From The Ridiculous To The Sublime | Our Founding Story | Part 2

Fate, in its mystery, bestowed upon me the role of sole (soul) guardian of the farm and its residents. Perhaps my fate was influenced by personal effort, resilience and unwavering family support. As I practise new principles I’m learning under Regenerative Agriculture, the land is making an astonishing recovery, paralleling my own. Peacefully rehabilitating here with my animals.

I have an abundance of goodness to share with others and by virtue of landing in this very fortunate position, I firmly believe I am on my path. Along this journey, I stumbled upon my purpose.

I consider it to be my brother’s legacy. He is my ‘why’.

* In loving memory of Brendan Russell Gilles 10/10/1983 – 15/11/2021 *

Epilogue – The Present

Present-day me has very different self talk, reflecting how far I’ve come. I can see that every event, every ‘random’ meeting, each failure, the heartbreak – has all made me into the person I am now. I don’t believe it’s random, I tend to think it’s destiny. While the word ‘ridiculous’ still pops out more than I’d like to admit, the difference is I can laugh when I catch it because I like myself now. I have forgiven.

I fully accept my share of responsibility in my divorce. I clearly see my struggle to set healthy boundaries and my inability to value myself played a pivotal role. Understanding the breakdown for what it was has enabled me to let it go. Liberating.

Instead of dwelling on sad thoughts of wasted years, I now view it as incredibly lucky that I made this choice when I did: “The buck stops here”.

People often comment they don’t know how I do it, with reference to the farm. It’s a choice. In realising a seemingly unobtainable long-term vision, I see my daily life as a permanent holiday of sorts. Without exaggeration, my work is my downtime – meeting our guests, introducing you to my horses and walking the trail in your company – I’m in my element.

My fresh mindset replaces the weight of expectation with the lightness of possibility.

I am right where I want to be.

My definition of ‘success’.

-Mel McLaren, Founder
WalkSublime | Walking with Horses in nature™