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Rural Reflections #1

/ Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

My new WEEKLY FEATURE you can look forward to is “Rural Reflections”.  This new feature is armed with an exclusive photo from my farming property.  It will also be accompanied by an inspirational and uplifting message within.

I will publish “Rural Reflections” every week as a commitment to share my passion with you all and give a brief vision into my own life.  My personal photos included in “Rural Reflections” will be subject to copyright.

I hope you enjoy following my new Weekly Feature giving you a small insight into farming life.  I look forward to sharing my passion and hope to inspire you all in your own everyday life.

Rural Reflection #1…

01 Under a Beautiful Pink Sky on Dusk

image subject to copyright

This photo was taken in August 2017 when our property had green Winter feed.  It was almost on dark, with the moon shining beautifully upon a pink sky and blue clouds.

I really like this photo with the gorgeous contrast of colours and the vastness it creates.

It was the perfect photo to choose for “Country Heart Spark” as it creates a sense of calmness and beauty.  So I would like to introduce my new “Country Heart Spark” icon.

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image subject to copyright

The underlying photo is a symbolisation of the “country” rural areas across our nation and also a part of my home property.  The addition of the red “heart” represents the passion I have for the rural industry and within my life.  The purple and pink markings signify the “spark” within me and the ability to share my inspiration through my writing.  The glowing moon brings it all together and reminds us to look for the beauty within.

Take care, Karen.

 

“No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.”

~ Author Unknown

 

 

 

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A Broken Exhausted Life Exposed by Farmer in Drought

/ Country Heart Spark / 10 Comments

I am feeling tired, exhausted beyond the every day responsibilities in life.  Like you, at certain points in life, it just becomes far too exhausting.  Farm life, our responsibilities, household chores, financial stress, feeding stock and coping with the current drought… it is breaking me.  When do you say enough is enough?  How do you make that decision that it has been too tough for too long?  When life feels broken all around you, where do you turn?

When farm life is all that you have lived and a passion you have enjoyed, why would you want to say “it is time to get out”.  On one hand you know, financially time is up and borrowed funds have been exhausted to keep your livestock in production and to pay the bills.  Yet on the other hand, farmers are fighters.  We have been here before, managing drought, we believe we will get through it.  How does one admit that the fight may be over?

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The compassion may be all around us, people caring and helping in our community where they can.  The support for the agricultural industry has been so greatly received.  But the charities are unable to really help to solve a bigger problem than one could imagine… as 10 bales of hay donated, “will only feed our stock for 2 or 3 days”.  Then the farmer is on their own once again.  With no income and the need to borrow more money to pay the never-ending bills.

But the truth is… there are only 2 things that will get us through this drought.  Consistent rain allowing time for growth… and money.  Money to feed the remaining stock, money to spray the weeds that are emerging, money to pay for farm vehicle maintenance, money to pay the household bills, money to pay interest on an over-enlarged loan.  Nobody can help farmers at this level… we can only help ourselves.

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How much more debt does a farmer get into before drawing the line?  If only someone could tell you.  The decision comes back to the farmer… a decision so very difficult to make.  Farming is a gamble… and so is the decision to stick with it or get out.   As a farmer, how do they make that decision and feel confident that the decision was the right one?

Making the decision is the hardest.. and controlling the feelings of inadequacy despite being out of one’s control.  There is no failure or shame… the drought has placed this heavy burden on the farmers shoulders.  There are other chapters in life… just turn the page.

My blog has become my voice to express the importance of our industry and to share the pain of our farmers.  I wish all the pain and worry, experienced by our Australian farmers, to just disappear.  Their work is of so much value and is significant for the future food security of our nation.  But mental health is more important at this time.  Please show a little kindness and understanding to the person hiding behind the farmer persona.  Life is really tough on the land… much more than is ever revealed.

Take care, Karen.

“Decisions are the hardest thing to make,

especially when it is a choice between

where you should be and where you want to be.”

~ Author Unknown

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Wanted: My Inner Mojo

/ Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

Lost my mojo many years back.  After a soul-wrenching search, I have found it, hiding within.  Our life journey amongst the changes, work, partners, children… sometimes we just lose it for a while.  We just need to believe we can resurrect it and the happiness within is life transforming.

I have dedicated this year to get my health back on track.  I took control of my journey with the guidance of a few health professionals.  Dealing with a sleep disorder, a prolonged operation, chronic pain, the stress of farming during drought times and the related complications of it all… no wonder I ended up with depression and anxiety.  But through careful treatment and my inner pledge to myself, life is getting back on track.  More so, my ability to deal with life’s bumpy journey has been restored.

Inspired and optimistic today in my follow-up with the Mindset Strategist.  In just 2 appointments, her practice has helped transform my life completely.  Amazed by the results of her techniques and how quick it worked.  I recommend Katie Godden with her enthusiasm, positivity and guidance.   This modern intuitive technique of aligning our sub-conscious thoughts with real life, letting go of our emotional baggage and giving us the confidence to move forward… is so unbelievably powerful and enriching.

Like many women, I struggled with confidence and low self-esteem over the years.  My thoughts have now shifted, and I have found my inner mojo again.  That influence and personal charisma that we all have inside of us and the confidence to let it shine.  Quietly but proudly, I like the “new” ME that I have found and so excited to take on life by the horns.

Remember, believe in yourself because that’s where the magic begins.

You are worth it!

Take care, Karen.

P.S. Please watch this video, it is just beautiful and sums up all our lives.

Video Credit: CIMORELLI ~ YouTube