Full Video Transcript:
Welcome to This Week's Episode
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this week's You Are Destined For Greatness. I appreciate you taking your time to be here with me today.
I'm coming to you this afternoon from our covered wash rack or hitching post area, where we groom horses, saddle horses, and where the farrier and vet work. It's this little place on the backside of our tack room.
The Connection Between Wild and Domestic Horses
I wanted to talk a little bit about wild horses and domestic horses. Wild horses and domestic horses need each other, kind of like we need each other. Horses are prey animals, and they feel safety in the strength of numbers.
There are a lot of reasons they want to be together. I mean, it's pretty evident when you take a horse and ride away from all the other horses by yourself. If he doesn't consider you part of the group and his leader, you might have a fight on your hands. Your horse wants to be with the other horses.
A lot of times, we hear phrases like "barn sour," where the horse wants to return to where the other horses are. It's not always just because that's where his house is or because he feels safe there, but because of the connection he feels with the other horses.
Why Humans Are Hardwired for Connection
I think we know this, right? So much research has proven that human beings need each other. As Brene Brown says, we are hardwired for connection.
The question becomes: if connection is so important for our physical and mental health, what happens when we isolate ourselves—or when our kids do? When people we love isolate themselves, our physical health goes down, and our mental health declines. That can lead to all kinds of bad things.
From my own personal experience, I can tell you we need each other. Isolation can lead to suicidal thoughts and even suicide. That's coming from a place of having that happen to someone I knew very well and up close.
How Long Is Too Long to Be Alone?
This is a serious subject. So the question is: how long is too long?
Sometimes I want to be by myself. You know, we all need a break from people sometimes. But if we're aware and tuned in, we can recognize how introverted or extroverted our kids or loved ones are.
If we're paying attention, we can see when they're changing their habits, having less human interaction, or withdrawing. The time to recognize that is the time to do something.
What Can We Do to Help?
So, what can we do?
I can tell you there's more on The Horsemanship Journey. I recently did a podcast on this topic where I go in-depth. If this is something you're concerned about or interested in, I recommend checking it out.
This is also something we address regularly in Stable Living Coaching—dealing with issues like this.
Two Essential Tips to Address Isolation
Today, I'll give you two tips.
1. Seek Professional Help if Needed
If you wonder whether medical help is needed, get medical professional help. Don't wait around or debate it—err on the side of caution. The consequences can be dire and permanent.
Whether it's a therapist, an actual medical provider, or another professional, if you're wondering if it's necessary, I recommend you go ahead and take that step.
2. Be the Connection
Next, ask yourself: what do people want? Why do we isolate? Why do our kids isolate?
Most of the time, it's because we have unresolved feelings we don't know how to handle. It could be fear of rejection, anxiety, or depression. A lot of times, we just don't know if everything's okay—or if it's going to be okay.
Sometimes, the immediate seems permanent when we're experiencing intense feelings. Loneliness and isolation are intense feelings.
If we don't think medical help is necessary, I suggest starting by being the connection.
What I mean is just to be there. Don't judge, don't grab them by the ear, and don't force them to interact with others if they don't want to. Instead, listen.
Be there to listen without judgment. Give them space. Let them feel heard. Validate how they're feeling.
Try to normalize it. Chances are, the way they're feeling—based on the thoughts they're having—is just a normal part of life.
A lot of times, when we're in those intense feelings, the immediate can seem permanent. But being there to hear and listen can often be the beginning of the connection they need to start finding their way out of isolation.
Final Thoughts
That's just a little bit for today. Remember, we have lots of other free resources, and don't forget the podcast if this is something you're interested in.
Thank you for joining me today, and remember: You Are Destined For Greatness.
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