Rural Reflections #30

January 5, 2020January 5, 2020 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

This is my first Rural Reflections of 2020 so a photo to depict my year gone by and to capture the sheer determination, resilience and hope that farmers try to maintain in drought. Our personal strength to endure the battle of drought after 2 years and to still have the vision to sustain agriculture into the future. Livestock that depends on you to feed them and fulfill their nutrition levels and to maintain future productivity. This photo captures the true essence of WHY we do what we do.

As we head into 2020 with 2 years of drought now under our belt, our motivation is struggling, we have become weary, yet our resilience is bold. Every single day without slacking off, our cattle need a daily ration. Without grass in paddocks to satisfy them, their dependability is entirely upon us to ensure their wellbeing is preserved with drought feeding.

It takes time, energy and money to feed our remaining 260 head of cattle. 260 hungry animals need quite a lot of feed to keep them not only alive but productive to produce next year’s calf. Farmers possess this tenacity to take charge and do what needs to be done with a vision to see their business operations in years to come. Debt is heavily incurred to ensure the core breeding herd survives. Sometimes life gets a little hazy with the burden, but with a deep breath and a reminder of WHY we do it… usually is enough to kick us back into gear.

Water is provided from a bore to fill troughs as dams have been dry for a very long time. Daily checking is required to ensure maintenance is not required and their access to clean water exists for their health. Farmers care for the wellbeing of their animals as they have a job to do and each breeding animal is producing their progeny for a future purpose.

Today I share with you this photo specifically to capture the trust that our breeding animals have in us, the persistence that exists in farmers and an appreciation for the courage that it takes to endure the tougher times.

This photo was taken by Peter Hardin from an article written by Carolyn Millet from The Northern Daily Leader in December 2019. This single photo captures so many feelings, experiences and reality below the real surface. Tough times express a heartfelt reality for my husband and I, which is depicted in a single photo when they visited our property.

What do you see in this photo? Perhaps a couple on their property with some cows.

Rural Reflection #30…

Photo Credit: Peter Hardin 071119PHF008

Look beyond the obvious to understand. Yes, a couple on their property with some of their cows is the forefront of a deeper observation. This photo depicts so much more:

A farming couple who passionately preserve an agricultural purpose and a love for the industry.
Mutual trust between the breeding stock and farmer.
Desolate farmland that won’t survive without moisture.
Farm production for future years.
Eyes that mask feelings of angst, uncertainty and emotional torment from within.
Gratitude that people care about farm production and farmers.
Farmers overcome with physical exhaustion and tiredness but masked with a friendly look or smile.
Financial strain taking its toll on the farm business and threatening the farmer’s mental health.
Decision-makers with an optimistic vision.
Quiet Hereford cows doing their job and loving the extra attention while drought feeding.
A couple committed to animal wellbeing and missed celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a canceled holiday so they could take care of their livestock.
Farmers in need of some time out and a little enjoyment.
Big hearts and a love for each other, their cattle and for sustaining the agricultural industry.
An appreciation for others who show they care through kind words, letters, cards and encouragement.
Hope for a better future.

This dry working environment is tough, unpredictable and overwhelming at times. Yet farmers see their role and the value they bring to supplying food and fibre for our nation. We have a love-hate relationship with farming during this time. The depressing feelings can be overwhelming with the physical and emotional struggles during times of drought.

But farmers have a huge WHY within them. They love what they do and the variety of tasks that they do on the farm. They see value and purpose in what they do. That is WHY they do it.

So spare a thought for each other. We all have our own interests and serve our own purpose in a variety of ways. Accept all differences, acknowledge everybody’s value and be kind to everyone. How you treat people is a true reflection of you… and it is important that we try to bring out the best in each other.

Take care, Karen.

“Photography is an art of observation.

It has little to do with the things you see

and everything to do with the way you see them.”

~ Elliot Erwitt

Rural Reflections #29

December 8, 2019December 8, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Life is like a book. Some chapters in our lives wear us down. Sometimes we experience sad times, but sometimes we have good times and excitement in our lives. If we never turn the page, we will never know what our next chapter in life holds for us. Who knows it could be our most exciting chapter ever.

Times have been very tough for all of us on the land, especially in this region. But knowing that we are all going through this together, somehow gives reassurance and strength to believe in our soul purpose to produce food for our nation.

Life is about to change for me. With the downsizing of our farming property in the near future, I will take a step back from it all… to pursue work elsewhere in an effort to support the ongoing operations on the farm.

