by Amy Hayek, DVM
In the Bible, Jesus gives us a powerful reminder: "Remember Lot's wife." Her story is a cautionary tale of looking back when she should have moved forward. Lot’s wife turned around while fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, clinging to the familiarity of a place that was destroying her. That hesitation cost her dearly.
This story is echoed in the behavior of animals, like horses being rescued from a burning barn. Despite the danger, they often try to run back into the flames, drawn to the false comfort of their familiar surroundings. As animal chiropractors, veterinarians, and chiropractors, we too face moments where we feel drawn to the past, hesitant to step into the uncertainty of growth.
Willow’s Lesson on Moving Forward
Willow, a puppy with unique neurological challenges, offers a profound lesson on forward motion. Willow doesn’t easily backtrack; instead, she moves in circles, sometimes stuck in repetitive loops when she can't find her way forward. It’s a vivid metaphor for how our minds work when we're overwhelmed or uncertain—we circle back to what's familiar, even if it’s no longer serving us.
Like Willow, we sometimes need external help to break out of those mental loops. A little nudge—a new perspective or guidance—can redirect our focus forward.
Designed to Move Forward
Humans are physically and neurologically wired to move forward. Our eyes are positioned at the front of our face, guiding us in the direction we’re meant to go. When we turn around to look back, we lose orientation. Our inner ear struggles, our balance falters, and we stumble. Moving forward is not just instinctive—it’s essential for growth.
This principle applies to every area of life, especially when pursuing a new path like animal chiropractic. The initial steps may seem daunting—investing in yourself, committing to learning something new, or stepping out of your comfort zone. But moving forward is the only way to achieve your goals.
Breaking the Loop of Stagnation
Just as Willow sometimes gets stuck circling, we too can get stuck in patterns of hesitation and self-doubt. We may tell ourselves, “I was better off before” or “I can’t handle this right now,” and end up spinning in place. But staying stagnant only leads to frustration and burnout. Growth requires action, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Animal chiropractors, like those we train at Animal Chiropractic Education, often face these challenges. Many of our students start with hesitation—wondering if they’re ready for the financial and time commitment. But with the right guidance, they learn to trust the process, focus forward, and build thriving practices.
Keep Moving Forward
To succeed as an animal chiropractor, you need two things:
Stay adjusted. Keeping your own neurology balanced allows you to look forward with clarity and confidence.
Keep your focus on the horizon. Trust that moving in the direction of your goals will lead you to where you need to be.
At Animal Chiropractic Education, we’re here to help you move forward. We provide the training, tools, and support you need to take the next step in your journey. Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back.
Like Lot’s wife, looking back only leaves you stuck. Instead, take a lesson from Willow—move forward, even if it means breaking free from old habits. Embrace the discomfort of growth, and trust that every step brings you closer to the practice and life you envision.
If you’re ready to stop circling and start moving forward, visit us at Animal Chiropractic Education. Let us help you take that first step toward a brighter future.