Dr. Wendy Rice

On the surface I am a psychologist and competitive equestrian. On the next level, I am a business owner, worried daughter, dog-mom, peace maker, ADHD professional on overdrive and major-league foodie who always wants to eat less.

Who inspires you in your life and why?

Lisa Larter inspires me. She states her intentions and follows through on them. She is generous, kind and thoughtful with her thoughts, words and deeds. She is classy and has tact. She gets up early and accomplishes more on any given day before I even wake up than often do by noon! She has a beautiful marriage. She manages a serious chronic illness with grace. I am for certain a better person for the time I spend with her and the lessons she has shared.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have had to overcome in your life?

I lived til about age 35 with undiagnosed ADHD. I struggled with anxiety and depression for years but underneath some of that mess was a brain that didn’t function on a daily basis quite how I would have liked it to! I struggled with organization, forgetfulness, time management and procrastination, spelling and reading comprehension more than the average kid and young adult. I viewed college and getting my doctoral degree as marathons but somehow made it through both of them!

What did you do to move through them? What did you learn?

I did a great deal of work from 11 pm til 2 am when everyone else was asleep and I had run out of avoidance activities! I worked with some amazing therapists over the years who supported me, believed in me and inspired me. I took medication to help with the worry and sadness and eventually to help with the ADHD symptoms. I relied a great deal on my mother, other family members and friends to get me through the toughest times. I never stopped horseback riding!

What are you most proud of?

I guess right now I am proud of being the owner of Rice Psychology Group, a successful private practice in Tampa, Florida. We take care of countless individuals and families in Tampa which is a privilege. The business also provides significant levels of income to more than 6 other people besides myself and has been growing every year. And one of the main reasons I work so hard is so that I can own a horse, ride and horse show – and I’m doing it all so I guess I’m proud of that.

What do you want younger women to know?

Work hard. Put in the time and effort. It will pay off for you. Others will recognize your commitment. Stay humble! Say yes a lot- but also know when to say no. Never stop doing the things that give you the most pleasure – even if you can’t do them full out – do what you can. Keep a foot in the door. Just because you aren’t a kid anymore doesn’t mean you can’t keep doing the things you did when you were younger – so dance, sing, do art, ride your bike, ski, swim, boat, knit – and do it like no one is watching!

What does living fully mean to you?

I think I’m the definition of living fully! Other than not being married or having kids…

I work hard treating patients and running a business and I currently have all the right people on that bus!

I own a fantastic horse named Caspar and compete all over Florida and sometimes out of state at a very respectable level with some decent success. He’s my “horse of a lifetime.” He lives at a barn that takes excellent care of him. I never worry about his well being and I have made some amazing friends being a part of that barn family.

I travel – largely thanks to my mother and some amazing friends – soon to embark on my 3rd African Safari in 4 years!

I take my dog, Milo, practically everywhere and he is loved by all who know him.

My mother, who is single, lives nearby (but not with me) and we take care of each other in so many ways – very lucky to have her. We are lucky to have each other!

My brothers and their families also live in the same town so that is an excellent perk

Favourite quote?

“Courage is being scared but saddling up anyway”
Not sure who said it