If I Had a Million Dollars...

They say money can't buy happiness. I've always wanted to test that particular theory.  What happiness couldn't a million dollars buy? I certainly could go on that long awaited Australian vacation, hire a personal trainer to achieve athlete status, buy multitudes of horses and mules and that new diesel flatbed truck and horse trailer I've been wanting, help some family out, donate to charity, pay all my bills on time, get facials and spa treatments, manicures and the latest hairstyles, (Except Miley Cyrus's short and shaved do. Even money can't pull that look off!). I could purchase the clothes I want, own two hundred pairs of shoes, (wait...I might already), dine at fancy restaurants, and live in fat city. Now, let me ask you, what doesn't sound amazing about that? It sounds like pure bliss to me.  Then, I stop to think about what I have without that cool million.  I have a family, a beautiful one.  I have four horses in the corral and mountains and trails out my back door. I have time to donate to charity and time to help out family. I have clothes on my back and shoes on my feet. If I want fine cuisine, I go to Mom's house, (not mine). When I add up what I do have, it surpasses that million dollar mark by miles. I may not have stunning Hollywood hair, a nice manicure, and I'm still waiting on that Australian vacation and diesel flatbed truck, but I have what's the most important in life...The love for the land, friends and family to laugh with, a good horse to ride, blue skies, and new trails to ride. I can't put a price on that...

No Regrets

“Live a good and honorable life.  Then when you get older, you can look back on it and enjoy it twice.” ~Unknown

When I ponder this quote, it causes me to pause and think about my life.  I ask myself simple questions like, “Have I shown those closest to me how much they mean to me? Have I given my all in every troubled time? Did I always put my best foot forward, even when all I had were two wrong feet and really ugly shoes? Did I follow through on goals and dreams?” The simple answer to that is, no. I have not even really come close.  So often I get caught up in my own daily routine and omit the importance of taking time for what seems medial; focusing on what is wrong instead of right, forgetting that the small tasks are the force of change behind the bigger goals.  This causes me to realize a change of heart and thought is necessary, and the change of season signals that time.  It’s time to stall the worries and doubts. It’s time to do more and expect less; it’s time to explore those wonders and what ifs. No more excuses means no more regrets.  I would hope that at the end of my life, I am able to look back and know I’ve exhausted all talent given, knowing that I did my best to be the difference.  I want to know I can reflect back on my life and know that, yes, it was good and honorable, and heck yes, I sure enjoyed it twice… Here’s to hoping you will do the same.  Happy Trails.