Being Grateful and Achieving Your Goals
by Karen Pickering
I struggle some days with what the ideal life looks like. Right now it would be less stress, make everyone happy, make time to ride my horse every day, be fit, be financially set, time to draw and be creative as well as publish this magazine. I have control over everything but making others happy.
I think gratitude is a big part of the ideal life, as is a generous spirit. Financially speaking, it’s about being satisfied with what I have. I’ve discovered happiness does not come from how much cushion is in the bank and often times more “stuff” just adds pressure. I struggle constantly with wanting more and being content with what I have.
Despite my excuses, the reality is that I could ride my horse more often than I do; I simply need to schedule it. I could also take time to be creative as well as get fit if I made these things priorities. I used to draw and enjoy it tremendously. As for exercise, getting up an hour earlier would be the solution. Both drawing and exercise would energize me and provide an outlet for stress.
I do get to publish…It’s not easy or glamorous, but it’s very satisfying. Our world is full of distractions and things to manage. I would love to be very organized and on top of everything, but I think that rarely happens. What is necessary is to define what is important, what you want, and then develop a plan. If you don’t know what you want it’s pretty hard to achieve any goals.
I would love to hear your thoughts on an ideal life. Do you know what you want? Would you take a moment and email me? [email protected].
Finally our cover story is about Mission Farrier School and two people—Mark and Karen Plumlee—who have crafted a pretty cool life. I hope they are an inspiration.
Today’s Quote:
“Don’t wait around for your life to happen to you. Find something that makes you happy and do it. Everything else is just background noise.”
~George Mason
Publiished February 2013 Issue
Owner / Publisher | Canfield Certified Trainer
Karen Pickering is a lifelong horsewoman and the founder of The Northwest Horse Source, which began in 1995 as a small equine newsletter and grew into a respected industry publication. With more than 30 years of experience serving the horse community, Karen now focuses on helping equine businesses and organizations build visibility, credibility, and lasting relationships through online marketing, digital promotion, and educational platforms.
As a Canfield Certified Trainer, she blends proven success principles with real-world industry experience, supporting both businesses and individuals navigating change in today’s digital landscape. Karen remains deeply connected to the horse industry and is passionate about serving the community she has helped build for over three decades.