Rather than view this change with hesitation, I choose to see this as an exciting chapter about to reveal itself. Learning new things empowers me, and on my latest journey of personal growth, I am eager to see where life takes me.

When one has not experienced the job interview process, after 25 years of self-employment… this process could be a little daunting. Strangely enough, however, I am not nervous at all. I believe I know what I am capable of and what special gifts I can offer the wider world. Nobody else knows us better than ourselves.

I have had a couple of job interviews and applied for a couple more in the business administration area and am ready to see where this takes me. With nothing set in stone yet, I am allowing myself to blossom.

My advice to anyone going through a change right now… just breathe, do your best to showcase who you are and enjoy the opportunities before you. Life will not give you too much to handle… just keep making decisions to get through it.

Today I found this photo to share with you. I took this photo in June this year when I thought that after a shower of rain, maybe, just maybe, seasonal conditions would turn around for us. A shade of green was scattered through the back paddocks. Although temporary, it gave us all a boost to soldier on.

Rural Reflection #29…

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Why I like this photo? It serves as a visual analogy. The older large tree on the left with the deformed tree growths… is feeling the struggle of conditions yet not inhibited to serve its purpose. In comparison, we may be getting a little older, a little tired and feeling the struggle in this drought… but we have a purpose to share our talents with the world and provide a little shade of comfort for others.

Similarly, the small green tree on the right is growing from an old stump of a tree that would have been cut down many years ago. From the centre of an old hollow stump, this seedling would have grown, feeling the protection from the environment until it was able to blossom. Even in drought conditions, this beautiful tree looks healthy and is still growing.

This just shows that we depend on one another in our personal development. But more importantly, change is how we evolve into the person we truly are. Through change… whether it is changing our perception or thought processes… or with life-changing events… we evolve and progress through the chapters in our lives.

So be kind to yourself, be kind to others and enjoy your next chapter!

Take care, Karen.

“Change is inevitable,

Growth is optional.

~ John C. Maxwell

Rural Reflections #28

November 17, 2019November 17, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Life does not get better with chance… it gets better with change. My life is about to change once again. Have you been at a crossroads in your life? Ever wondered which road to take this time?

We never know what is around that corner and we must make changes to move through life and experience interesting opportunities. Sometimes taking a chance… may just be the change we are looking for. But we must make it happen.

Drought is overloading us. Overloading my inner strength. Overloading my mind. The battle continues here in Tamworth, without rain, without feed and something is about to change. Making me question… why we all chip away at it every single day?

I am passionate about the agricultural industry… a future to secure for all Australians. But I am not giving up… I am about to make a change. Life is all about choices and decisions… right or wrong… who can say? It is us that controls our own choices. The drought may be cracking me around the edges, but it is no way going to break me.

Another choice we make. Unfortunate but necessary, we are dividing our farming property in two, and we will be selling one block. Finances can only stretch so far, as we all know over the last 2 years of drought. So we are down-sizing.

Hubby and I will remain here on one block… farming as usual. The other block “Porters” will be sold… 1650 acres of land… giving someone else an opportunity to love life here too. Like many farming decisions, at first, I felt a little disappointed. Then I felt comfortable with the decision, to have a plan in moving forward.

So whilst my hubby spends the days farming, I have decided to seek off-farm work and bring a new experience into my life. So many farming families have had to change their circumstances and still feel the struggle every day… juggling off-farm work into their life equation. But for me, since we are down-sizing, I have an opportunity to share my expertise further, in an industry that I choose.

Have you been making choices and decisions or questioning those choices? There are many opportunities before us, we just have to figure out what we need to do to make a difference. But the decision must be right for you, not for those onlookers from the outside. I am still passionate about this industry and I am still the same person… just making some life changes to work for me.

Today, I share with you this photo of the driveway on my property depicting “Porters” and the drive away to change. This image is the perfect metaphor for changes in life. It shows a green barley crop after a shower of rain in June, yet now it has sadly turned to dust. It is still a nice reminder of how quickly our land changes.

Rural Reflection #28…

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We could sit back, struggle and complain about the drought, but NO. We can’t control the weather and farming is a gamble at times. But we do have control over our feelings, reactions and our response. We made a choice to do what we need to do.

Hubby is happy when on the land… and I am happy when anyone can find that passion within to do what they love. I believe life is made up of experiences. My next experience is about to unfold and I am excited.

What choices are you making to ensure you are passionate and committed to your life, inspiring those around you?

Take care, Karen.

