Kia-Beth Bennett of Bittersweet-Milkweed Collaborative Farm

The 383rd recipient is Kia-Beth Bennett of Bittersweet-Milkweed Collaborative Farm in Heuvelton, NY. Kia-Beth writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I used to be awful at self-care, but years of ignoring my boundaries and constantly serving others led to malnutrition and a mental health breakdown. I've since found a therapist, I am taking an SSRI, and have improved my eating, sleeping, and relaxation habits. These days, I see self-care as an extension of my love for the land and my community. As I shift my farm priorities towards the creation of a healthy, balanced social ecosystem, I've begun to divine the connections between my well-being and the well-being of those around me, recognizing that I can simultaneously serve myself, hold others in my heart, and have enough energy to enjoy life. Examining and serving my needs allows me to extend rest and care to my crew. Ensuring I take lunch, for instance, means I no longer feel antsy waiting for others to finish eating. Accepting I cannot work effectively when infrastructure and systems are poorly set up, I make an effort to repair and alter things. This makes the farm run more smoothly and the work easier for everyone. I am recognizing If I ignore my needs, farming ceases to be the rejuvenating, emotional, beautiful work it can be and instead turns into a rat race.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “This award will go directly to my antidepressants. I've been using St John's Wort for five years now, and it's one of the best self-care decision I've ever made. It's also something my insurance does not cover, so I pay $20 a bottle, out of pocket. $100 dollars would pay for four months of antidepressants.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Aspirationally? Universal Basic Income. Currently? Socialization. I text my friends constantly, formed a farm committee so I didn't have to be the sole decision-maker, and I get together with a friend every Wednesday. Just that weekly date has brought me laughter, rides to doctor's appointments, tasty lattes at my favorite coffeehouse, hand-delivered lunch, help with fencing and more.Two: Socialization. I’m isolated, and no matter how many volunteers exist or how many friends I text daily, the primary people I see are those I pay to be here – so right now, nobody except my father. I need a regular board game night, or to attend a local contra dance, or to have a housemate or partner or nearby friend. I need people to celebrate and cry with.” 

#realfarmercare