Our Intentional Farm

Finding inspiration and hope is something that I think is critical in life. There will always be times when we need a little encouragement or motivation.

I’m inspired by history, especially those persons who advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable.  I’m inspired by quotes and by everyday people who do extraordinary things.  It’s what gives me hope.  But what really inspires me is reading or watching how people transform their lives through the art of storytelling. 

Recently I began reading  Barack Obama’s book, Promise Land, and in it, he details how he floundered around in high school and actually described himself as a “lackadaisical student.”  But all that changed in the 10th grade when he stumbled upon a few books at a garage sale authored by notable social activist.  He feverishly read those books from cover to cover and this began his political awakening.  This political awakening gave him a better understanding of social issues as he entered college.  

In a world where materialism is brandished and praised, we remind ourselves continuously to stay grounded in our beliefs- the best things in life are free. People and experiences are where true happiness lies. We like the occasional shiny new thing like anyone else but we are intentional to keep things in perspective.

It’s easy to lose sight sometimes because our society has an obsession with items of gratification. Commercials that promote brand new cars with 0% down, unsolicited credit cards in the mail with our names on them, and holidays that persuasively encourage us to spend again and again.   

We try to remember the things that bring us joy.  Those things often don’t cost a thing.  For me, it’s our big family group hug, our dance parties in the family room, or yard work. FREE! As each day passes, I want my kids to know their childhood was filled with love, laughter, and fun. And for me and Simone, these are the things that sustain us and gives us purpose.

Fear is a powerful thing. It’s so powerful that it can change a life for better or worse in an instant. In order to live a life of intention, we must learn how to conquer fear and not let it be self-limiting. 

Of course, there is good fear. The fear that tells you not to touch a hot stove or jump into traffic. Those fears protect you. Your intuition also provides good fear. Listen to it. 

I’m talking about the fear that makes your star shine a little less bright than it’s destined. The fear that tells you to say no when deep down you know you should be saying yes. 

Our Intentional Farm is part of my self-exploration. It’s a place where I can express myself, unapologetically.  A place where I can tap into my creativity.  But, I struggle.  

I’m a very goal-driven person. The act of setting a goal and then working toward it, making incremental progress is so motivating to me. Getting to that feeling of accomplishment keeps me going when the journey gets inevitably difficult. But still, I often let myself succumb to everyday distractions. 

Unintentionally or intentionally, I find myself from time to time letting distractions take me off course. 

As 2020 comes to an end, we take a reflective look at our journey. I don’t think that there is anyone who can say 2020 wasn’t a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions. For us the year started out joyful, we were looking forward to so much. New baby, an energetic toddler, and planning for wonderful adventures ahead. Then COVID-19 turned the world upside down and life as we knew it was put on pause.