The 341st recipient is Dria Price of Justevia @justeviateas in Hernando, MS. Dria writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Self-care involves activities that promote the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of an individual. In the context of farming, this wellbeing includes knowing when to rest, when to delegate tasks to others, and when to end a project on the pursuit of something more gratifying and fulfilling. As a farmer, none of these tasks come easily but they are important to the reduction of burnout seen in many farmers. This burnout can easily give way to resignation or cutting corners, leading to subpar results or productivity. Self-care and well-being are essential in all contexts, but especially for farmers as we are producing the fuel that keeps our country moving, both directly and indirectly.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I plan to use this reward as a way to treat myself to a few of my favorite things that support other small business in town. There is a family-owned restaurant that cooks one of my favorite meals and is always delighted to see me. I would use the remainder from my dinner to shop at our local market that purchases directly from local farmers, including my farm. It gives me so much joy to use my finances in a way that contributes to the local economy and other farmers as well. So this would be the gift that keeps on giving as it would impact other farmers as well.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: The most important aspect of self-care to me is taking a moment to realize all that I’ve accomplished. Sometimes I’m too focused on the rest of the ever-growing to-do list to realize what I’ve already checked off. Practicing mindfulness is a way that helps me slow down and be present in the moment more often. This can be seen in me taking the time to breathe while brewing a cup of tea, sitting on the porch for a few minutes while it’s raining, or talking to my plants while watering them. Any action that helps me to slow down and not focus on my productivity in the moment helps my mind from running too quickly. It’s also free and doesn’t require me to spend money or other resources to do it”.
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