 lessons I’ve learned)
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsWhat I’m Focusing on in 2019
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsHappy New Years! On New Year’s Eve I stayed in and burned a Duraflame log in the fireplace, sipped some bubbly, watched “Big Little Lies,” got in bed, thanked the Universe aloud for lessons learned in 2018, and turned out the light at 12:04am. The older I get, the less I’m concerned with FOMO (Fear […]
My three minute public speech in SILENCE
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsImagine standing in front of a room of people for three minutes and saying absolutely nothing. Just standing there. Making eye contact. Breathing. Connecting. No words. This is what I signed up to do, yes, paid for, in a class I attended called Soul Speaks. Throughout the class, each person has three individual turns to stand […]
Sarcasm to avoid intimacy
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsI was going to write about the beautiful snow this morning but something else is on the forefront. What’s going on is I like a guy. His name is “J” and he has big muscles and writes poetry. Yesterday he shared some of his poetry with me and it was deep. Thoughtful. Spoke right to […]
You Have Permission
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsI recently read a poem aloud at the Montana Retreat and I got chills because IT’S THAT GOOD. The poem strikes a deep chord for me, and I have a feeling it may resonate for you too. It’s called “You Have Permission” by Leonie Dawson… “Today, and everyday, you have permission. You have permission. You have permission to say no […]
How I Danced Away My Fear
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsLast Saturday night I called my friends to go out dancing and nobody was available. I was bummed because I really wanted to go out, and my intuition was nudging me to dance. I couldn’t bear staying in another night, zoning out to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I had a choice: take myself out […]
From Handcuffs to Horses….my People-Pleasing Journey
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsChronic people-pleasing is a crime. It’s a crime against your soul, who you are, your unique gifts, purpose and message to share with the world. By the time I was 21 years old, I was addicted to people-pleasing and external validation. I didn’t believe that I was good enough. Or smart enough. Or cool enough. […]
Why Construction Makes Me Think of Him
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsAt 7:06am I hear the clanking of heavy machinery outside my loft balcony and I know construction has begun. When I hear the “beep, beep, beep” of bulldozers, I think of my ex-boyfriend Monte. Monte was a construction foreman and a cattle rancher, but it was construction that gave him a steady paycheck and health […]
Just Jump: Why I Jumped out of a Plane
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsI checked an item off my bucket list. I jumped out of a plane that was 12,000 feet in the air. I went skydiving. It was terrifying and exhilarating. As I turned on the dirt road toward Out of the Blue Skydiving in Calhan, CO, I peered up from my car windshield and spotted a […]
A Tribute to Playboy
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsWith a heavy heart I need to share that Playboy, my incredible equine partner, is no longer with us, in physical form. Due to health complications, he made his transition while I stroked his forelock and sobbed goodbye. He was an integral part of my life and a beloved member of Beyond the Arena and Unbridled […]
Do What Scares You
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled Retreats“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.” Thanks, Henry David Thoreau, but what if I don’t have the confidence yet? Here’s what I propose, “Go in the direction of your dreams….one shaky step at a time.” “I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.” – […]
I am enough, I know enough, and I am worthy
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsRecently I stayed at Canyon Ranch…a world renowned healing and wellness resort in Tucson, Arizona. I got my boots shined at the airport, then flew down to meet about a position to create and run their equine retreats for 2018. It was a dream come true. During my meeting, I sat at the head of a […]
How to be Present (in 10 mins or less)
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsBeing present allows us to enjoy and experience our lives more fully. It relives stress, brings peace of mind, and deep contentment. As I type this blog, I’m listening to the click-clack of computer keys and smiling because it reminds me of a horse’s hooves on pavement; click-clack, click-clack. It’s my first time noticing this […]
What’s Your Manifesto?
