Author: Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst

LABUBU

Cultural Craze, Emotional Attachment, and the Power of “Thing”

Labubu isn’t just the latest plush obsession—it’s a playful symbol of how deeply we crave connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how fad culture, emotional attachment, and identity come together in one mischievous little collectible.

Okay, I don’t care if you don’t know how to pronounce it or have no idea what it is.
Remember Gnomes? Remember Barbie? Remember Cabbage Patch Dolls?
Get it?
Now you are in the right space. A Chinese-born artist, Kasing Lung invented this plush thing after spending time in the Netherlands and enjoying Nordic lore.
They come in all sizes and are known to be friendly and supportive. Hey! Who would not like that? We all need friendly and supportive characters in our lives. You may find them as plush toys for your kiddos or as a talisman to hang on your purse, belt, or bicycle handlebars.
My bicycle handlebars had streamers running out of them, and the spokes had these cards in them that would make flapping noises as you sped through the neighborhood. With the wind in your hair, you could let go of the handlebars as you shot down the hill. Nothing beats that thrill.
The current craze with the LABUBU is to hang these things on your body. If you have a belt, that is great. See how many you can pile around your waist. If you carry a purse, get one of different sizes. See how many little ones you can dangle on the purse strap. The bigger the purse, the better. Do they have contests for how many of these things you can attach to your body? They should. What would the prize be? You guessed it! More LABUBUS!
Why do we need these fads? How do they get started?
Something inside of us longs for attachment. Of course, we were born attached to our mothers, and many times I have repeated the fact that we spend the rest of our lives seeking attachment. So, the toy industry provides the perfect way to make money. Give us something we can attach to!!
We will grab it, make it wildly popular, and ultimately abandon it for the next craze. Attachment is the key. We attach to PERSON, PLACE, OR THING. This is our natural bent. We have to be attached to survive. The fact that we were born attached dominates throughout life. So, attaching to “thing” can not only be healthy, but it can also be quite lucrative for the inventor and manufacturer of the thing.
Please keep ‘em coming. What will be the next “thing”?

Want to explore why attachment fuels trend culture? Visit Psychology Today’s guide to Labubu and emotional attachment, Psychologs’ breakdown of Labubu and trend psychology, and Fabric Academy’s insights on Labubu as a fashion accessory.

If you’re reflecting on identity, emotional connection, or consumer behavior, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, grounding, and self-expression.

CUPCAKE

Sweet Invention, Cultural Delight, and the Joy of Tiny Cakes

Small in size, mighty in charm. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how cupcakes became a beloved American invention, a cultural icon, and a source of joy across generations.

Ahhh! What just came to mind for you? These small treats that fit in your hand and sometimes go fully formed into your mouth can be a true delight. Whoever thought of these? Was it a mistake or intentional?

The United States of America can lay claim to the cupcake. Now, there is something to be proud of! A 1796 cookbook by Amelia Simmons contains a recipe for these small cakes. That clearly indicates that they were popular at the time. They have remained so to this very day. The baking tin with individual wells makes it easy to develop these “pop in your mouth” treats.

The cupcake is in good company with other American inventions:

• The Telephone by Alexander Graham Bell
• The Telegraph by Samuel Morse
• The Light Bulb by Thomas Edison
• The Airplane by the Wright Brothers

Now, you may be wondering about the comparisons. After all, we could not have gotten along without the telephone. Everyone seems to have one in their pocket, if not always in their hand. They even make them for toddlers, where you can put Mom, Dad, or Grandma’s picture on the phone so the little tyke can punch their faces to call. The telegraph is long gone, except, apparently, in Italy!! However, you must admit that it was a marvelous way to send messages far and wide at the time. And the lightbulb is a real winner. They now come in all shapes and sizes. We could not get along without this invention. They are outside, inside, underground, in tunnels. They are everywhere. Of course, the airplane is the ultimate. You can leave Washington, DC, in the early morning and have afternoon tea in Hawaii. Who wouldn’t like that?!!

Ah, but back to the cupcake.

Children love to make and eat these. The recipes are simple and easy. The process is quick, and placing a scoop of goo into the paper cup is an appropriate challenge for little hands. Now, you may get a dribble or two on the edge of the tin, but that is fun, too. You can use your little finger to wipe it off and pop it in your mouth.

