Assertiveness: A Lesson from the Saddle

Dear reader, I invite you to join me on a journey back in time. Picture a young lad, barely tall enough to reach the stirrups of a horse, standing in the middle of a dusty ranch. That young lad was me, and the lesson I learned that day about assertiveness has stayed with me throughout my life.

The Challenge

My father, a stern but fair man, had decided it was time for me to learn to ride. The horse, a towering beast named Thunder, seemed to dwarf me. I remember the fear that gripped me as I looked up at him. But my father, with his unwavering belief in me, simply said, “Son, you must be assertive. Show Thunder you’re in charge.”

The Lesson

With a deep breath, I climbed into the saddle. I was scared, but I remembered my father’s words. I straightened my back, held the reins firmly, and gave Thunder a gentle nudge. To my surprise, he responded. That day, I learned that assertiveness wasn’t about being aggressive or domineering. It was about clear, confident communication.

Applying the Lesson

Assertiveness, dear reader, is a skill that we all need in life. Whether it’s standing up for ourselves in a difficult situation, expressing our needs to others, or leading a team towards a common goal, being assertive is key. It’s about respecting ourselves and others, and communicating our thoughts and feelings honestly and directly.

Conclusion

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to be assertive, remember the story of a young boy and a horse named Thunder. Stand tall, communicate clearly, and remember that respect for yourself and others is the foundation of assertiveness.

Remember, life is a ride. And just like riding a horse, it requires assertiveness to steer it in the direction you want to go.

Until next time,

Kev