The past week has really put things into perspective.
I’ve been thinking a lot about everyone who was so adversely affected by the weather we had recently. So many people lost barns, dealt with damage, or were stuck for hours on highways—some with livestock on trailers. Many were just trying to get home safely. My “son-in-law” (he’s not really my son-in-law, but I call him that; he and my daughter, Dakota, have been dating forever) was traveling with competition dogs. His drive home from the hunt took him over 26 hours.
My thoughts and prayers have truly been with those who were struggling through that. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change—and how much tenacity it takes just to keep moving forward some days.
In my last post, I wrote about grit and determination. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve realized that grit doesn’t always look big or flashy. Sometimes it looks like sitting in front of a screen—confused, frustrated, and determined not to quit.
My focus lately has been learning how to put my logo on pictures and videos. Sounds simple, right? Not for me. The tech confusion alone can make your head spin, and then there’s the pressure of wanting everything to look perfect. I’ve successfully gotten my logo on my photos, and I’m still working through the video side of things. It’s not finished—but it is progress.
And honestly, getting this far has been a huge relief. Inch by inch, it is a cinch.
For a long time, I always had someone else handle this kind of thing for me. When that help wasn’t available anymore, it was scary. Really scary. But I also knew this was something I had to learn if I wanted to move my brand forward. No shortcuts. No outsourcing my growth forever. Just me, learning something uncomfortable because the long-term goal matters more than the temporary frustration.
Putting my logo on photos and videos isn’t just about branding—it represents growth. It means I’m building something meant to last. It means I’m investing in my business, my brand, and my future instead of standing still because learning feels hard.
Lately, I’ve been drawing inspiration from people who don’t sugarcoat the process.
I love reading Tricia Aldridge’s (2025 Reserve World Champion in WPRA Barrels riding Adios Pantalones) thoughts on goals and grit because she’s blunt and straight to the point. She talks openly about how hard work, determination, and setting scary goals are what actually move you forward—not comfort. Not waiting until you feel ready.
I also watched Rocker Steiner’s Hell on Wheels documentary. Rocker is the 2025 World Champion Bareback rider in the PRCA. He may not be politically correct all the time, but he’s real. What stood out to me wasn’t just the wins—it was his work ethic. The grit. The way he worked through pain and setbacks and kept showing up with one goal in mind: that gold buckle. No excuses. Just effort.
When I put Tricia’s mindset and Rocker’s work ethic together, it hit me—this is what I’ve always had in me.
For years, I’ve called these things my “bucket list.” But if I’m being honest, they were never bucket list items. They were goals.
My mom once told me she doesn’t like the idea of a bucket list. She also tells me—often—that I have too many irons in the fire. And maybe from her perspective, that’s true. But when I look at people like Tricia, who successfully runs multiple businesses, it makes me realize that ambition doesn’t always mean you’re scattered. Sometimes it just means you’re driven.
I’ve had friends tell me that I work too hard. That I need to take time off, go somewhere, do something “fun.” I know it can probably look like I’m being snobby, or like I just don’t want to do things with people.
But the truth is, this is what makes me feel good.
I feel better when I’m moving forward. I feel better when, at the end of the day, I can lay my head down knowing I accomplished something—something that pushed me closer to my goals. Progress gives me peace.
If I were to stop and go do something just for the sake of “fun,” I wouldn’t enjoy it anyway. My mind would be spinning with everything I could be doing instead—everything that would help me get ahead, learn more, or build what I’m working toward. That doesn’t make me better than anyone else; it just means I’m wired differently.
This season of life isn’t about checking out—it’s about building. And for me, that’s fulfilling.
Maybe I’ve always been on the right track.
Maybe having big goals, multiple dreams, and a constant pull toward growth isn’t a flaw—it’s just who I am. And maybe not every voice of doubt, even well-meaning ones, deserves to be the loudest voice in my head. (Even though I clearly haven’t listened very well… LOL.)
These weeks weren’t about perfection. They were about learning. About doing something hard, frustrating, and uncomfortable—because the bigger picture matters.
Grit isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet progress. Sometimes it’s one logo on one picture. Sometimes it’s admitting you don’t know how yet—but choosing to learn anyway.
And that? That’s one step closer to the goal.
I’d love to hear from you—what’s something hard or uncomfortable you’re learning right now, even if it feels slow?