They do not take long to bake, and they smell delicious while you are waiting. The most challenging part is not grabbing one when it comes out of the oven. Hey! They are HOT!

Still, the temptation is there, and a few of them will no doubt disappear immediately. So, to the wonderful American who thought of making these tiny cakes, I say Thank You! To the cupcake store that will ship them all over the place, I say BRAVO! I can now send this treat to anyone!

Want to explore the history and cultural rise of cupcakes? Visit The Delicious Journey’s history of cupcakes, Restaurant Web Experts’ guide to cupcakes as cultural icons, and Mashed’s tribute to Amelia Simmons and cupcake origins.

If you’re reflecting on joy, creativity, or the sweetness of everyday life, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and celebration of self.

THE HEAT AND EMOTIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Lowlands, Legacy, and the Fires That Shape Us

Heat doesn’t just scorch, it softens, reshapes, and reveals. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how the metaphor of bottom lands and rising temperatures mirrors emotional transformation, relational deposits, and the discomfort of transformation.

I live outside Washington, DC, and when they call it a swamp, they are not just referring to the politics. Now we could go in that direction, and it might be pretty entertaining. But NO.

Our Founders did not build Washington, DC on an actual swamp. But! Factually, the area was not a real swamp. The land was what my father would call “lowlands” or “bottom lands.” He grew up farming the lowlands of southern Indiana. The lowland areas are flat and quite fertile because the rivers and streams that run through them flood the land periodically, depositing the richness of the stream on the land as the water recedes. Crops grow beautifully in these lowlands.

What are you depositing on the ground around you? Look at your family, your neighbors, your friends, your colleagues, and yes, your enemies. Name the deposits you are making. My family deposits food regularly, and we are truly grateful for that. As I age, I am less interested in cooking or eating. My dinner favorites have narrowed quite a bit, and I seem to be content with repeating the same things regularly. The variety from my family is a welcome treat. Our neighbors are friendly, and we cover each other when we are away by looking out for packages or mail that didn’t quite make it through the mail slot. My friends are the best. Regular lunches, engaging lectures, shared books, and just plain good company are the parts of life that sustain one and lead to more good stories to share and remember. Colleagues always serve to challenge your intellect and keep you sharp. Enemies are a challenge as well. Sometimes they can cause us to reflect deeply on how we think and function. That is not pleasant, but it is necessary.

Growth takes both support and challenge. A confrontation is not pleasant, but the heat can lead to a melting of old thoughts and processes, giving way to new ideas and understanding. This type of growth can be itchy and painful. We look at the landscape that has been familiar and don’t want to change. Confrontation is often necessary to shake us loose from our way of thinking and being. We can get stuck in the mud. When the bottom land floods, you do not want to go walking in that muck. When the surface water is gone, wait for the mud to dry out a bit before you wade in.

Want to explore how swamp metaphors and heat reflect emotional transformation? Visit GradesFixer’s analysis of Mary Oliver’s “Crossing the Swamp”, National Trust’s breakdown of DC’s swamp myth, and Algor Cards’ concept map of swamp symbolism.

If you’re reflecting on emotional heat, relational deposits, or personal growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, healing, and transformation.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN STUNG?

Bees, Barns, and the Buzz of Unexpected Lessons

Sometimes pain comes with pie. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how bee stings—literal and metaphorical—can spark resilience, humor, and even a deeper connection to nature and family lore.

I can safely report that I have never been stung by a bee or wasp. However, I have watched this happen to others. I was home from college one summer and my parents had this huge fenced backyard. I was on the screened porch and my mother had taken a basket to collect rhubarb from the corner garden at the edge of the property because making a rhubarb pie was on the menu! Suddenly, screams erupted and she ran for the porch. A hoard of bumblebees had made a nest underground in the garden. They, of course, perceived her as a threat and attacked immediately. Fortunately, my mother can run really fast. She was stung a lot but the outcome was not as bad as it could have been.

Later, my father was summoned to smoke them out and kill them. Which he did quite successfully. As a result, rhubarb pie was on the menu the next night!

