Polar Vortex Thoughts
January 12, 2024
This week has been all about preparing for the Polar Vortex that is due to arrive starting Sunday night. This is the third year in a row to have a really, really cold vortex blow through. We are in South Texas and we are designed to stay cool down here, not stay warm. Therefore, tt is a lot of work to prepare and try to stay ahead of broken pipes, frozen water, and warm spaces for all the animals. Even then, I worry the entire time about them. I also find great irony in the worry, as just a few months ago, I was fighting to keep them alive from the extreme heat wave and drought that was plaguing our summer.
As I work to do what I can, knowing I can only do so much and have to then let nature do what nature will do, I am reminded of how often that is the case with many things in our lives. As a professional counselor, I spend countless hours with people, supporting the process of navigating many things that are impacting them, beyond their control. I also have navigating many things in my own life, beyond my control as well.
As I was preparing coops, stalls, troughs, and the such today, I found great comfort in being near the ones I was preparing things for; and found myself, even in the middle of all the work it takes, so very grateful for the privilege of working with them, knowing how their presence is such a calming agent for me and all who interact with them. They are a tremendous gift to my soul and to others who are willing to experience the fullness of what they each bring to the ranch.
Here at WhistleStop Acres, we know the value of our partnership with animals and the impact they hold in the work we do. The therapeutic value they enhance is something no amount of education or training could provide me in my practice. I believe so much in the impact each of these animals has to offer and it is my complete honor to serve them as they are here to support and serve many.
Life is full of unexpected storms. Some rush in like a tornadic swirl. Some build and build until a boiling point. Some surround us in a frigid hold. Consequently, it is not always easy to see hope through the hard. However, if we breathe, then work to focus on something we can be grateful for, even in the hard, we can start to find our way to the next minute and task until finally, the sun peeks through.
Today, for me, that was the presence of these animals. If you are struggling to find your way, join us at WhistleStop. Come be in the presence of these magnificent creatures as we use therapeutic strategies to get you back on the path of hope. No one has to go it alone and it is even better when a four-legged friend is going with us.
Stay warm!
Robin