“The pessimist complains about the wind;

the optimist expects it to change;

the realist adjusts the sails.

~ William Arthur Ward

Rural Reflections #27

October 27, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Reflecting from the rural coastal region of my hometown of Coolongolook NSW watching the smoke from bushfires in the distance near Forster/Tuncurry NSW. Here I am spending some time with my Mum and preparing for a speech at the local Primary School tomorrow.

It is beautiful to see some green foliage within the scene and beneath my feet for a change. My Mum loves her garden… from shrubs and flowers… to growing plenty of fresh produce to make into jams and relishes. The coastal region does attract a lot more rain than our western area.

Today, it is a beautiful day in paradise and I am appreciating my beautiful surroundings. Roses in full bloom, flowers sprawled across garden beds and healthy vegetables growing in abundance. This morning I helped my Mum pick fresh blueberries and strawberries before breakfast.

We then enjoyed fresh fruit with yoghurt and her variety of home-made jams on toast. Whilst my Mum and visiting Aunty are working hard in the garden, I have been catching up on some work and preparing for my speech tomorrow.

I have been invited to Coolongolook Public School… to speak about my childhood, my life, my businesses and to inspire these young students. It will also be Grandparents Day with special visitors. This is where I attended Primary School many years ago, so I am very excited to return as a guest speaker and to see the changes first-hand. My intention will be to motivate my audience, encourage their confidence and dreams, and to inspire success.

Travelling down the mountain yesterday, heading towards the coast, I noticed very thick smoke on the horizon and high winds which would be causing havoc and spreading the fire. The bushfire is in the Forster/Tuncurry region, with people sadly losing their homes in nearby areas. Volunteer firefighters are doing what they can, around the clock, trying to keep people and their properties safe.

The smoke is not blowing in this direction, so cannot be smelt at all where I am. My hearts goes out to those victims and those in the vicinity of the bushfires. It doesn’t matter where you live… you never like to see fire threatening lives nor belongings.

So today, I share with you this photo, showing the smoke in the distance and ask that you spare a thought for the NSW Rural Fire Service volunteers protecting others and working in harsh conditions of heat and thick smoke.

Rural Reflection #27…

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I like this photo because it depicts my upbringing with my family, the beautiful surrounds and Mum’s passion for gardening. The gazebo was an addition that Mum erected later in life, that has a special connection to a family friend and is indicative of life and death. That special friend was taken far too soon as a result of a farm accident. For me, this gazebo is a symbol of him and the value of family friendships. His memory will always live on through his beautiful family.

I also appreciate having some time out here today at my Mum’s place admiring her garden and the effort that her and her good-hearted sister put in to keeping it so beautiful. I do not have a green thumb so lack the expertise and passion this involves. But I certainly do grasp the beauty here, and understand that water in our environment makes all the difference.

What better place to feel motivated and inspired? I feel like I can breathe here and relax. Admiring the beauty around me, whilst holding my family close to my heart.

Take care, Karen.

“We might think we are nurturing our garden,

but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.”

~ Jenny Uglow, Author

Rural Reflections #26

September 30, 2019September 30, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Dusty dry conditions! Drought conditions continue despite the essential production and on-farm management routines. Sometimes the depressing elements of drought, makes you feel like giving up and questioning your future in farming.

At what point is enough… enough? DAY IN… DAY OUT… farm feeding tasks continue, fencing repairs, machinery breakdowns, bills to pay, no income, increased financial strain… the juggle of it all takes its toll.

Yesterday, another decision made… cattle needed multi-vitamin treatments. Raising their calves, ready for joining to be able to produce next year’s progeny, the drought is making it tougher. But as a farmer, your livestock are your priority. Their health is optimal and your future income is in reliant on them for your survival.

Drafting cattle at the stockyards, left me in thick dust and sticky little flies. The work conditions are questionable in the big dry. Nevertheless, business as usual. When we start to stop making decisions, it becomes a problem. Just make a decision, right or wrong. It is the decision-making process that will keep us going during these tough times.

Sometimes I do question the workload, the financial burdens, the emotional and physical strain. It is at this point that I need to remind myself of why.

Why do we keep nutting away at it? Why do we persevere? Why? Why? Why?

To protect and secure the future of agriculture in our nation. To ensure Australian food security is sustained. To hold onto a legacy and an industry that we love. That is why!

My family simply love Hereford cattle. They have a passion for breeding quality cattle and producing the desired product. When you see the passion in their eyes and hope for a future, you mutually fight-the-fight alongside them.