My second observance takes a bit more explanation. First, you must be able to identify with “farm folk.” Their humor tends to be more on the physical, embarrassing side. Both of my parents come from a long line of farmers so bear with me. I have an adult cousin who loves to pull practical jokes, but they always have this physical consequence as the outcome. When visiting him with my new husband, we went treasure hunting in the hayloft of a barn that my cousin had recently purchased. He reported that an old spinning wheel was housed in the hayloft. I wanted that object! Think of it. An old spinning wheel! The perfect conversation starter in the front hall of our new home. I had to have it!

Here is where my cousin’s sense of twisted humor enters the picture. He had of course spotted this gem and let me know about it. The part that he left out is that he had also spotted a hornet’s nest in the hayloft as well. So, when he and my husband went to retrieve the wheel, he, of course, sent my husband up the ladder first.

I do not need to describe the outcome. Husband: badly stung. Cousin: bent over in laughter.

Outcome: Cousin had to remove the nest and retrieve the spinning wheel on his own.

Where do these relatives come from?

Want to explore the deeper meaning behind bee stings and emotional resilience? Visit Soulful Creature’s guide to the spiritual meaning of bee stings, Wisdom of the Spirit’s reflections on transformation through pain, and Spiritual Mojo’s insights on boundaries, sacrifice, and growth.

If you’re reflecting on family dynamics, emotional resilience, or unexpected life lessons, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and relational healing.

WHAT FREEDOM MEANS TO ME

Emotional Liberty, Quiet Joys, and the Power to Be Fully Seen

Freedom isn’t just a political concept—it’s a personal experience. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional freedom shapes our relationships, self-expression, and the quiet moments that make life meaningful.

Each year, as the Fourth of July approaches, I find myself thinking about freedom. Not just the kind written into our founding documents, but the quieter kinds. The everyday kinds. The kinds that live in our homes, our relationships, and our inner lives.

This time of year often brings fireworks and celebration, but it also invites reflection. For me, freedom includes the ability to express who we are fully and honestly. It’s emotional freedom—the space to feel joy, sadness, pride, grief, love, and everything in between without judgment or fear.

As a psychologist, I’ve spent many years helping people reconnect with that freedom. We may grow up with the best intentions around us, but somewhere along the way, we are often taught to suppress parts of ourselves. Some of us are taught to be silent. Others are told to stay small. Many of us, without even realizing it, begin to live within invisible limits.

So this holiday, I’m choosing to celebrate freedom in all its forms:

• The freedom to sit on the porch with someone you love and talk about real things.
• The freedom to ask for what you need.
• The freedom to change your mind, to grow, to let yourself be fully seen.
• The freedom to be soft, even in a world that values hard edges.

This week, my husband and I are keeping things simple. A quiet meal, some time outdoors, a few phone calls with loved ones. There is a joy in that simplicity, and there is freedom in being able to share it.

Wherever you are this holiday, I hope you find time for connection, reflection, and laughter. And I hope you take a moment to ask yourself: what does freedom look like in my life right now?

Want to explore how emotional freedom supports well-being and personal growth? Visit Reality Pathing’s guide to emotional freedom and well-being, Johnny Lawrence’s reflections on emotional healing, and GradesFixer’s essay on personal autonomy and freedom.

If you’re reflecting on emotional freedom, identity, or personal transformation, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and authentic living.

MEMORY MOLECULES

Brain Glue, Synaptic Tags, and the Future of Recall

Memory isn’t just magic—it’s molecular. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how recent neuroscience reveals the “glue” that holds our memories together, and how curiosity can lead us to the edge of discovery.

I have a subscription to Scientific American. I have had it for a long, long time. I think my curiosity was originally piqued by a neighbor who was a scientist at Johns Hopkins University. When my daughter was in elementary school, she would visit him with bugs and rocks and other interesting things she found, and he would give her science lessons based on her findings. I am sure that the idea for the subscription started with that interaction.

Today’s issue has a fascinating article on the brain and memory. For a long time, I have known that the brain stores everything but not how it does that. This article talks about a series of studies that are addressing that question. My interpretation is that there is a form of “glue” in the brain that connects synapses, and the glue actually holds the memory. Now that is truly my layman’s interpretation. The article does not mention glue. It, of course, has fancy names for these substances and several labs have been doing research to understand how memories work. But for now, let’s just call it “brain glue.”

