10 Reasons Why Ranch Life is a Good Life
Listening to water is a moment of mindfulness for ranch life.
Many people express craving the simplified life, which living in the country can bring. However, it is far from simple. Not everyone is cut out to live in the country, nor can they enjoy all the benefits, which this type of lifestyle has to offer. Here is a list my family has developed over the years. Eddy and I grew up on farms, and still revel in its daily changes. It is all we have ever known but if you did not and are contemplating this type of life, consider some of these realities...
You will go to bed tired.
Words can not express the exhaustion you will feel after a day's work outside. From experience though, it is the best sleep aid on the market. Nothing feels better than after a long day of work outside accomplishing something. Hours are not set on the farm. They are affected by weather, daylight, animals, and any other unforeseen situations. On the bright side though you are your own boss and can adjust accordingly.
2. You won't need a gym.
Strength will come naturally from performing a variety of activities for a long period of time. The key is listening to your body so you do not get hurt. As you age, realization hits that many activities need to be done for short bits of time instead of all day, which will hopefully limit over use injuries. Another key idea, while setting up your farm, remember to visualize how it will work when you are 80, so plan accordingly for ease and safety.
3. Food you raised will taste better.
The food is fresh. Having access to healthy food is a blessing for many reasons but also because of a limited budget, distance to town, or time it takes out of a demanding schedule to head to town, you might not get groceries very often, if at all. Food always tastes better too when you are working up an appetite.
4. You will become a life long learner.
There will be struggles on the farm or ranch. You can approach these one of two ways. One, you will see them as an opportunity to learn and improve what you are currently doing. Or two, you will feel discouraged by the learning curve the farm offers daily. It is your choice, but by choosing option 1 you will become a better farmer.
5. You must have rest.
Naps are a little vacation in and of themselves and truth be told feel rather indulgent. We always if possible take Sunday as a day of rest. We recharge, read, go to church, and spend time with family and friends.
6. The easiest money earned is the money saved.
This is a lesson I wished I had learned in my early 20's. Saved money isn't taxed. Calling around for pricing or checking the internet for the best deal might save a few dollars, but know the best deal is not always the cheapest when it comes to quality. Inexpensive does not always equate to money saved. Better quality may cost more initially, but save in the long run. Always remember to ask if it is a want or a need. For big purchases, my favorite tip of all from seedtime.com is to wait 3o days and see if you still want or need it.
7. You won't have time for TV
If you have time for TV, read more in attempt to ease the learning curve discussed in #4. Find mentors in your particular field and read all you can get your hands on. Learn from others who have forged ahead of you. On a side note, we do have a TV and treat ourselves to some screen time but it is part of our staycation entertainment.
8. Your to-do list will grow
A.K.A. there is no such thing as a DONE LIST and that is a good thing because farms should be evolving to something better everyday. Hopefully there is an accomplished list but definitely not a DONE LIST. As you work the land, you will see projects and motions which can be completed more efficiently or improved. These thoughts, ideas, and dreams of possibilities will notoriously add to the to-do list. Just know life on a farm is a journey and find joy in this fact.
9. Staycations are the best vacations.
You will know it was the best lifestyle decision to return to the land if you feel this way. If you have the need to leave or get away it may not be a good life time choice for you or your family. It is not wrong to want a break but in reality it is hard to find people to care for your animals or even to have the extra money initially to make the trip. Just consider that this might be the reality.
10. Take time to marvel at the beauty surrounding you.
There will be hard days but take moments to be mindful of all that is around you. Hear the sounds or the lack of noise. Listen to cows grazing fresh grass. View the sunsets, sunrises, rainbows, shimmering morning dews, building storms, butterflies gathering around wildflowers, and so much more. Feel the cool water running over your toes, the supple hide of newborn calves, the velvety feel of petals on a flower, and the breeze through your windows. Taste the fresh blackberries, mulberries, or tart gooseberries. Use all of your senses, be still, and absorb the goodness nature has to offer, which God created for His glory and our enjoyment.
