The 307th recipient is Courtney Cohen of Spore and Seed @sporeandseed in Sparks, MD. Courtney writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care and well-being coincide directly with intentional time away from my farm. Farming is an occupation but it’s also a lifestyle that tethers you to your farming operation for much of the year. Balance can be difficult to achieve but I feel the most full and well rounded when I am able to set time aside to be away from my farm and its demands. It can be as simple as making my weekly gym class, going for a walk in the woods or spending time with family. Time is my most valuable resource and as such I feel most cared for by myself when I have carved out intentional moments to disconnect from work and reconnect with me.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would certainly put it towards body work, either a massage or acupuncture session. I often give myself the gift of time as a form of self-care but rarely spend money on my well-being. It is hard for me to justify such expenses even though I know as someone who uses their body to make a living it would benefit both my overall wellness but also my ability to have longevity in my career.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “Similar to my answer above, healthcare, especially alternative care like body work and mental health would be the most important. Farming is such a unique occupation - many of us do it because we are passionate about agriculture but we also may lack sufficient funds to take care of our body and minds in the way such a demanding career dictates. A farming season is different every year and there is so much stress and so many unknowns it can really take a toll mentally and emotionally, and those feelings unchecked can result in bodily ailments. I think having more access to practitioners who have a more holistic understanding of the components of a farmer's daily life would greatly benefit one's overall well being.”
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