Now, I may need to define just a couple of things. Our brains are made up of neurons that look like strings with multiple branching strings off each one. At the end of each branch there is a flat bulb shape like a LED flood lamp, only tiny. Each of these bulbs comes close to the bulb of another branch with a little space in between. This glue-like substance that has been discovered and studied sits between these two bulbs. Apparently, our memories are housed in that glue. Voila!

Some of the studies in this article indicate that the “glue” can be removed or damaged, thus disrupting the memory. This is fascinating. I wonder if the “glue” can be restored? Would that mean that we could stop the progression of Alzheimer’s or slow its progression? Would that mean that we could plant “glue” in someone’s brain? I know a ton of mothers who would want to use that to get their teenagers to remember to put their clothes in the hamper or maybe even do their own laundry!

Remembering to do things can be tricky. If this brain “glue” is real, think of the future that could unfold. We could cure Alzheimer’s. We could make studying obsolete. We could implant skills and talents to our hearts’ content… oops. I think I have gone too far.

Want to explore the science behind memory molecules? Visit Neuroscience News’ discovery of KIBRA as memory glue, StudyFinds’ breakdown of how KIBRA and PKMzeta stabilize memory, and Live Science’s coverage of molecular glue and memory retention.

If you’re reflecting on memory, aging, or cognitive wellness, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and brain health.

LET THEM EAT CAKE

Distance, Difference, and the Choice to Reconnect

Some phrases endure because they reveal something uncomfortable. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how “Let Them Eat Cake” symbolizes emotional distancing, and how empathy begins with recognizing our recoil.

This phrase is attributed to Marie Antoinette when referring to the starvation and rebellion of the peasants. Historians dispute that she ever said such a thing, but the association sticks and we continue to use the phrase today when we are disgusted with others. In truth, the quote likely originated from Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions, written in 1765, where he attributes it to “a great princess”—long before Marie Antoinette arrived in France.

The idea is rather poignant. Those who are lower than we are in the social system have a need that we could fulfill. We decide not to fulfill this need. The result is an insult regarding their basic needs. Let’s examine this dynamic.

First, we are obviously referring to a group different from our own in some way. This could be a sexual difference, economic difference, intellectual difference or any other difference that sets us apart. The list of possible differences could get quite long. The point is that we identify a group or person different from ourselves and we place them in a lower status. Pause for a moment and reflect on past experiences where you have created this difference.

This is an interesting tendency. We are each human: homo sapiens. Yet, each of us is different in some way. Even identical twins have nuances that enable their parents to tell them apart. So, given these differences and the stability of them throughout life, how can we choose to shame another because of a difference? We do it. We do it because it helps us in some way.

When we distance ourselves from others, we elevate ourselves to create safety. The circumstances of the other are causing us distress in some way. Somewhere in our brains we realize that we are at risk for being in the place of the other. To save ourselves from the fear of that thought, we create a distance. All of this is natural and automatic.

That fact should lead us to understand that the reaction is in some way protective or has a survival function. We separate ourselves and create boundaries for protection. That protection can be physical, emotional, social, psychological or for some other need. The act of separation is a natural function. Often it is automatic as well. The behavior is initiated before we even realize it. The question that we must ask ourselves is what do we do when we recognize it? The recognition will come. What do we do next? Do we exercise our ability to examine and choose the next step? If we all stayed in the recoil mode, then charity would not exist. Charity, kindness, empathy all grow out of recognition after the recoil.

Want to explore how empathy and power dynamics shape social connection? Visit The Socratic Method’s philosophical breakdown of the quote, Britannica’s historical analysis of the attribution, and World in Paris’ cultural context of the phrase.

If you’re reflecting on empathy, social boundaries, or emotional growth, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and relational healing.

DELIVERY

Comfort, Connection, and the Freedom to Choose

Convenience isn’t confinement—it’s a gateway. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how the delivery age reshapes our routines, expands our choices, and deepens our connection to what truly matters.

