We've made some mistakes and made some progress here on the farm. Learned a lot in 2017, as we do every year - lots of trial and error, some plot twists when things go a bit sideways from what we'd originally planned or hoped for, and basically ended up hanging on for dear life until things settled down again, allowing us to go back to setting a course and doing our best to follow through on it.
I struggled with health issues, which is somewhat ongoing, though I feel mostly better and think that there is notable improvement there - the first step of proof will be round 2 of my lab results at the end of this month, where I'll have proof of which direction my body is going with my more focused guidance. My labs will be done quarterly to monitor them as part of my health oriented goals this year.
I let go of many projects, including my beautiful 1967 Chevy Impala - she found a perfect home with a local family.
I learned to release or at least wait on acquiring things - I tend to jump into ideas and projects, get overwhelmed and feel frustrated and disappointed when it doesn't work out because I wasn't prepared to undertake it, so I've been in the habit of setting myself up for failure. For years. This way of living doesn't just erode my personal self confidence, but my professional one as well.
I've discovered that looking at things from a slightly different or entirely new point of view can open up a tremendous number of new and better possibilities.
Simplifying my life has been my core goal of 2017, and I am deeply happy with the choices and progress I have achieved, beginning with minimizing the farm's livestock. Here on site, we have 3 Oberhasli goats, a mixed flock of 14 hardy chickens, and 4 colony rabbits. Offsite, we have one Kunekune sow that is boarded with our friends that raise them. We also have caved in and keep 2 indoor Dwarf Hotot rabbits; they are mostly pets, but also will be shown locally in 2018.
2017 was challenging in many respects, but I honor and appreciate it for all that I learned along the way.
2018 is pristine and unknown; in previous years, I would look at the new year with trepidation, however, with the personal growth I made in 2017, I regard the new year with respect and curiosity. I finally feel secure enough in myself to be ready to manage any mischief, and embrace any blessings that come our way. This is my wish for you and your family for 2018 and every year after it; honor the close of the previous year for the lessons it taught you, and enjoy the new year for the possibilities it opens for you.