When tough times come knocking, ranch life just might be the answer.
“Courage is being scared to death—and saddling up anyway.”
—John Wayne
This past year has required all of us to muster courage in different ways. And while the ranching way of life can’t cure a pandemic, it can show us a way to live that keeps our minds right, our bodies healthy, and our priorities straight. We think the world could use a little dose of cowboy wisdom:
If you’re riding ahead of the herd, look back every once in a while to make sure it’s still with you.
We all need to remember that we’re part of something bigger. It’s our job to look out for the collective, mind the little ones, keep an eye on the old-timers and make sure everyone makes the river crossings in one piece.
Generally, you ain’t learning anything when your mouth’s movin’.
Seems like everyone’s got something to say and a platform to say it on these days. Out here, things are quieter, and nobody cares about likes or 5G or all that noise. Cowboys are slow to speak and quick to think. It’s not a bad way to go about your day.
Don’t interfere with something that ain’t botherin' you none.
It’s tempting to see something you don’t like and want to correct it, fix it, or shoo it away. But like a sleeping dog or wandering skunk, don’t poke or chase what isn’t doing you any harm. We don’t need to control everything or other creatures or how they live, think and breathe. Live and let live. Instead, focus on the present moment and living your own best life.
Some people follow wagon tracks while others break new trails.
In general, Westerners prefer to peel off from the crowd. There’s nothing like exploring wide open spaces, towering peaks, and big horizons to give you a glorious dose of solitude. That’s what we call social distancing.
Just because trouble comes visiting doesn’t mean you need to offer it a place to sit down.
Everyone’s had their share of worry and heartache, that’s for sure. But out here, we can’t afford to share our sorrows and complaints with everyone when there’s work to be done. Coffee to be made. Sunrises to catch. Yaks to be born. Wildflowers to ramble through. Blue skies to wrap ourselves in. All that hard work, natural rhythm, and beauty help us remember that troubles come and troubles go, but we don’t need to focus on them when there is so much right going on in the world every minute.
Photo by Emily O’Brien