The 311th recipient is Max Bachvarova of Whatley Farm @whatleyfarm in Topsham, ME. Max writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “When I care for myself by prioritizing my well-being and comfort, I’m able to farm in more sustainable ways. For example, when I maintain my body through chiropractics, massage, and physical training, I reduce pain and discomfort while increasing healthy range of motion. When I accommodate my sensory needs, like wearing comfortable and waterproof gloves while using my hands or bringing fidget tools to work at overstimulating farmers markets, I increase the longevity with which I can work and maintain comfortable emotion regulation. Self-care also looks like nourishing myself and my community. It’s spending time intentionally cooking the vegetables I grow and harvest, buying ingredients grown and produced by other farmers and vendors in my area, and sharing meals with the people I love. It’s spending my downtime reading a book that teaches me something new. It’s leaning in to the small conversations we hold and sharing bits of knowledge that help us all to grow. Self-care and well-being mean that I pair the hard demands of farming with softness and slowness at every opportunity.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I could schedule recurring monthly chiropractic appointments. I might stock up on some hand and toe warmers to get me through the colder days and some bags of tea to encourage me to stay hydrated. I would give myself some downtime in the bookshop by my home to peruse the nonfiction section (I’ve been wanting “The Serviceberry,” Robin Wall Kimmerer’s new book on abundance and reciprocity). And I would probably get myself a blueberry hand pie from one of my favorite vendors to eat while I work at the market.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “The biggest hitters for me in terms of self-care needs are physical maintenance and nourishment of my body as well as time tending to my mental health. I’m not often able to prioritize receiving healthcare and body work from professionals, but it’s a big need and I seek it when I can afford it. I probably spend the most time and effort towards food preparation to care for myself. And prioritizing psychological wellness ensures that I’m able to do everything else.”
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