Health, Farm/Life Balance, and Turning 30
I've always been a bit of a rebel -- And farming is no different. I go against the commercial farming industry and focus on small scale sustainable farming. And, I go against the thing I hear time-and-time again about farmers. I actually take holidays! A farmer taking holidays is a shocker in the industry, frankly it's almost unheard of. Well this farmHer ain't having it.
But, what many of you don't know is that for the past two years I've been battling some pretty major health issues that have been escalating recently. It's finally looking like the end's in sight and with a team of countless doctors things seem to be moving in the right direction. And, it couldn't come a moment too soon!
About 4 weeks ago now I had a partial thyroidectomy and have been in recovery mode since. Those who've been by the farm lately have had the treat of getting to hear my new hoarse '4-pack-a-day' voice that comes curtesy of some vocal cord damage.
I don't know if anyone else has been through a long drawn out medical issue filled with misdiagnosis and misinformation but it's exhausting and at many times defeating. Huge shout-out to Jay for being such an amazing man, always there for me and fighting for me when I was to tired to fight for myself.
I'm happy to report that things are looking up and I'm starting to feel a bit more like myself these days. Which brings me to the point of this whole post... On Nov 6th, I turned 30. It felt like it was going to be touch and go there for a bit but I was able to turn 30 weak from surgery but on the road to recovery.
So I've made a pledge that I'm going to spend this first year of my 30's being kinder to myself.
I'm going to get my fitness on.
This has nothing to do with a weight loss goal, I'm actually working to gain some of what I lost while I was sick, but working out just makes you feel good!
Another big thank you is due to the wonderful ladies at Oxygen Yoga in Aldergrove -- You girls helped me keep my shit together when I was falling apart and I really appreciate that. I can't wait to get back to class next week now that my doctor is giving me the ok. Yoga has been a life changer for me both mentally and physically!
I'm going to focus on the farm but also take some holidays.
I am lucky to have a live-on farm hand who takes great care of our animals and allows me the opportunity to disconnect and get out of town from time-to-time. Having that time to spend with Jay and the kids, or just time the two of us, has always been so important to me but when your doctors start throwing around the 'C' word, it reminds you just how short life can be. So I'm taking the damn holiday!
As far as the farm, we have lots of exciting stuff in the works and I can't wait to be able to share with you all soon!
I'm going to try to eat better.
I know, I know, I'm the one always saying make smart food choices. But, I'm also the one who always says we're just human and we're busy, so I make lazy food choices sometimes too. One thing I plan on doing is incorporate some of Chef Adrian Beaty's new prepared foods into my dinner mix.
For those who may not know, Chef Adrian Beaty was the chef behind popular Fraser Valley restaurant Seasonal 56. Well he's recently changed gears and has started up a line of prepared foods using only quality, wholesome, REAL foods -- Including our non-GMO chicken! It supports local farmers and it delivers right to your door.
Talk about easy and it sure beats the hell out of the processed frozen dinners at the grocery store!
And, maybe I'll try to eat more salads. Maybe.
Well I thought it was time to give you all a little update on my health and I wanted to put these goals for my 30's in writing so I stick to it... Don't you think it's time we're all a little kinder to ourselves?
Kendall ~ The Chick Behind Central Park Farms