The 310th recipient is Tokie Morgan of Southern Sunny Acres @southernsunnyacres in Winona, TX. Tokie writes:
What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “Farming is a demanding trade that requires a lot of mental and physical exertion every single day. It is easy to get stuck in a rut of self doubt, joylessness, and constant worry as you work everyday to grow food for your community, while at the same time taking care of the land and animals you are stewarding. I myself have found that I get caught up in all the must happen today and not enough time to make it happen, that I often forget to take time to stop to breathe, smell the roses and just chill. For me although I am not the best at it, self care looks like sitting down in the morning to enjoy the sunrise and calming your mind, listening to nature speak to you and show you peace. Self care should be remembering that its okay to go slow when needed, to remember to put your physical well-being on the list to be handled, for me that's remembering to sit and be still, eat an actual meal, bend with your legs and not your back. I often find myself in the busyness of the farm day that I jump from chore to chore, because there never seems to be enough hours in a day on the farm. I often find myself being reminded that if I don't take of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually I won't last long in the farming profession. Growing, tending to and raising food is not an easy endeavor at all and it can take its toll quickly if I don't pause each day to remember that if I'm not at my best then my community doesn't get the best of my farm. So self care and well being need to be a priority, small things like a warm shower, a hot meal, or even a moment of silence to just breathe are all things I believe every farmer should prioritize into their regular working day.”
How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I would use the funds for chiropractic care - I am not as young as I used to be and I have found that if I can get to the chiropractor that I feel better overall physically. That in return helps me keep my mind at peace, sleep better and not be as stressed. With all the physical demands of the farm I have found that I don't always remember to properly lift items and when rushing it's to easy to just muscle through, but going to the chiropractor helps keep my in alignment, makes me feel better and my muscles do not feel as strained; so I can continue to work on the farm.”
Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: “I believe the most important self care for me is regularly seeing a chiropractor, when I do get an adjustment I do feel better. In addition I have focused on building up a strong network around me, so mentally I am able to get through the tough days when doubt creeps in. Farming can be an isolating occupation and although rewarding can also be lonely, when working every day to grow food for my community. At least when I do get out to the chiropractor I get to interact with other people, not just animals so I don't feel so isolated from the world.”
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