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Editor's note: The following monthly perspective was written by National Horseman's publisher, Allison Lambert, appearing in the Morgan Grand National 2015 issue.

Save a Little Piece of "You" for Yourself

By Allison Lambert

            The end of show season is usually bittersweet.  In some ways the year has flown by in a blink, and in other ways the beginning seems like an eternity ago. Although most of us welcome the break with open arms, it’s hard to not feel slightly sentimental as we say goodbye to this lifestyle that we’ve become accustomed to for the last eight months.

            It goes without saying that the winter break is a welcome reprieve for industry professionals who have been tirelessly going nonstop since March. The countless travel hours, long hotel stays and living out of a suitcase for weeks on end are all things that come with the territory.  However, even for seasoned veterans, life on the road will inevitably wear on anyone after a while.

            With the hustle and bustle of horse show life comes an inescapable compromise, and that compromise is usually “you.”  From unhealthy eating to lack of sleep, our priorities usually include taking care of everyone else before ourselves. The winter months are a great time to reboot, recharge and reprioritize our lives—to make it a point to put “you” back on your priority list. Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective, which is why it is so important to use these months to our advantage.

            What we define as important are the things we dedicate our time to—from our families, to our jobs, to our clients. Dedicating our time to others is easy; it’s taking a little for ourselves that proves to be the most difficult. Although our schedules may never change, and putting others first is inevitable, take a moment to look at your priorities and make sure that you are one of them. Giving your all is okay, as long as you always save a little piece of “you” for yourself.