Inspire Me Forward
Inspire Me Forward is a series of conversations where guests from all walks of life and every corner of the world Share Their Stories.
We are now in Season 6: Inspire Me Equine
It came into our hearts that Equine Leadership and Inspire Me Forward should collaborate and delve into the Horse~Human relationship and the paradigm that is the herd.
Equine Leadership (www.equineleadership.ca) is a publication of short stories sharing the voice and wisdom of the horse, now going into its 11th year. Inspire Me Forward (in its 3rd year) is a podcast sharing stories of life and all of the pieces that hold it together, even when it might feel like it's falling apart.
This moment in time seemed like the perfect evolution of the two and it felt natural to invite the horses and authors from Equine Leadership. In this space, they will share their own unique ways of bringing the voice and wisdom of the horse to the human world.
Equine Leadership has a unique vision: We believe that horses, living as close to nature as possible, can provide a paradigm of living that is clear, authentic, and heart-based. There is much to learn that is good for all of humanity, as well as the collective that we call Earth. Spending time observing and interacting with the paradigm of the horses is a move to simplify life, to connect with something profound and enlightening. Their natural way of life offers insight into our truest paths. When we step outside of the ring and into the herd, we experience a relationship of equity and compassion.
At Inspire Me Forward, our belief is that we inspire others when we share our stories and share a collective connection. We let each other know that they are not alone in this big, beautiful world. "The courage it takes to share one's story might be the very thing someone else needs to open their heart to a brighter tomorrow".
Episodes available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and here.
There are past episodes, from Episode 1, on our YouTube channel.
@lyndajwatsoninspiremeforward
Inspire Me Forward
Inspire Me Forward Episode #22 Finding The Ground with Kathy Moffatt
Inspire Me Forward, Episode #22 entitled Finding the Ground with Kathy Moffatt of Merrickville, Ontario, Canada was a true mother’s journey through the realities of life.
We have moved into Season 3 Inspire Me Forward with the title of Share YOUR Story. Staying open to receiving the stories that wish to be told. Sharing journeys of life, love, and everything in between. Exploring what it means to be the pilot of our own life journey and live in community with others.
Kathy shared her journey of adopting, raising, and supporting her boys, as well as the journey back to herself. We spoke of expectations, nurturing, and supporting a child who has lived with drug addictions, incarceration, and homelessness. Kathy shared the realities of childhood trauma and mentioned the concept of trauma stacking (https://fountainhillcenter.org/traumastack/ ).
A few books on trauma that Kathy suggests:
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Mate
We also spoke of community, both on the judgmental side as well as the supportive side.
Kathy then shared the day when she broke open and the light began to shine in. When she found her ground, her boundaries, and her own light. And how life changed for her after that.
A few things from our conversation that resonated with me.
• The importance of community and the realities of community. Seeking support in a community of like-minded people.
• Learning to say no and let go with love.
• That letting go leaves space.
• Look after yourself first, you are no good to someone else if you don’t.
As Kathy stated: The more we share these experiences the more we take the stigma away from it. Addiction knows no social status or race.
Kathy thank you so much for sharing your heart and your journey with us. I found both windows and mirrors through your story and for that, I am truly grateful. I am sure others will find information, wisdom, and a reflective mirror in some way through this conversation. As we so often hear: These words were exactly what I needed to hear. Your story will do that for many, I am sure.
Please, if Kathy’s words touched your heart, do drop her a message. Kathy’s contact information can be found on her website. ~*~
Kathy's website
https://rideaubreezestablesandwellnesscentre.com/
Other suggested resources:
Nar-anon resources for family members of drug addicts
https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/12-step-programs/nar-anon/
Publicly funded residential rehabs in Ontario
https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/
Public FB group Parents of Drug Addicts
https://www.facebook.com/groups/212315748795808