I wanted to share this photo with you today, taken in the stockyards yesterday. You can see a beautiful mob of baby calves, quietly waiting for the process of their treatments and then to be returned to their mothers in the dry desolate paddock again.

I like this photo because I see hope. I see farm production. I see the future of agriculture in its rawest form. Future sires and future maternal females bearing the signs for breeding beef for our nation. Amongst these calves are several sets of twins, surviving the toughest conditions yet not knowing any different.

Rural Reflection #26…

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The dust swirling in the background significantly depicts working conditions, yet I am grateful to still breathe every day. It is by focusing on what I am grateful for in my life, that gives me the strength to face the struggles, the decisions and the adversity in my path.

With this photo that I share today, I ask that you see in your life what you are passionate about and remember every single day what you are grateful for. Gratitude is how we can turn what we have into enough.

It is all in our own mindset. Conditions are horribly tough on-farm in a drought, it is how we react and respond within ourselves… that is the key. We cannot control the weather and many other aspects of farming, but we can control our own thoughts and reactions. Look after yourself and your family.

Take care, Karen

“Those who have the ability to be grateful

are the ones who have the ability to achieve greatness.”

~ Steve Maraboli

Rural Reflections #25

September 15, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

Today I am reflecting from the beautiful coastal city of Port Macquarie as I arrive to attend a seminar… and finally catch my breathe. A busy couple of weeks I have had, from cows being artificially inseminated as we start our first 2019 A.I. program… as well as meetings, business webinars and… oh… my hubby fractured a rib.

He was mustering cows on the quad bike, and a cow somehow kicked the tyre, and tipped it. Hubby hit the dirt. Cow 1 versus Hubby 0. A late visit to emergency and the dreaded wait… wait… wait. Finally discovered a fractured rib along with a couple of fainting episodes. No internal injuries, so very lucky once again. It just required an overnight stay on his part and plenty of good painkillers.

All of this commotion in such a busy week. But like everyone else, family must come first. So my best laid plans began to unravel. He was unable to travel the distance so soon, therefore I arrived solo in Port Macquarie. Feeling like it has been a juggling act, but finally I can breathe again.

Two full days and one night, at the Agricultural & Environmental Seminar run by the Country Women’s Association (CWA), will start tomorrow. I had been looking forward to this annual event as tickets sell so fast that I usually miss out. But not this time. But then my plans almost went kaput. Almost!!!

So as you can see with the photo that I share with you today… I made it to Port Macquarie this afternoon. I snapped this photo as I strolled along the water’s edge, deep in thought. My mind wandered. I enjoyed the smell of the clean, salty air. Dust-free! Only a farmer in drought knows the true value in that word… dust-free!

Rural Reflection #25…

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It reminded me that as farmers, we take on a mighty workload normally, but the drought has taken its toll upon me. It wasn’t until I was walking here, that it struck me… that we all need a break. A break from drought feeding. A break from worrying excessively. A break to really breathe again.

A short half hour walk, with the spectacular coastal views, cleared my mind. It reminded me, that self-care is important. We tend to all get caught up in our busy lifestyles, business commitments and family routines, that we forgot to look after ourselves.

I like this photo with the purple flowers in the foreground and the rocky embankment holding those cool waters. A short walk that gave me so much more than I expected. I encourage you all to take a short break and allow yourself to see the beauty in the world around us. A couple of days away from the farm will work wonders.

Take care, Karen.

“Sometimes you gotta take a break from all the noise

to appreciate the beauty of silence.”

~ Robert Tew

Rural Reflections #24

August 25, 2019August 25, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Such a busy-busy week. But agriculture has been at the top of the priority list this week, as other aspects of life take a backseat. From AgQuip field days and Hereford steaks… to pregnancy testing cattle and updating office records. Time for a quick breather.

I have been reflecting on the agricultural industry, particularly the Hereford breed and the good-hearted people within this industry. I have spent 3 long days at AgQuip Gunnedah with my fellow northern NSW Hereford breeders promoting the breed quality and performance traits.

With the beautiful smell from the BBQ, cooking 4000 Hereford steaks, and tasty Hereford beef pies, satisfied customers enjoyed the daily experience. Hanging out with these passionate hard-working farming families and dedicated staff, has reminded me of the passion within them all.

Suffering from the effects of drought on-farm, yet they all found a way to be here and support the industry whole-heartedly. Whether it is just a reason to get away, promote the significant breed or share their love for the agricultural industry… it was a pleasure to see the genuine care and interest over these days.