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsYesterday I drove through the sprawling New Mexico desert headed south to the Unbridled Arizona Retreat. Two hours past Albuquerque, I got a hit of inspiration to share my manifesto after singing along to Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild,” and listening to a Podcast about lifestyle manifestoes. Listen to my manifesto by clicking below: What’s […]
Grieving the loss of my best friend
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled Retreats“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” –Vicki Harrison I woke up this morning feeling sad. I had a tear streaming down my face before I got out of bed. The busy-ness of […]
Roped in at the Rodeo
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsI met a guy when I wasn’t looking to meet a guy. I was innocently walking around Cheyenne Frontier Days when I got roped, literally, by a 3-year-old kid walking behind me. I felt the rope come over my boot-clad ankle, then heard a giggle. I turned around and saw a cute kid in a […]
How to Embrace ALL of Who You Are
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsIt’s been a month since I began boarding Detail and Playboy at a beautiful new barn and it’s freed up my time immensely. Detail is fed twice a day, Playboy is fed 3 times a day, and that’s 90 times someone else has fed my horses this past month. 90 times I didn’t have to […]
Life is about how you react to what happens to you
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsGrowing up, my mom used to tell me that quote and I’d roll my eyes. Now, I realize how true it is. Earlier this week, I was supposed to meet a blind date for coffee. This was a blind date I was excited about. His profile pictures looked great, his online messaging banter was witty […]
How to Embrace Uncertainty
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsRecently, my life has been in flux with lots of uncertainty. I gave my 30 days notice at the ranch where I live and work and I don’t know where I’m moving yet. It’s the right decision, to move on. My intuition had been telling me to do it for months yet I was paralyzed […]
How to Declutter and Bring More Joy into your Life
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsYou know what feels good? Decluttering. Last night I cleared out 4 large drawers under my Ikea bed and here’s the result (Charley supervises while Namo sleeps peacefully in the background)… In the pile are 46 items I’m giving away and that does NOT include the tattered clothes I’m throwing out. 46 items I haven’t used […]
Back in the dating saddle
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsI’m a 33 year old woman. I live in a commercial-sized chicken coop turned cozy cottage (see pics below). I have two horses named Detail and Playboy, one dog named Namo, and one cat named Charley. I love to ride horses and help people. I like open spaces and feeling free. I like being myself. […]
Join me on a road trip today to…
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsIt’s Arizona or bust. Today, I’m embarking on one of my favorite trips…a road trip to Tucson, Arizona where my ultimate destination is White Stallion Ranch where I’m leading the UNBRIDLED Retreat. I love a good road trip. Do you like road trips too? There’s something about being on the open road with the windows down blasting Steppenwolf, Taylor Swift […]
It’s my birthday and here’s what I’m doing
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsToday is my 33rd birthday. I like the sound of “3-3″…I think those are lucky numbers so I’m going to go with it. One thing I want to do this year is to write more, and I’m beginning today. Kind of like making a commitment to go to the gym except I don’t need to […]
Grieving the loss of my relationship
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsI currently have my laptop on my right and The Right to Write by Julia Cameron, on my left. I also have my phone playing Tim Wheater’s flute music which the book suggests. I know two things for sure in this moment: number one, I feel called to write and number two, I’m stuck on what […]
UNBRIDLED Arizona Retreat featured in COWGIRL Magazine
/in Entrepreneurship and Business/by Unbridled RetreatsLook! The UNBRIDLED Retreat was featured in COWGIRL Magazine’s 2016 June edition. Step into the boots of COWGIRL editor, Deborah Donohue, and read about her life-changing UNBRIDLED experience and how she overcame her fears, once and for all. “When a woman’s attempt to live the cowgirl dream is derailed by a series of personal tragedies, […]
From handcuffs to horses…my people-pleasing journey
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsChronic people-pleasing is a crime. It’s a crime against your soul, who you are, your unique gifts, purpose and message to share with the world. By the time I was 21 years old, I was addicted to people-pleasing and external validation. I didn’t believe that I was good enough. Or smart enough. Or cool enough. […]
What it REALLY takes to make your dreams come true
/in Entrepreneurship and Business/by Unbridled RetreatsI always appreciate when people are real with me. Genuine straight talk. Tell me the down and dirty of how they got started in pursuing their dreams and what worked for them and what didn’t. Not just “Rah, rah, you can do it!” but the actual reality of how they did it. Recently, a fellow […]
Follow Your Calling
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsEveryone has a calling; a path to follow. It’s our job to follow that calling in whichever direction it leads. It means trusting your intuition and having faith, letting go of who you think you “should be” and embracing who you are. When you follow what you love, you find what you’ve been looking for. […]
