Guilt and Shame

Guilt and shame

I am a huge proponent of self discipline and responsibility- but I often feel sad for my students when I find them enveloped in guilt.

I want to remind anyone reading that mistakes are a NORMAL part of learning. Sometimes some mistakes can cause feelings of shame for what you didn’t know at the time - and I challenge you to think outside of yourself. Look at the pros around you, or others you admire. Do you really think they haven’t done something they aren’t proud to share? Something they did to accidentally harm a horse or student, or maybe even on purpose?

No one is immune to these experiences, and unfortunately, the more horses and students under your belt the greater the statistics of mistakes. It’s not an IF but when.

I don’t like that I’ve made some mistakes in my life involving the wellbeing of others. I never intended to hurt anyone - but the fact that I did helps me teach others, to steer them in a better course because I know from experience where that one can go.

If you’re stuck in shame, you miss the learning. You are not your mistakes, you are simply a person learning. It’s your choice what to do with it: you can use it to propel yourself forward, or to help others who are feeling shame or struggling too.

Shame is not productive itself- it is a signal to look deeper. This kind of thing happens, and whatever was done was done. You have the power now to grow forward. Who do you want to be? Not a one of us is perfect, and in fact those of us least perfect can find ourselves relying well to others who are imperfect too - and that may just be what the world needs most right now