The Patient Thoroughbred

Horse and Turtle: Embracing the Journey

by The Nature Within

I’ve always identified with the horse—the speed, the power, the stamina. From an early age, whether running or skating, I carried an internal engine that seemed inexhaustible. Rarely did I tire, no matter the quarter, the period, or the half. And when it came to racing, I had an innate drive to come in first. Whether or not I achieved it, I always put pressure on myself to succeed.

In informal play, with my brothers or friends, I was one of those people who never wanted the game to end. No matter how long we were outside, I was fully engaged in my ability to “fly.” Growing up, I had countless nicknames tied to speed or impulse—a reflection of a trait I embraced as part of my identity, my self-esteem, and my personal honor.

Of course, there were rare moments when I didn’t win. The times I didn’t achieve the proverbial blue ribbon humbled me and offered profound lessons. I learned discipline, focus, and the importance of hard work. I learned to rely on my gifts—my agility, my flow, my ability to move with both strength and grace. Throughout my life, there has always been a fire to give more, to storm out of the gate, and only slow down when the coast was clear.

But the story doesn’t end with the stallion racing forward. Over the past few years, life has taught me the medicine of the turtle. The racehorse within me has been humbled by the limits of my physical body, reminding me that speed and stamina aren’t everything. Now, the mantra in my mind is simple: I don’t always have to be first. I can enjoy the ride. I can slow down, be present, and find home wherever I am.

This is the new medicine for me: patience, presence, and ease. As Confucius said, “Wherever you go, there you are.” There’s no rush, no pole of desire, just the flow of life and the joy of riding the tide fully aware.

Yet, the horse remains—a source of nurturing energy, playfulness, and joy. Humor, laughter, and a lighthearted spirit are staples of who I am. Those who know me well know that I often lean into playful, inappropriate inside jokes—a reflection of my joy and spontaneity. The greatest challenge of my life now is harnessing this humor while slowing down, cultivating patience, and not relying solely on speed or stamina. As my grandfather always reminded us, “Don’t ever lose your sense of humor.”

From this point forward, I intend not only to retain that playful nature but to use it intentionally—to uplift, to navigate challenges, and to embrace the limitations of my body with grace and lightness. The energy of the horse and the wisdom of the turtle are now companions on this journey: one for joy, play, and vitality; the other for patience, presence, and acceptance.

As the new year approaches, I feel excitement for the potential that lies ahead. Whether in my personal life, my career, my practice, or my relationships, embracing a lighthearted, patient, and joyful nature will allow me to fully enjoy the ride. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how fast you go—it’s about how fully you experience the journey.