How to overcome your resistance to getting started
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsI just did something I haven’t done in a long time. I went for a run. Laced up my sneakers and bolted out the door before my familiar excuses could sneak up on me. I took off down the dirt ranch road and hit the street pavement running. It felt foreign and liberating to move my […]
From Self-Loathing to Self-Compassion…Top 5 Tips to Healing
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsTwelve years ago I was in Tucson, Arizona as a patient at a holistic eating disorder treatment center called Mirasol. I had hit rock bottom and was in the throes of self-loathing, addiction, and numbness. Recently I returned to Tucson, Arizona and it was for a different reason…to lead UNBRIDLED, a holistic healing retreat at […]
He had me at howdy…my FarmersOnly.com date
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsYou’ve seen the commercial…. Scenes of a couple holding hands while horseback riding into the sunset, snuggling by the campfire together and staring up at the stars in the bed of a pickup truck. These picturesque scenarios spoke right to my heart and said, “You too, can have all this…at FarmersOnly.com.” So, being single in […]
How to get back in the saddle after falling hard…for a cowboy
/in Uncategorized/by Unbridled RetreatsI’m not usually one to fall when it comes to horses or men…it takes a lot to jolt me out of the saddle or jolt my romantic heart. However, I crossed trails with a cowboy and I was swept off my feet. I had an instant connection with this man, a soul connection. He understood my […]
In honor of Sadie and what our beloved animals teach us
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsI write this in honor of our beloved paint horse, friend and herd member, Sadie. She was laid to rest in the green grass by her favorite west pasture, the one with the hill where she liked to stand and overlook the ranch. My heart aches and the tears come in waves. Sadie told us, […]
Chakras and Shotguns…a Woman’s Montana Memoir
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsSometimes a woman needs a change of scenery. As much as I love the Colorado ranch, I needed to go beyond the arena for a few days. On an adventure to Big Sky Country for a Wildheart Retreat. I decided to drive there. My gut told me I needed a solo road trip. I didn’t […]
What to do when the Confidence train doesn’t stop at your station
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled Retreats“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams…” Thanks, Henry David Thoreau, but what if I don’t have the confidence yet? Here’s what I propose, “Go in the direction of your dreams…one shaky step at a time.” “I’ve been afraid every single day of my life, but I’ve gone ahead and done it anyway.” ~Georgia […]
Want to instantly feel better? Try this…
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsGRATITUDE. This morning I was tossing and turning and got up at 3:12am and could not go back to sleep. It was because of a couple of things. I was focused on feeling alone and not having a special someone to share my life with (a “lack of” thought). I also believe and have experienced […]
WANTED: Intimate love, holding hands and long country drives
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsLately, I’ve been thinking a lot about L.O.V.E. and questioning my old defiant attitude toward staying single. Maybe it’s because it’s summer and everywhere I look I see couples outside, holding hands. Maybe it’s because my friends are bringing along their boyfriends, fiances and husbands on our former “girls only” happy hours. Maybe it’s because […]
How to not be so hard on yourself
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsThe last few days have been weird. A flashback into my past. I stayed at my parents house for a few nights taking care of their dogs, koi fish and bullfrog (I clearly hail from a family of animal fanatics) while they are out of town. It felt strange being in the childhood home I […]
Cancer. And what a real hug feels like.
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsThe last few weeks have been tough for my family. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. The news was a shock to all of us. It felt like someone hit me with a stun gun. I couldn’t react. I couldn’t believe it. Yet the tests were in and it was confirmed. My family huddled […]
Do you kick yourself or forgive yourself?
/in Health and Wellness/by Unbridled RetreatsYesterday I got a horrible text. It was from the morning feed crew at the ranch. It came at 7:27am and it read “I know you had a lot on your mind last night, but you left Archer in the stall.” My heart stopped momentarily and my upbeat morning coffee buzz came to an abrupt halt. […]
Friday’s Frisky Filly has a message for YOU
/in Following Your Passion/by Unbridled RetreatsEarlier this week I received a private Facebook message that stopped me in my tracks. A Facebook “former” fan of Beyond the Arena, someone whom I do not know and have never met, wrote me this: “I liked your page because it was about getting conscious and going inward with the power of horses. Comparing a […]
My Match.com Intervention
/in Dating and Relationships/by Unbridled RetreatsI recently had an intervention from an obsession that crept up on me so fast, it hit me like a ton of bricks when I finally felt the reality of it. Being single for a while, and frankly, just curious, I joined the online dating site, Match.com. I took my time, finding the “best” pictures […]