For new, views, and exclusive deals, subscribe to The Horse Physio’s free newsletter.
If you prefer listening or watching, please click on the video above. If you prefer reading, please keep scrolling.
When was the last time someone bought you flowers? When was the last time you bought flowers for a friend?
I got some flowers from someone who cares
I got some flowers from someone who cares about keeping in touch. They care about talking and listening, working together and trading skills, and sharing time, knowledge, and experience. I feel privileged to share my life with close friends and distant acquaintances, with those I’ve known for years and with those I’ve only ever had a brief interaction with, even those whom I’ve never met in person.
Of course, the flowers in the pictures are not the flowers I received. I am unashamedly showing off the roses in my front garden because they are so incredibly beautiful. I cannot walk to my car in June and July without taking the time to smell the roses. I feel so fortunate to have the space for these to grow, and I hope that just seeing their beauty in a picture is enough to lift your day just a little.
There are many ways to show someone that you care
Why am I talking about getting flowers? Because there are many ways to show someone that you care. The most important of these is likely to be giving them your time and attention. Buying flowers, however, is a commonly accepted method, tried and tested. I love the opportunity to spend time with people I care about who care about me, but I also particularly love flowers. And chocolate, of course – 100% dark chocolate, in case you’re buying!
Why am I talking about showing people that you care? Because I believe that community is critical. Without community, what do we have? Science has now shown us what wise women have known all along – that we are wired for relationships. In fact, there is evidence that the quality of your relationships at age 50 is the greatest predictor of good physical health at age 80.
For new, views, and exclusive deals, subscribe to The Horse Physio’s free newsletter.
We are surrounded by relationships
The word ‘relationship’ has come to be linked to being in a couple or partnership. But we are surrounded by relationships—for example, with our family, friends, and work colleagues. We could include our horses, dogs, cats, and pets. The person who cuts our hair serves us at the garage or shows us to our seats at the cinema.
It’s so easy to get lost in the busyness of today. To forget to make time to connect with those around us. To bypass that phone call or that smile, or sending that get-well card. To ignore our evolutionary need to spend time with other people, relaxing, laughing, and enjoying the company.
We’re in it together for the long term
I try to maintain friendships, and as I grow older, this becomes increasingly important to me. My community is my support network, and we’re in it together for the long term. This message is one way that I can say thank you to all those who make my life such a joy.
Who are you going to get in touch with today to arrange to spend some quality time together? Who are you going to buy flowers for?
About Sue Palmer
For new, views, and exclusive deals, subscribe to The Horse Physio’s free newsletter.
Sue Palmer MCSP, aka The Horse Physio, is an award-winning author, educator, and Chartered Physiotherapist. Sue specialises in understanding the links between equine pain and behaviour, focusing on prevention, partnership and performance. She promotes the kind and fair treatment of horses through empathetic education, and is registered with the RAMP, the ACPAT, the IHA, the CSP and the HCPC.
You can find The Horse Physio on the web, on Facebook, on Instagram, and on YouTube, book an online consultation, or take a look at Sue’s online courses.
Popular offerings include:
Online courses
Horse Health Check: The 10-Point Plan for Physical Wellness
Head to Hoof: An Introduction to Horse Massage
Horse Massage for Horse Owners
Stretching Your Horse: A Guide to Keeping Your Equine Friend Happy and Healthy
Books
Harmonious Horsemanship, co-authored with Dr Sue Dyson
Understanding Horse Performance: Brain, Pain or Training?
Horse Massage for Horse Owners
Thank you
Thank you for your interest in this post; I appreciate your time and am grateful you chose to spend it with me. If you found value in this article, please support me by liking, subscribing, following, and sharing it on your favourite social media platform, and turn on the relevant notifications for future content from The Horse Physio. Please also take a moment to subscribe to my newsletter. Your support means the world to me, and it helps me continue creating content that matters to you.
