Training Season
I really want chickens. I want to walk out and collect the eggs each morning. I want to feed them our vegetable scraps rather than throwing them away.We are on a journey to be present and more connected to where our food comes from and chickens feel like a really practical next step. BUT, I have never once taken care of an animal. Let alone a chicken! When I make up my mind to do something, I do it. Starting is no problem for me. However, I occasionally struggle with follow through... mostly in yard/garden related tasks.
With that said, I am blessed to be married to a patient, honest, kind man who has been clear about what this will take. Chickens need care, they are dirty, their coop needs to be cleaned, they might get sick, an animal could attack them, and the list goes on. Now understand, this wonderful man also takes care of the majority of cleaning at our house, as well as the more grungy tasks. And, in the three times I’ve attempted a garden, he has ended up taking care of it. And plants aren’t even half as demanding as live animals! The bottom line is I do not yet have the discipline required to care for chickens.
I have however put some practices in place to get ready by spring. Little daily choices to remind myself I am responsible and that I can show up when I’d rather not. Specific chores, specific tasks, things that don’t get done if I’m not the one to do them. These little daily tasks bring structure and discipline to my approach to home, as well as silencing the voices that tell me all the reasons I could do something more fun.
As I choose to create new habits in my life and contribute a little differently to my home/marriage, I am actually building a new and deeper trust with myself. Trust that I will complete the task no matter how unpleasant, regardless of the circumstances of the day. I know that I can be relied on even when things are a little wild. These little habits create conflict within me each time I decide to complete my list, but each time I say yes I am refining that part of me that likes to use justification and excuses to avoid something I’d rather not do. And let me tell you, there's some very convincing excuses now that we have a 6 month old baby!
Throughout our lives we have billions of choices to make, answers to give, and directions to walk and each of them are an opportunity to walk toward the life we dream of. So I challenge you! Join me in preparing for something you desire!
What is something you would like to work towards?
Are you the person you need to be in order to be successful? If not, what are some little ways you can learn the skills you need in order to be successful?
Enjoy the journey! Stay tuned for chick updates!
Hugs,
Tess Faust
