The Phone Rang

I was recently going about my day, working on various NAFDMA plans for the upcoming convention, other events, industry awareness, and general day-to-day membership needs, when my phone rang.  It was the work line (your calls to our main number are forwarded to individual staff cell phones), so I was expecting either a sales call for a different computer program or a member having difficulties logging into their account. 

Instead, it was a member reaching out for help in knowing they are not alone.  Not alone in the disappointment, financial difficulties, and mental load of running an agritourism farm. 

The Farm "Stiff Upper Lip"

As many of you know, I (Suzi) grew up on a family farm.  I saw first hand the many blessings of that life - and there are many!  I also saw the incredible stress of putting your heart and soul into the hope that the seeds you plant, the animal you birth, or the tree you tend will grow and thrive; just to watch the rain fall too little (or too much), disease hit the herd, or a fungus kill young seedlings.  You watch all your hard work go up in a puff due to something you could not control.  The money you spent to get started and the hours you devoted to care of the farm are simply gone with nothing to show in the end.

And how do we respond?  With statements like: "you can't control the weather" and "maybe next year will be better."  And while this is all very true, it doesn't hit to the heart of the stress, emotional toll, and physical let down these situations cause within our human selves.

Normalizing that we need others

Owning and working an agritourism farm can be additionally lonely - when gathering with other local farm owners, you don't hear stories of customer service issues and social media reviews.  But here's the thing - YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  You may feel isolated and stuck facing these issues, but you are not the only one.  When I am with NAFDMA members, one of the things that makes me the happiest is hearing the stories of one farm owner randomly calling another - just to check in on them.  Or sending a text just to say - I am thinking of you during this busy season.  Sometimes, a simple act of connection can lift everyone's spirits and remind them that there are people out there who care.

Back to my phone call

While I was on the phone with the farm owner who called me, she expressed issues with the weather, guest expectations, lack of hope, and stress in passing the farm to the next generation.  As I listened, I heard echoes of the many, many others who have expressed these same issues in our board meetings, roundtables, social media posts, etc.  I think I helped this caller, not only by listening and reassuring her that I have heard this story many times before, but I was also able to ask other farm owners to connect with her and share their similar struggles. 

What about those who don't call?

Not everyone is able to make that call.  Or they don't know who to call.  So first - let me say it loudly - if you are struggling, I can offer a listening ear and connections to others who feel the same way.  Don't struggle alone.  As a staff, any one of us is very happy to do the same for anyone who makes that call.  But we want to do more.  We want to make it easier for you to talk about these struggles, and the ways to make your life a little better.

PAUSE

Christine, our Membership and Events Manager, has spearheaded a new mental health and wellness effort with an initial focus at our upcoming convention in Orlando.  We invite you to take time for you and PAUSE with us: using the acronym of Priority, Awareness, Unplug, Support, and Exhale.   

During the Expo hours, we will have a Community Wellness Lounge in a space adjacent to the Expo, with a variety of options to help you prioritize rest, while resetting both mentally and physically. 

• Write a short gratitude letter to a friend or colleague
• PAUSE with Paws (puppy cuddling!) in the FareHarbor Community Wellness Lounge
• Introverts - Unplug when you tuck into the Calm lounge for a quiet respite
• Take a deep break with a relaxing end of day meditation or chair yoga session in the Exhale lounge
• Leave a comment on the Affirmation Wall
• Experience something new with an interactive learning demo in the Self-Care lounge
• Ask a question of the community on the Question Board
• Obtain resources for mental health and connectivity

PAUSE on Your Own

Even if you can't attend the convention, hopefully you can PAUSE in your own way.  Take a few moments to enjoy a hobby, bask in some sunlight after a rainy day, or spend a moment in gratitude for something in your life.  Or do the thing that started this column: call someone.  There are lots of listening ears out there.