As a busy parent or entrepreneur, you will appreciate that I have become more and more selective with the films I watch. It’s not like I can ask for my two hours back!
I did not imagine, even in my wildest dreams, what a treat I was in for when I went to see Buck, a documentary about the life of Buck Brannaman, which ” intends to inspire, motivate and teach through principles of respect, partnership and trust rather than anger, fear and intimidation.”
I cried a lot during the movie. I was truly moved by the amazing journey of an honorable man, son, father, and husband.
Buck’s inspiring life was shaped by terrible childhood hardship due to his father’s violent abuse and the death of his mother and followed by the loving example of trust and respect from his foster parents.
We are often told to learn from our mistakes, and this was a great reminder to learn from others’ mistakes. Sometimes we must endure painful circumstances so we can be made strong and become advocates for those who don’t have a voice or are afraid to use it.
~”Whether you have horses, dogs or kids, with that comes a great responsibility. You have to be able to teach them to get along in the world.” ~ Buck Brannaman
The documentary is a huge lesson about parenting, about any relationships, really, whether human or with the animal kingdom.
Buck’s concepts hit me hard as I thought about how he addressed discipline as a simple principle of trust, connection, and understanding.
~”Be Gentle in what you do and Firm in how you do it.” ~ Buck Brannaman
Buck’s philosophy is that, as humans, we fail our horse. I believe our horse could be a real horse or any pet, a child, our spouse, our siblings, our parents, or anyone we find it a challenge to discipline, get along with or understand. It was so great to see a depiction of how we get frustrated with actions, attitudes, and circumstances that remind us of our weaknesses and insecurities.
~”Your horse is a mirror to your soul. Sometimes you might not like what you see… sometimes you will.” ~ Buck Brannaman
It makes perfect sense. I believe that, like Buck, I was preparing my whole life to the sacred calling of motherhood. I look at my children and I love what I see in the mirror… two pieces of my higher self.
All your work, all your tears, all your effort, all your time, it’s all worth it. Don’t fail your child!
There is or will be a time when my children will make decisions without requiring my guidance and they will be held accountable for their own actions, but while I can, I must.
Elayna is a single mom of 4, award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She’s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 4x TEDx speaker. Founder of the Positive MOM® and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results, so you can have the wealth, opportunities, and freedom you deserve. Connect with Elayna Fernández at thepositivemom.com/keynote-speaker and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE.
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