I am content in my home. We have spent years remodeling, revamping, restoring and reimagining this space. It works very well now. There are places to go in this tiny house that are inviting and purposeful. The screened-in porch has been revamped with these magical rolldown screens so that if you want to have an open-air experience you just push the button on the remote. This is also perfect for cleaning the porch because you just raise the screens and use the big blower to scoot all dust, leaves and dirt out of the way. When the weather turns a bit chilly, we fire up the electric fireplace and extend our porch sitting days for another month. I love being outdoors.

The deck is another lovely place to be. A hummingbird feeder entertains us most of the summer. Those guys are getting ready to leave us for the long journey to Mexico, so the feeder is really busy, and they tend to fight each other for space. There is plenty of room, but they just don’t seem to enjoy sharing. The battles add to the entertainment. As Fall approaches, the squirrels are busy collecting walnuts from the tree in the neighbor’s yard. Squirrels are very interesting creatures. So far, I have seen them bury these big green balls in flowerpots and under bushes. I imagine the green coating disintegrating over time to expose the hard wrinkly shell protecting the nut. If you have ever tried to open a walnut yourself, you will appreciate the squirrel.

All this comfort has led us to take advantage of the numerous delivery services available. We no longer go to the grocery store. Bags of supplies are delivered to the front door. We no longer go to the hardware store. Boxes of tools and supplies are delivered by Amazon. We don’t even have to go to Starbucks as we have grandchildren for that delivery. This is starting to sound insane! Are we becoming hermits?

Nowadays almost anything can be done remotely. I can go to Church online. I can attend concerts online. I can watch all manner of lectures and educational presentations online. My parents and grandparents would be shocked, and they would wonder if I were losing my mind or becoming a hermit. However, the interesting thing is that my choices are becoming more important and not less. I choose to meet my friends for lunch. I choose to attend small intimate concerts to listen to wonderful Baroque Music. I choose to visit galleries and marvel at the talent that lives in this town. I choose to walk through beautiful gardens that are only a few miles away or wander in the woods that snakes from downtown D.C. to the outer reaches of the County. The conveniences of delivery have opened time to express my values, challenge my intellect and satisfy my soul. Thank you to the delivery age.

Want to explore how remote services and emotional connection intersect? Visit ScaleUp365’s guide to emotional intelligence in remote life, The National Center for Emotional Wellness’ reflections on remote work, and Forbes’ strategies for emotional connection in the delivery age.

If you’re reflecting on lifestyle, emotional wellness, or meaningful choices, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and intentional living.

THE DINNER TABLE

Ritual, Resilience, and the Emotional Blueprint of Mealtime

The dinner table isn’t just where we eat—it’s where we learn who we are. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how family mealtime rituals shape emotional development, communication styles, and lifelong relational patterns.

First, let me say that if your family is having dinner together even a few nights a week then BRAVO! So many families have abandoned this practice as their children are programmed to participate in every activity imaginable. Dinner is often in the car on the way to football practice, dance lessons or art training or sewing classes.

Still, I meet with families who continue this tradition at least a few nights a week. When working with individuals regardless of their age, I tend to ask them to describe family meals and how they happen. The range is quite broad but they can be categorized as follows:

1. Rigid Processes: Structured, formal, and often hierarchical. Children may be expected to report on achievements, and deviation from etiquette is discouraged.
2. On the Fly: Flexible, staggered, and often chaotic. Humor and unpredictability coexist, and connection happens in passing.
3. Casual: Inclusive, humorous, and emotionally rich. Interruptions are welcome, and laughter is a bonding tool.

In the “Rigid Process” family, everyone must show up for dinner and come prepared. A dress code may also be enforced but it need not be formal. The time is spent in discussions that are relevant to current events, politics or global issues. Frequently, the children are present as an audience for the parents or the parents and teens who are deemed bright enough to participate. Younger children will be asked to report on schoolwork or other competitive endeavors, but their time is limited and their reports must be serious. Attention to the speaker is expected and demanded if your mind wanders off. The time at the table is generally longer than the youngest member can tolerate. If that discomfort is noticed, the child will be reprimanded or sent away in shame.