I particularly love the camaraderie and laughs shared; the efficiency and hard-work displayed; and the hospitality and care that is extended to customers. That special factor that farmers possess… that love and passion to feed our nation… that is what stood out for me each day.

From one event to the next… pregnancy testing was on the agenda the following day. I had been feeling slightly overwhelmed and worn out. Back pain had sprung upon me again. Nevertheless, a great result in preg-testing… with 100% of the mob preg-tested in calf.

With a quick visit to the chiropractor to rectify an on-going problem, I was back on deck again. It amazes me how pain can affect your entire mood, your motivation and your enthusiasm in life. I had forgotten how my chronic pain used to make me feel. When we get pain, life does become a struggle… both physically and mentally. It must become our goal to find a solution… to give us back control of our life.

My solution was a chiropractic adjustment, magnesium oil, pain relief and muscle-strengthening stretches. Then time to catch-up on office work. Several hours later, all livestock records have been updated and stock requirements have been met. With calving season upon us, calves are being born, into not such an ideal season. With a little bit of extra livestock management and schedules… farming continues.

With agriculture monopolising my time this week, I wanted to share with you a photo taken back in April 2017 just on dusk. This is a reminder that good seasons exist and will exist again.

Rural Reflection #24…

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I love this photo because it sparks feelings of happiness. Hereford happiness… cows inquisitive in nature, quiet and trusting of us… their care-takers. I like the green pastures beneath the cows and anticipate this again soon. The cultivated paddock with rich black soil, full of nutrients, represents the opportunity awaiting a better season. I also love how the sky and cloud formations tell their own story.

This photo significantly tells me that at the end of the day, there is beauty all around us, trust is in many places and hope of another day when the sun rises tomorrow. Sometimes we all just need to take a breath, open our eyes and see what is before us. What do you need to see today?

Take care, Karen.

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments

when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”

~ Thornton Wilder

Rural Reflections #23

August 18, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

The light has been flickering as I have been juggling life, businesses and my own personal growth. I have been neglecting to share my photos with you as part of my weekly feature Rural Reflections. Guilty I am, but I am back with so much to share. Thank you for waiting for me.

My passion to be more, and to do more, has led me to a new business and new skills to excel with. My underlying desire for sustaining the agricultural industry still exists beneath it all, but my passion to expand and inspire people every day has become the driver in my life. And I am loving life right now.

Remember back, only a year ago, I was suffering from depression and feeling sorry for myself. Angry that I had to experience such heart-wrenching feelings and loss of all basic motivation in life. Depression and anxiety had overwhelmed me… I had no idea what was going to happen and where life was guiding me.

So many of us, unfortunately, do go through these depressive numbing cycles and anxiety can consume us every day. My gift was to experience this first-hand. In hindsight, I now know that it had to happen. How was I to understand if I didn’t feel it for myself?

This time in my life… was necessary to reveal my true passion and what I can do for the world around me. I was determined and with the support around me, I made it through… with flying colours.

My new business provides freelance writing, administration services, hypnotherapy, speaking and life/business coaching. Every day I feel so blessed and grateful to be able to share my skills with those in need. Those that need guidance… those that need office management… and those that need the inspiration to believe in themselves. My words are my gift and I am on a journey to share and to uplift each and every one of you.

Today marks the day, I have set up my new office. My own room dedicated to me, my gifts, my valued clients and the changes that await all of us. This office symbolises a separate part of my life… separate from the farming business. This is my space, my personal inspiration and my business motivation.

I want to share with you, this photo today… taken only 2 months ago on my farm. Still suffering from the effects of drought, yet the oats are growing despite the odds. For me, this photo symbolises my personal journey. I had the odds stacked against me, but I continued to grow. I did what I needed to do. The beautiful sunlight is captured in this photo, shining that healing light upon me.

Rural Reflection #23…

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We all need to find that one thing that brings us happiness and pure joy… and share that gift with the world. Recognise what is against you and make choices to move forward for the betterment of you, those you love and those that need you in the wider community.

The greatest joy in this world is when we can reach out and help someone else. This gives us purpose and a vision on our horizon. I am no different from you all. You too have the capability to find yourself and chase your dreams.

Believe in yourself and believe you will do it. And you will!

Take care, Karen.

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

~ Maya Angelou

Rural Reflections #22

June 16, 2019June 16, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / Leave a comment

My favourite time of year has finally arrived. The calving season! With an early start in the birthing arena, a first-calving heifer was the star of today… delivering the first newborn calf for the year.

