The 258th recipient is Charissa Ruth of Syggelekokle Farm @syggelekoklefarm in Claysville, PA. Charissa writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I am the sole owner and operator of my farm and although I have a part-time employee who helps me, I want to lead a more balanced life. For me self-care is about sustainability. I love to farm and taking care of myself is imperative to being a farmer for the long haul, which includes taking care of my body and mind to prevent burnout. Before, when I’ve thought of self-care, I’ve imagined big gestures like a spa day or a whole weekend away. Those are valid ways to take care of oneself, but for me as a farmer, I want to focus more on little things I can do on a regular basis that will nourish me and prevent burnout.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use the award to cover therapy as well as take my sole employee and myself out for a nice dinner to celebrate making it through this difficult season! I have recently started seeing a therapist twice a month to help with navigating burnout among other issues. As someone who is working long days either on the farm or at a hospital (my other full time job), I tend to eat a lot of quick foods such as tater tots, sandwiches, and frozen meals. A nice meal out at a restaurant is such a treat and would also be a great way to show my employee some appreciation for all that she does!”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “I need to do a better job of looking after my physical and mental health, including being mindful and taking time to rest, which is one of my biggest challenges. I work two full-time jobs: farmer and nursing assistant. I work almost every day in a week throughout the year because I have livestock. I want to focus more on building in time to rest and relax so that I don’t burnout or come to resent either of my jobs. Therapy has already started to help with thinking through strategies I can use as well as providing space to stop and process my life on and off the farm.”
コメント