Adversity has a way of showing us where we need support, even when we think we should be able to handle something on our own. Since moving to the farm, I have had plenty of moments that stretched me in new ways. Some have been exciting, some have been overwhelming, and some have involved learning more than I ever expected about chickens, weeds, acreage, and all the little surprises that come with farm life.
This past weekend brought one of those lessons into focus when my dear friend Alison and her daughter Eva came to visit from California. I had a list of things that had been weighing on me, and one of the biggest projects was clearing toxic weeds from the chicken run. It was not impossible for me to do by myself, but emotionally and mentally, it felt heavy. Once Alison stepped in with her positive attitude, mission-focused mindset, and willingness to get it done, the whole thing felt more manageable.
There we were after dinner, wearing masks and gloves, cutting weeds, gathering seed pods, and eventually working by headlamp in the dark. It was practical, a little comical, and also deeply meaningful. It reminded me how much trust is built when someone is willing to stand beside you in the messy moments. On today's Wise Walk, we are looking at what becomes possible when we are clear about what we need, brave enough to ask for help, and open enough to let the people who love us show up.
- When you are dealing with adversity, what strategies help you navigate it successfully?
- Who in your life can you count on to show up for you in difficult moments?
- How do you lean on the people who are there for you?
- How can you be vulnerable enough to let others support you in the ways you need?
- How can you channel a positive attitude and mission-focused mindset so you can move through adversity with greater ease?
- Who is the person you can be vulnerable with when life feels heavy or uncertain?
- Who shares your commitment, willingness, can-do spirit, and team mindset?
- Who makes you feel like, no matter what comes your way, you can face it together?
- Whatever adversity you are managing right now, who can you call?
- Who has an ear to listen?
- Who will reassure you that you can get it done, even when the moment feels heavy, toxic, or overwhelming?
- How are the people in your life showing up for you?
- Are they offering a listening ear, encouragement, and support?
- Are they providing resources and strategy to help you navigate in ways you may not see as possible right now?
- How can you willingly accept their help?
- How can you say thank you for the ear, the resources, the support, or whatever they are offering to help advance the mission?
- As you reflect on the goals or adversity you are managing right now, which projects or obstacles require support?
- Which challenges require extra hands, moral support, or emotional presence to remind you that you have got this?
- How can you be crystal clear about what you need so your support team can show up for you?
- How can you weed through the noise of everything else you want done and identify where support is most needed?
- How can you build camaraderie with the people in your life who are there for you?
- How can you be clear about the specific areas where you need support?
Whatever you are navigating right now, please remember that you are not alone. We really are better together, and sometimes the support we need comes through extra hands, a listening ear, or simply the encouragement to keep going.
I would love to hear what you took away from today's episode, and if you have any tips or tricks for managing farm life, I am open to those too. Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening. Be sure to tune in next Thursday for another Wise Walk.
In this episode:
- [02:36] We often hear clichés like "We are better together," and they are true. They exist for a reason.
- [03:27] My dear friends from California were visiting, and I had a list of things that I thought I would ask them to help me with, in between all of the fun we were also having.
- [04:13] There is pride and satisfaction when you see what you can accomplish together.
- [05:21] My chicken run was overgrown with weeds. They ended up being toxic jimson weeds. We had to find a way to safely clear out these weeds.
- [06:51] We suited up and cut them one by one. This was weighing on me and having the extra help made it possible.
- [08:08] We had a team mindset and tackled it with rhythm and flow.
- [09:03] We were willing to be vulnerable and lean into each other's strengths. We were better together.
- [10:40] Even when we're apart, we listen really well because sometimes it's about the emotional presence.
- [13:56] Leaning in for support can also help you bond in ways that are really cool.
- [15:09] It's important to be clear on what you need. I had a list, and when I helped my friend in California, she also had a list. It's about balance and knowing what you need help with.
- [17:01] Find ways to balance work and play.
- [18:47] I'm also feeling grateful for how each success energizes me.
Memorable Quotes:
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- "When we are clear about what we need, we give others a chance to show up in meaningful ways." - Mary Tess
- "The messy moments can become bonding moments when we face them with people we trust." - Mary Tess
- "Support does not always have to be physical. Sometimes encouragement, reassurance, and presence are enough to help us keep going." - Mary Tess
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