MIA

I've been MIA for a couple of weeks now. There's just been too much for me to take in, comprehend, organize, and do. When that happens, I not only disappear, but I shut down as well. So that's what's been going on. It's nothing mysterious.


I'm burned out.


I hate to say the words but it's true. I need a little bit of time away from not only the Sanctuary but in the paying job (they are ramping up for a couple of major projects for the entire summer and I'm slammed), and a few other stresses that have reared their ugly heads. It's nothing to worry about. It's all manageable but it does require some time away from the computer, time away from social media, and to focus on the horses and enjoy the weather.


We went from a blizzard to 80+ degree weather in under a week. I havent' had nearly enough time to mess with the horses now that the weather is getting nicer. I typically have the corral panels up so they can start getting used to the grass on the lawn. I'm behind by two weeks. It's those two blasted weeks of disappearing. It also meant other stuff didn't get done either.


I'm not trying to play the pity card or anything like that. Just trying to be truthful to not only you but to myself as well. When running a Sanctuary, you can never really pause but sometime it's necessary to take a step back and not even re-evaluate what's going on but to breath.


I think that's what I'm doing right now.


In the past week, we were asked to take in 5, not all from the same owner and not all with the same situations. I've been struggling with how to manage all 5. It's not possible. I've been so under the weather lately that I can barely care for the ones we have, let alone an additional 5. And of course those 5 don't come with any funds, food, or other donations. I get frustrated because even though we ARE a non-profit, that doesn't mean it makes life easier. We have to fight for everything and shuffle so much paperwork that it's nearly impossible to get funds for anything. I'm not trying to complain, just point out that those that tell me they cant' afford another horse, how do you expect ME to afford another one? Rescues are the same way. Its' all a balancing act. I'm struggling to balance right now.


So after talking with the Board of Directors, we've decided to close our doors to intakes for the near future. It stinks because we haven't taken anyone in since December 2015. There's been a few we've wanted to take in but of unfortunately those came on the heals of losing one of our residents. I don't take their loss easily and just because they are gone doesnt' mean we can instantly bring another one in. I need time.


So the doors are closed until I'm feeling better. When that will be, I don't know. I'm guessing the first of the year but then we'll be in the midst of winter and simply trying to survive. So I guess we'll see. It sucks to close our doors and tell people no. I want to help but without financial help, it's not possible. We've had some generous volunteers but again, with me being under the weather it's impossible to have volunteers that are minors come out. There must be supervision and I can't do it right now. Again, I hate turning away help but what can I do?


I'm guessing that I will return to being MIA for the next little while. I can't make any promises on when I'll be back. I'm still here trying to get through the day. If you have any suggestions or know of ways to help, I'm all ears. I'll try my best to pop on social media but that depends on technology. My phone has decided to not work and so has our internet connect and computer. It makes it difficult to do anything but then again, maybe it's a sign a need to take a step back and breath for a few days.


We'll see. But for now, I'm here even if I'm MIA.