Three Cups of Gratitude
It’s hard to rejoice with the current state of the dairy industry. In a short amount of time, we have seemed to go from record highs to horribly low milk prices. Milk futures at the $13, $14, or $15 level certainly gives no reason to celebrate.
Negativity breeds negativity, right? Remember that. But the same can be said about positivity. Positivity can grow if we choose it too.
One thing that I’ve done to help grow positivity, even within myself, is jotting down three things I’m grateful for each night before I go to bed. At first, I stumbled to even come up with one thing. Then, I started writing down even the smallest of things that made me smile and filled my heart. Now, I’m able to clearly see all the positive moments around the farm and in my life that fill my cup and fill my heart.
I challenge you all to do this daily. Even during these tough times. Flip a switch on your mind, that will boost your step and turn up cheerfulness on the farm.
Last night before going to bed, the three things I wrote down include:
- Farm kid's work ethic. It’s simply unmatched. Witnessing my kids bale straw for nearly 12 hours under the hot sun. What can I say other than, God bless them.
- My husband, Scott, smile was bright despite his face that was covered in dirt. He loves witnessing the ‘all-hands on deck’ kind of days when multiple projects occur, and the work crew works together to get it all done. Our crew combined wheat, raked straw, tetter straw, baled straw, and stacked bales. Gosh, a lot of work goes into making small square bales for calf huts.
- My 19-year-old son, Tyler, attended the Jersey Youth Academy in Columbus, Ohio, to learn more about the Jersey breed, the dairy industry and network with dairy peers. I love his eagerness to learn more and his desire to work in a challenging, but essential industry.
Positivity Breeds Positivity
Work on framing your mindset to see the good that is unfolding on your farm and in your lives. Naturally, we are engineered to respond to a smile, laughter and high energy. When we can introduce positivity into the workplace it allows it to spread to your employees and all those around you.
This also means the workplace will benefit from a higher level of productivity, as positivity is a mood booster and will help motivate yourself and those around you.
The simplicity of finding three cups of joy can not only benefit you but all those around you. It can also help boost the overall efficiency of your farm. I encourage you all to give it a try.
