The people that come are the ones supposed to be here

It has been 4 days since our workshop on Sunday. It took me 2 days to physically and emotionally recover. This is not a bad thing. I listen to my body and go with it. As I get older I need more time to recharge. I love this work but it can be draining. There is a lot of prep work that goes into hosting, ensuring place is clean and inviting, that the portapotty smells nice, ensuring the food is organized and all food sensitivities are taken into consideration, that all the materials are ready, a schedule run through with co facilitators and horse handlers is done, that the horses are emotionally well ( so important) and keeping on top of the social media and registrations. OMG the registrations!!

This time having people commit and stay committed was the biggest struggle. In hindsight my deposit was too low. I will take that as a learning! I guess giving up $50 is not a big deal to most people. First cancellation came in with a good weeks notice, okay, I understand. I upped my social media. Someone else signed up….whew! Then another cancellation 3 days before……okay that will be tough to fill but we had enough people to run the workshop so I was not going to disappoint the women that signed up so early. The next day became a “ threat” of cancellation…good grief. I was able to rescue that one by adding clarity. Whew again……

Sitting on the couch the night before an email comes in with another cancellation. Like really, 10 hours notice…….. I was really mad. The voice in my head that I like to call “The Wicked Witch” starts making all sorts of judgements about the validity of the excuse, the disrespect of cancelling at the last minute, and I was furious at a person I don’t even know. I went to bed angry.

There is something though about “sleeping on it”. In the morning I was like “we have some lovely women coming so I let it go. “

My co facilitator and I plus our 2 horse and stable managers met for a pre workshop catch up 1/2 hour before our guests were to arrive. We adjusted a little based on the number of people in attendance. Too late to do anything about catered food, but hey we could all have some left overs! The energy in our stable that morning was so beautiful. The horses were all relaxed, Mother Nature provided lovely weather and when the women arrived I knew “these” women were supposed to be here. It was so obvious as soon as they walked into the lounge.

I felt open hearts with no expectations for what was about to happen. They all took a leap of faith and what happened during the day was beautiful. There was such connection, such vulnerability and the horses as always were magnificent. It was truly a special day. I was honoured to help facilitate and grateful for the trust.

I have reflected on this over the past few days as to my observations and adjustments I might make.

The people that actually SHOW UP are the ones supposed to be here.

If you spend more than 20 minutes on the phone with someone to explain what it is you do, they won’t come as there is no leap of faith.

I will no longer have any pre conceived notions of outcome. The universe will unfold and guide the way.

I will increase my deposit substantially.