Protect This Rider And The Horse She Rode In On
Let's talk about something that might sound a little silly. It's a phrase we hear. It's a bit old-fashioned. But I've been thinking about it. It's the idea of protecting "the rider and the horse she rode in on."
Now, I'm not saying we need to build tiny knight costumes for our steeds. Or that every single horse requires a bodyguard. But there's a deeper, funnier meaning hiding in there, right?
Think about it. We've all had those moments. You're just trying to get through your day. You're minding your own business. You're riding your own metaphorical horse. And then, BAM! Something happens. Someone says something. Or something goes wrong. And suddenly, you're the one who needs protecting. And so does your trusty steed.
My personal horse? It's usually made of pure anxiety. It's a sleek, black creature. It gallops at the slightest hint of a deadline. Or a looming social event. And when someone tries to tell me I'm not doing enough, or that I should be doing more, it's like they're trying to poke my anxiety-horse with a sharp stick. Not cool.
And what about the people who are just trying to live their best lives? The ones who are doing their best, even if their best involves wearing mismatched socks or humming off-key? We should be protecting them. And the slightly wonky, perhaps slightly-out-of-breath horse they're riding on.
"Because let's be honest, not everyone's horse is a magnificent white stallion. Some are more like a sturdy, slightly stubborn pony who gets easily distracted by pretty flowers."
And that's okay! In fact, it's more than okay. It's wonderful. These are the horses that get us where we need to go. Even if the journey involves a few detours for snacks or a spontaneous nap under a tree. These are the real heroes of our daily commutes.
So, when someone is being particularly harsh, or overly critical, it's not just about defending ourselves. It's about defending our entire operation. It's about protecting "the rider and the horse she rode in on."
Imagine a friend. Let's call her Brenda. Brenda is a force of nature. She's got a heart of gold. She also has a tendency to overcommit. Her horse is probably a magnificent beast. It's got wings. It can fly. But sometimes, even Brenda's flying horse gets tired. And when someone points out a feather that's out of place, well, that's not helping Brenda. Or her magnificent, slightly-weary flying horse.
We need to be more like the valiant knights of old. Except, instead of swords, we have kind words. Instead of armor, we have understanding. Instead of charging into battle, we offer a comforting pat on the neck of someone's metaphorical horse.
It’s about recognizing that everyone is on a journey. And that journey might not be perfectly smooth. There might be potholes. There might be unexpected detours. There might even be a rogue squirrel that causes a momentary panic for the horse.
Let's consider Gary. Gary is trying his best. His horse is a bit of a workhorse. It’s sturdy. It’s reliable. It gets him to his appointments. But Gary might have had a rough morning. Maybe his toast burned. Maybe he stubbed his toe. And if someone is rude to Gary, they're not just being rude to Gary. They're also startling his dependable workhorse. And a startled workhorse is a less effective workhorse. This is a scientific fact. Probably.
This is where the "unpopular opinion" part comes in. I think we spend too much time focusing on the destination. And not enough time appreciating the ride. We’re so busy trying to reach the finish line, we forget to thank the horse for carrying us there. And we forget to defend the rider who is steering, holding on, and trying to keep everything moving forward.
So, the next time you see someone struggling, or hear someone being unfairly criticized, remember. Protect the rider. And the horse she rode in on. Because that horse might be a little tired. It might be a little dusty. It might even have a bit of a funny gait. But it’s the horse that’s getting them there. And that, my friends, deserves a little bit of protection. And maybe a nice carrot.
It's about empathy. It's about a little bit of silliness. It's about acknowledging that life is a journey. And sometimes, that journey is best taken on the back of a slightly wobbly, but ultimately magnificent, steed. So, let's all be better stewards of our own and others' metaphorical equestrian adventures. Let's protect the rider. And the horse she rode in on. It's a noble cause. And honestly, it's a lot more fun than arguing about who left the toilet seat up.