Honey I Shrunk the Goals.
Goals used to only cross my mind on a grande scale. Big thoughts, big action, big progress - that is how you made a change.
People with platforms and causes and followings and innovative ideas were the ones who made an impact in the world. These were the people we read about in history books and heard about on the news.
What you hear about a little less is the big burnout and big pressures and big loss of ones self that come with big platforms and big causes and big followings.
Sometimes the most effective and sustainable change comes from within one’s self. It starts on a tiny minute scale and radiates out. It starts with some self care and time for mental health. It takes the form of true attention and time with your family and goes from there. Like most good things, good changes come in small packages.
The little things you are doing on a small scale are exactly the changes that count.
My attention lately has been tuned into my micro environment. I have been trying to make small adjustments in my little slice of the world.
Now that True is 2, this summer has been a little easier taking him places. One of the things that we can all do together is simple little hikes through Tamarac or Maplewood. This weekend I was hoping for a nice long all morning hike with a picnic and beautiful views but as the morning started I realized there was no way we were going to push through. My idea of a big grande hike with get True’s intrest was pittling out in the first quarter mile. I was sad about it but, we decided to turn around. On the drive home, my mind was full of thoughts on how I was going to get my kids to think hiking was cool without picnics and grand views. Then I started listening to True, the next week he was so excited about his little hike - honestly he probably had way more fun with than if we would have committed to the whole one. In this case the small gesture of just going out was enough to spark the change, to make a little difference and peak a little interest.
I only farm on less that 2 acres - which to some may seen like a small piece to make a difference on but it is exactly the changes I can break into bit sized chunks - managable portions that I can adjust along the way. A kayak a turn a whole lot sharper than a barge and there are a few less opinions involved.
Soil health has been one of my micro focuses on the farm. We’re working to amend our sandy hard soil that is high in nitrogen and magnesium and low in calcium and potassium. Some of the ways are with a brand new on site compost pile. I’ve been implementing some simple “thistle teas” (aka weeds that have been broken down into micronutrients and microbes with water)through the drip line irrigation along with a little chemical aeration. It’s nothing breakthrough and immediate but it small scale and effective.
Another place for micro change is how I run True Blue Flower Co. Small business ownership and three kids under three is a tricky dance. Mid July through August I will be focussing more on our U-Pick side of the flowers. I will be opening the fields for U-Picks Monday - Friday starting July 6th, giving you more access to flowers and a little more simplicity on scheduling for me. Setting a few boundaries with our preferred ways and times of contact in an environment that has become accustomed to constant access is another little change that is having a beautiful ripple effect for me and my kids.
Native plant planted is still better than planning to plant a whole field and never planting any. One 1/4 mile hike enjoyed with kids is better than the two mile one you forced everyone to do the whole way. One maintained boundary is better than a list of them you don’t hold.