In the “On the Fly” family, everyone shows within a time frame, but they may come at staggered times, eat and leave. Sharing is not required but is accepted. The process is casual so if you come in your soccer uniform, everyone understands that you are soon off to practice and just need to pack in some calories. Conversations are brief and choppy as people come and go. Some chaos is accepted as normal and may even be ritualized, such as the teenager grabbing food to go. The interactions are generally humorous or hostile depending on the mood of the adults and that can be unpredictable. The younger members may be used as “labor” to get certain things from the pantry or fridge. The tone of the kitchen is generally accepting.

In the “Casual” family, everyone is expected at a given time and the conversation is free flowing with antics and humor accepted. At this table, “Dad jokes” are expected and the conversation is light and airy. Serious topics are reserved for another time. Being interrupted is a part of the causal process as one person’s sharing may remind another of something that they are bursting to add to the conversation. One study of the dinner table shows that humor is an important part of skill building both with language and emotional resilience. In this household, humor is expected at the table and tends to form a bond that leads to a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Examine the dinner table during your childhood and talk about how this family ritual influenced both how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others. The dinner table is a training ground. Just like the sports or intellectual games that you learned to play as a child, your early experiences at the dinner table point you in a direction. You will keep going in that direction unless you take time to examine how these childhood experiences have impacted you today.

Want to explore how family meals shape emotional health and connection? Visit Thrive Nutrition’s guide to emotional benefits of family dinners, BioLife Health Center’s reflections on bonding through meals, and Good Life Family Magazine’s science of eating together.

If you’re reflecting on family rituals, emotional development, or relational patterns, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and family wellness.

LET THE THOROUGHBREDS RUN

Leadership, Initiative, and the Power of Natural Drive

Some people don’t just walk into a room—they gallop. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how “thoroughbred” personalities shape group dynamics, and why recognizing and supporting natural leaders can elevate everyone.

Now, this may have you thinking about horse racing. I lived in Baltimore, Maryland for a long time so the Pimlico Race Course was a popular place and as a young person I was once thrilled to go to Churchill Downs. I used to ride horses and loved the experience of trotting around the ring or trail riding. I am short and a friend of mine once put me on one of her horses that was more than 17 hands. I was certain that I could touch the sky and a part of me was sure I would be thrown and die. Surviving the trail ride was my one goal. But this theme is not about horses.

I want to talk about groups. Every group from early childhood, including those toddler groups that your mother took you to, has a thoroughbred or two in it. What to do? Some people are just made to take initiative. I think they come out of the womb directing the obstetrician on what to wrap them in and where to place them. Honestly, I know infants are born with this survival intelligence and I am sure that certain ones survive by directing traffic. If you have one of these kids, you know when to get out of the way!

I remember watching one of these children at a first-grade school play. She had a minor role herself, but she had clearly memorized all the dialogue for her peers. If they hesitated or stumbled, she would prance over to them to feed them their lines. If they positioned themselves on stage in the wrong spot, she would tip toe over to gently place them in the right place. She must have watched the teacher do this gentle move and was now duplicating the process. The play went off quite smoothly and she was so proud at the end. She had helped everyone put on a perfect performance! Obviously, from her point of view.

These “Type A” personalities are valuable, even when they are a bit annoying. If you have ever watched a Triple Crown horse race, you will know what I mean. These three-year-old Thoroughbreds are prepared for the ultimate challenge. They have confidence and have come out of the womb with this sense of power and control. They have presence as they prance forward with head up and chest out. They offer a form of regal resistance when approaching the gate. They have strength that you can see in their legs and chest as they push forward to get ahead of everyone else.

Thoroughbreds walk among us, and we would do well to recognize them. Their posture is erect and regal. Their presence is noticed by others. Their wisdom is like a crown on their heads. Their grace is subtle but obvious. Let them run. Watch them organize and perform. Support them in any way they ask or need. Enjoy the outcome. Take pride in the race they have run and the joy they have shared. Let the Thoroughbreds Run.

Want to explore how natural leaders shape group dynamics? Visit Sharon Khen’s leadership lessons from horse herds, Psynet Group’s Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Leadership, and Equinox Coaching’s insights on herd behavior and leadership.

If you’re reflecting on personality, leadership, or group dynamics, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and leadership development.