Thriving Within and Beyond the Box

My “out of the box” mentality is like a superpower. It creates a frontier of freedom, even while working within the constraints of life that we all lead. Life often feels like a paradox: we are limited by rules and responsibilities, yet we must lead from where we are, making choices that reflect who we truly are. As the saying goes, “the only constant is change.”

So yes, I live within the box. But I choose to flourish inside it. I look for (and find) happiness, strength, and a sense of freedom no matter the circumstances. I can make choices and plans that stay true to my values and perspectives.

One of my earliest memories of feeling trapped “in the box” was in high school. Sitting in classrooms year after year, I often felt stifled by routine and uninspiring lessons. While I had some great teachers (shout out to Mr Kroecher and Mr Vecchio!), my senior years left me drained and restless.

The cycle was exhausting: school all day, then snacks, chores mixed with play, until late at night when dread for the next day’s homework took over. I’d rush through assignments to meet the ‘dreadline’ half-heartedly, sacrificing sleep and waking up tired and unmotivated. Snooze, snooze, snooze. Then it starts again the very next day.

There was no time for breakfast, though dad did insist (when he wasn’t away at work) to have three mouthfuls of ‘The Amazing Sunny Boy’ cereal. Dad had a real thing for old Sunny Boy! I would obey, slurp and choke it down in a huff, then scramble to the morning bus. Meet and greet and enjoy the folks, then, uhg, back in the box.

Here, the “box” felt as limiting and stuffy as an actual box of Sunny Boy.

At home, on the ranch, I was a rock star. I was independent, focused, quick to learn, and proud of my work. This contrast gave me a glimpse of what “out of the box” could look like! Being efficient and confident while still managing responsibilities.

When the school cycle became too much, I decided to quit. I told my parents, both educated and hardworking themselves, that I wanted to focus only on the ranch.

To my surprise, they said yes. Immediately.

Hmmmmm.

At first, I was taken back. Not excited. That was too easy. I thought they had an ulterior motive (thought I wouldn't amount to much more than cheap labour anyway? that I'd be at their beck and call without break?). Whatever the reason, their quick acceptance actually made me pause and (ultimately) rethink my choice and approach things from a different perspective.

In that moment of doubt, I realized quitting school wasn’t the answer: I didn’t want a life without growth (or paydays!). I didn’t want a limited life bound to endless chores without personal development.

So I stayed in the box a little longer. I finished grade eleven with a bit of hard-fought momentum and then twelve with renewed focus. “I only have one year left. Get done, don't come back.”

I pushed myself to get involved in activities like pageants, sports, and community clubs. In other words: I chose to make the box work for me.

I chose not to quit school. Even though I had permission, I picked the opportunity to not do so. I went to school and continued to do ranch chores. I was making choices within the box. That’s where my true “in the box” roots began. Learning to thrive, within limits, while nurturing “out of the box” thinking.

We all have boxes! Responsibilities to meet, dreams to chase, disasters to face.

Some days are diamonds. Some days are just stone.

But it’s our mindset that makes all the difference.

Feeling stuck in the box can be heavy and discouraging, I know. But out of the box thinking has inspired me and given me the advantageous position of a positive mindset during times that test me. Because by making intentional choices inside the box, we can fuel our passion and reignite our dreams beyond the box. This balance is at the heart of “out of the box” thinking: not escaping reality but transforming how we live it.

This philosophy inspires everything we do at HorsePower Frontier Equine Assisted Leadership (FEAL). Our programs help people discover their own strength to thrive, no matter what boxes they find themselves in.

Real freedom isn’t about leaving the box behind: it’s about learning how to flourish inside it. With courage, creativity, and confidence.

— Shawna-Marie