Keisha Johnson of Grow it 4 Dinner

The 354th recipient is Keisha Johnson @ruralcitygurl of Grow It 4 Dinner @growit4dinner in Huntsville, TX. Keisha writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “I wholeheartedly encourage farmers and ranchers to adopt well-being routines that align with their current health goals. Self-care practices that promote positive goals for well-being should be relied on more often by farmers and ranchers. The scope of farm work involved and mental bandwidth needed to sustain a farm/ranch is well beyond unacknowledged; yet it is a crucial and necessary task for those committed to stewarding the land by working to conserve agricultural resources via sustainable, regenerative efforts; take time to nurture themselves. In most ways small-scale farmers and ranchers can identify their passion for growing, but have trouble realizing how the lack of self-care is just as unproductive as the depleted and abused soils across the globe. Farmers and ranchers face day-to-day circumstances that no doubt drain their passion, stifle their ambition, or thwart core values. Not to mention the physical and mental influences and demands that can also exhaust one’s energy and overall performance. I personally look for opportunities that assist with accomplishing mental health milestones. A few of my favorite activities to turn to as intentional self-care include meditating in deep reflection while stretching my body in different areas on the property as the sun begins to brighten the skies above the farm. I also like to take nature walks through the wooded forest and observe how beautiful nature can be. Lastly, I have become interested in creating natural, chemical free skin & related health care products by growing, preserving, and using medicinal herbs.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “I can think of many ways to use the award money that would enhance my devotion and dedication to living in optimal well-being alignment. I could save it for a special purchase or spend it on a random transaction, but either way retail therapy wins my vote on this topic! I ran across a portable pop-up steam pod chamber that would amplify my garden yoga sessions with a relaxing steam treatment afterwards. Or, my thoughts also turn to acquiring a good pair of work boots; that will co-function as sturdy, safe, dependable footwear while foraging thru forest trails. Also, I’d be crazy to leave out the bugs, pests, & critters living in the ‘piney woods’ thicket throughout my homestead property, which is located on the outskirts of a nationally recognized forest. I could use the award money by investing in equipment, tools, and/or supplies for skin salves and tinctures.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: Since 2019, I have experienced over a handful of life-changing events that have left a lasting effect on my life. I became a full-time farmer in 2020, after abandoning my corporate career and transitioning into a caretaker for my elderly parents. Unbeknownst, I signed on to serve as a death doula for two members of my immediate family during the pandemic. Self-care and positive well-being are very important to me as I continue to process grief and love on my remaining family members, unapologetically. 

I founded my farm on key principles and core values aimed at growing and providing natural, pesticide free, organic sustenance for our human physical bodies that aid with optimal functioning and mental health alignment. With this award, I have an opportunity to fully indulge in self-care activities that promote my mental well-being and ground my emotions in a collective stewardship rooted in nature and agriculture.” 

#realfarmercare