Farming, fulfilled

3 min read

Many discussions surrounding mental health focus on the challenges. Conditions like depression, anxiety and self-doubt receive a lot of necessary attention. Thankfully, the stigma of talking about and dealing with these issues is dwindling as society comes to terms with the reality that most people will experience a mental health challenge at some point in their lives.

But what about the positive aspects of good mental health? Self-awareness is a huge part of the mental health discussion, and just as we’re all learning to recognize warning signs or symptoms of mental health concerns, being aware of and understanding good mental health traits is important too.

The benefits of farming

Feeling a sense of fulfilment is part of what makes farming such a compelling vocation. From an emotional perspective, fulfilment is often described as being satisfied, happy in personal choices and having positive energy. One might describe it as “being in a good place right now.” On the professional side, fulfilment is more about feeling that your talents and skills have led to successful outcomes – and this is where farming can be so rewarding.

Feeling a sense of fulfilment is part of what makes farming such a compelling vocation.

Having a passion for what you do and being able to celebrate milestones and reach defined goals can stimulate a feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment. It’s important to set goals and celebrate meeting them. It’s easy to immediately shift focus to the next objective, but deliberately taking time to “stop and smell the roses” is a big part of extending the feeling of achievement.

Recognizing moments of joy, whether exuberant and shared or solitary and personal, is where fulfilment lies. Step out of the tractor after a productive day and take a moment to breathe in the smell of the soil and acknowledge the beauty of the farmscape, or appreciate a long row of contented cows enjoying their feed before leaving the barn.

Being cognizant of these moments and seeking more of them will generate more fulfilment than buying the land or building the barn. Some people naturally take this approach. For others, it might not come as easily. The key is that there’s only one person who can build a life of fulfilment – you.

There are endless articles and advice available on how to achieve fulfilment in personal and professional lives, and they share some common elements. The following 7 Steps to Self-Fulfilment is from Brian Tracy, a motivational speaker and author.

Surround yourself with positivity

Your happiness and attitude can be greatly affected by your environment and the people around you.

Visualize success

Give yourself goals to reach in your personal and professional life. Visualize what it will take to be successful and implement a step-by-step plan.

Celebrate your accomplishments

Give yourself recognition and a reward for a job well done.

Take charge of your happiness

Don’t blame others for your lack of happiness. Take the matter into your own hands and find ways to be fulfilled. You are completely responsible for your own happiness and fulfilment.

Help others

Share some of your resources with others. It can be time, money, skills or something else. You will help someone else and add to your happiness.

Take care of yourself

Try to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. Rest when you need it and don’t overlook your own needs.

Find the good

Look for the situations and people in your life that are positive and focus on these.

From an AgriSuccess article by Peter Gredig.

Wellness