Ladies first… a female calf becomes the first calf born for 2019, and was also a first for this 2-year old heifer in bringing life into this world. Hereford calves are beautiful, especially when they are newborns with their clean whitefaces, pink noses and inquisitive looks.

The start of the newborn season always brings me such delight and a smile to my face. With excitement, and anticipation for what the next 8 weeks will deliver… daily checking of cows and weighing newborn stud calves. This is my most treasured time of the year, with our farming business.

The newborn season brings hope, optimism and business prospects. Drought has brought us all worries, financial concerns and physical exhaustion. But now, as each baby calf is born into this world, we are reminded of the love for farming and our animals.

Today, I share with you, a photo of the first heifer calf born this year. It reflects my happiness as we come along to check the cattle and see a sweet face amongst the grass. I also love the quiet temperament of our cattle and how this first-time mother trusts us and just eats calmly closeby.

Rural Reflection #22…

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I cherish these times on the farm and wait in anticipation for the next calf to be born… probably tomorrow. The calving season brings more enjoyable times to such a hard-working industry. Although we physically have to weigh the newborn stud calves and ear-tag them for identification purposes, these are jobs that bring more pleasure than pain.

We all need enlightening and a boost right now, an uplifting feeling to clear our vision and remember our ambitions and aspirations within the agricultural industry. These innocent newborn calves give us that completely.

Satisfaction on-farm has returned, as I look into these beautiful brown eyes. Satisfied that we have managed to keep our cattle productive, despite the effects of this tiring drought. Satisfied that high-fertility in our cows is a major trait that we focus on. And satisfied that I have a wonderful family to share my life with.

Take care, Karen.

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

~ Dr. Seuss

Rural Reflections #21

June 2, 2019June 2, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Tired, exhausted and distracted with life… that I have neglected to write for you and for me. That underlying passion that sparks my soul when I use my thoughts and words to connect with my life… it has been simmering beneath the breeze.

But I am back, still tired, still distracted, but ready to reflect once again. I have been busy with farming, business life, new business ventures, voluntary activities and now my health has taken priority. Why is it so hard for women to put themselves first and value their own health status? Usually, it is when our health fails us, that we decide to make it more of a priority.

Another sinus surgery to follow-up from last year, has left me feeling tired, as my office work started to pile up. Starting to get back on top of it, yet distracted by means of too many roles to participate in. I have been reflecting on the important things in life. My health, my family and my passion.

I look back over the years… proud of success, learning from failures and connecting with many people, making a difference in this world. Success comes in so many forms. But so many people focus on success being an overall goal. This is so untrue and can leave people feeling unnecessary disappointment.

Success is all the little things that you do throughout every day of your life. Success is teaching your child good manners. Success is ensuring your partner feels loved. Success is bringing happiness into someone else’s life. The small things that good people just do without a conscious thought… that is real success.

So rather than focusing on the happy marriage, the new car, the dream home or the ideal job that you will get one day… focus on those little successful events throughout your day. And remember that disappointment or failure is just a lesson to teach us there is another way or something better around the corner.

So today I share with you a photo taken in 2010 from another farming property of mine. A farm that holds many memories of my sons teenage years. A farm called “Kokoda” between Inverell and Glen Innes NSW.

A farm that brings me joy when I reflect… but also sadness for a time when my husband had broken a vertebrae in his back as a result of a Quadbike farm injury, only 4 years ago. A serious injury that my dear husband has now thankfully overcome.

Life happens, injuries happen… but it is how we get through it and how we move forward that is important. It is during this very stressful time that I realised how lucky I really was. Lucky to have a loving husband and lucky to have 2 sons to support us through this tough time.

Life will always have ups and downs… for each and every one of us. This photo that I share is a reflection upon times gone by and a reminder to just appreciate the beauty and tranquil surrounds.

Rural Reflection #21…

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I love this photo for the good memories it arouses in me. The beautiful natural green pastures with a sprinkling of white clover. The memories of our Hereford cattle beneath those trees chewing their cuds. Memories of family mustering and enjoying each others company. Good memories stay with us, wherever we are.

So as life moves on, our memories are retained within, and we pursue new chapters within our lives. When you reflect on your life… you really can see how successful you are every single day. Cherish those experiences and enjoy what life brings your way. You never know what is around the corner.

Take care,

Karen.

“Success is not in what you have,

but who you are”.

~Bo Bennett, Author