Ridin' The Right Trail: Making Smart Choices During Stampede

Name: Refresh Counselling Services Inc
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Stampede is here—and with it comes the excitement, late nights, music, midway food, and more cowboy hats than you can count. But in all the fun and freedom, it’s easy to forget that this week can also bring some big choices your way. Whether you’re heading out with friends, navigating parties, or just caught up in the energy of it all, knowing how to make smart decisions can help you stay safe, grounded, and true to yourself.

At Refresh Counselling, we often talk with clients—especially teens and young adults—about how to make confident, thoughtful choices in high-energy environments like Stampede. So, let’s saddle up and walk through a few simple, practical tools for staying sharp while still having fun.

Know Your YOURSELF Before You Go

Stampede week can get loud—literally and emotionally. Having a sense of what matters to you helps cut through the noise when you’re faced with pressure or tricky situations.

Ask yourself:
“What kind of experience do I want to have this week?”
“What do I want to remember about it?”

When you start with your values, you’re more likely to make choices you won’t second-guess the next day.

2. Plan Ahead (Even a Little Goes a Long Way)

You don’t need to map out every minute, but having a loose plan helps avoid split-second decisions that might steer you off course.

Think about:

How you’re getting home
Who you’re going with (and if they’re people you trust)
What your limit is with alcohol, spending, or social time

Smart doesn’t mean boring—it just means you’re looking out for future you.

3. Trust Your Gut (It’s Smarter Than You Think)

Something feel off? A situation not sitting right? That gut feeling isn’t random—it’s your internal compass kicking in. Listen to it.

Reminder: You can always say no.
You can always leave.
You can always change your mind.

There’s no prize for ignoring your instincts.

4. Have a Safety Buddy

Whether it’s a close friend, your sibling, or even someone checking in by text, have someone in your corner who can help you make decisions with you—not for you. Accountability doesn’t mean restriction—it means support.

Bonus tip: Share your location on your phone with a trusted person, just in case.

5. Know That Cool Doesn’t Mean Careless

You don’t have to be wild to have a good time. Some of the most confident, respected people out there are the ones who know their limits, stay grounded, and treat others (and themselves) with kindness.

Be the person who’s still proud of their choices the next morning. That’s real cowboy energy.

Look...

Stampede is a time to celebrate. You can laugh, dance, make memories—and still make choices that keep you safe, happy, and aligned with who you really are.

And if something doesn’t go as planned? That’s okay too. It doesn’t define you. Talking with someone can help you process, learn, and move forward.

Your Partner In Wellness

Refresh Counselling is committed to providing the most elevated mental health services to our patients in at either of our locations in Calgary and across Alberta. We promise to meet you where you are, provide insight and a safe space, and help you get to where you want to be. Take advantage of our complimentary consultation to connect with a psychologist who can be your expert guide as you journey towards mental health and well-being. Book now in Jane, our virtual system.