Day 31: Let's go back to the start...

If you are new to Seek First Ranch, we welcome you with open and honest arms.

We want you to know that it is important to us - that we tell you the truth, even when it's hard.

Why? Because we have no reason to lie to you.

And because even though I rarely think it's funny when I'm IN those difficult moments -

After I've taken the time to reflect on my circumstances,

I tend to find healing from confessions served with a side of humor.

So thanks for sticking with us through our recent tech troubles.

Alright. We've got some BIG things to talk about today. Are you ready?

First, we want to address the people who have waited an extra TWO MONTHS for this post.

"Day 31."

I do not know the trials you have faced since we started this challenge on March 1st.

I only know mine.

And I just couldn't bring myself to a place of closure. But today I can.

For this.

Dear faithful 31-Day-Challenge Participants,

Nobody said it was easy.

It's such a shame for us to part.

Nobody said it was easy.

No one ever said it would be this hard.

Oh, take me back to the start.

-Coldplay

Let's take a lil walk down Memory Lane together, shall we? I don't own the rights to this song, so you'll hafta click this link to get the full effect.

Early in this challenge, as I was clicky-clacking on my keyboard here, hoping most of you would appreciate the #90s references as much as I did...

Our 2 oldest children were sitting behind me, playing my favorite Coldplay song as a duet on the piano.

And I cried. Because they are growing up. Because they are doing so many things. And because I am just so dang proud that I get to be my kids' mom.

Running in circles, chasing our tails; Coming back as we are... -Coldplay

Sometimes this ranch life and this parenting life seems just like running in circles and chasing tails. But with every circle, if we look hard enough, there is a lesson. There are opportunities for growth.

Mistakes.

Apologies.

Forgiveness.

Gratitude.

Honesty.

Surrender.

and Solution-Seeking.

It's been hard, friends. Very hard.

Challenges are real and raw sometimes.

That's why I cling to the Joy I have in Jesus.

That's why I pray to be equipped with the skills, tools, and people I need for future challenges and opportunities for growth.

It's not my own strength, dear one. It's the strength of my Savior.

The One who holds my future, who knows my heart, and who knows my days.

Today is the new Day 31.

It's real.

So it's still raw.

Let's keep the Solution-Seeking momentum going.

Would you do that with us?

After all, you are one of the people the Good Lord has equipped us with.

Next. Okay, honesty again. We don't watch mainstream news. For lots of reasons. One of them being my mind-blowing encounters with several local and AP news reporters who interviewed me during the C-word fiasco.

I don't always know propaganda when I see it, but when I do, you BETTER believe I will retract my statements and tell you WHY.

We were hesitant to say "yes" to a reporter from KFYR TV, but out of all the ag producers she contacted, we were the first to say, "Yes. We are willing to talk about mental health within our profession."

Yes, it's the last day of May.

Yes, May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Yes, statistically speaking, farmers and ranchers in my home state are 3 times more likely to die by suicide.

Why?

Is it lack of awareness? I don't know.

Is it lack of resources, maybe?? Is it because of the stigma?? Is it because we are supposed to be tough? Even when sh*% hits our fans over, and over, and over again?

Even when we run in circles and chase our tails?

I don't know. But I do know awareness is a nice first step, but it's not enough.

And YES, we are willing to talk about it.

So if you'd like to join the conversation, connect with us.

Like you, we are interested in discussing solutions.

HERE IS THE KFYR NEWS SEGMENT AIRED MAY 31, 2023

Click Me

I don't think it'll make in on air, but Yes, Maiya DID hold one of our #BabyLambs

MEMORY LANE:

[Click here to listen with music, because we think it's much better that way]