goals
I have a saying written in the front of my journal that reads, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. I am not sure who is responsible for the quote, but it has resonated with me lately. I have been profoundly aware of how precious time is and I do not want to waste a moment. I don’t want my goals to be wishes that aren’t brought to fruition.
The tagline for our farm is “Restoring Our Century Farm One Project at a Time”. While that is certainly true, it is also possible that we have multiple projects going on at once. The Farm is, in and of itself, a living, thriving, beautiful place, full of life, progress and projects! Nothing is perfect, and things can be difficult, but this is where our goals are becoming realities.
Farming is new to me. Just six years ago we bought the family farm, moving from the suburbs to the country. Carl grew up helping his grandfather here at the farm, so he has more of a foundation to lean on than I do. Yet, everyday, I become more and more a part of this beautiful farm, or does it become more of a part of me? It’s a beautiful interconnectedness.
So, here we are, October 2020, in the midst of a pandemic and a pivotal political election season, harvesting timber, carving out new pasture land, recovering long forgotten grazing areas, even an old pond and dam. Nearby knobs are once again visible. Views from the house are new, making me feel like I am in the mountains. Timber harvesting is an arduous, messy process, but we are certain it is worth it. There must be an analogy to life there somewhere!
Which brings me back to the quote at the beginning of this post. I have a goal to have sheep here at the farm. A major purpose of our timber project is preparing pasture land for our livestock, including sheep. I have been researching sheep, talking to local experts and connecting with likeminded people on social media who have been a tremendous resource. That is one beautiful thing about social media, in spite of the negatives, it is a wonderful way to connect with amazing people and I truly believe that the women (and men, too) in agriculture are the most down-to-earth, giving people I have had the privilege of getting to know.
So, back to sheep…I don’t want this goal to be an idle wish. As I get closer to retirement from my day job, I find myself wanting to be at home on the farm full-time. I am fifty-one, and feel a sense of urgency to make this happen. Next on my research list is a field trip to a sheep farm so I can really get a sense of everything that is involved. Maybe, writing about it here will help solidify the goal, moving it one step closer to reality.
Sheep seem to be the next step for us at the farm. What is your goal, your dream? How are you living life to the fullest? Don’t waste a single day! Each day is a blessing from God above and I don’t want to miss a second!
If you have any advice about sheep, especially hair sheep like Katahdins, please leave me a comment or two! I am going to leave you with a beautiful quote that I keep in my journal as well. Take care!
Living Life by Bonnie Mohr Life is not a race - but indeed a journey. Be honest. Work hard. Be choosy. Say “thank you”, “I love you", and “great job” to someone each day. Go to church, take time for prayer. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh. Let your handshake mean more than pen and paper. Love your life and what you’ve been given, it is not accidental - search for your purpose and do it as best you can. Dreaming does matter. It allows you to become that which you aspire to be. Laugh often. Appreciate the little things in life and enjoy them. Some of the best things really are free. Do not worry, less wrinkles are more becoming. Forgive, it frees the soul. Take time for yourself - plan for longevity. Recognize the special people you’ve been blessed to know. Live for today, enjoy the moment.
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