“Some changes look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge.”
—Eckhart Tolle
I would describe myself as a somewhat casual social media user.
I have a Facebook account (can’t say I’m a really active participant, though I really enjoy seeing friends from high school and their families now), a Twitter account (honestly, the only reason I signed up for that a couple years ago was so I could hear instant “chatter” coming from a stamp-scrapbook convention when they released their new products), and I’m even on LinkedIn (because someone sent me an invitation several months ago).
My life is so busy and I already spend so much time on the computer at work that I struggle wanting to spend more time online.
But occasionally something will come through one of those sites that really catches my eye or makes an impact on me.
I was reading a “Top Content” post from LinkedIn recently, an article titled “14 Telling Signs You Love Your Job.” Curious what it might contain, I clicked on the link.
The author of the article, Dharmesh Shah, listed several different criteria you could use to determine how you feel about your current work situation. A few of them include:
• You think, “I hope I get to …” instead of, “I hope I don’t have to …”
• You enjoy your time at work.
• You would recommend working at your company to your best friend.
• You hardly ever look at the clock.
• You view success in terms of fulfillment and gratification – not just promotions and money.
I, of course, thought about the list in terms of my current employment, but then I also started thinking how well some of these points apply to farmer and ranchers.
I read a quote recently by Wendell Berry that states:
“Why do farmers farm, given their economic adversities on top of the many frustrations and difficulties normal to farming?
And always the answer is: ‘Love. They must do it for love.’ Farmers farm for the love of farming.
“They love to watch and nurture the growth of plants. They love to live in the presence of animals. They love to work outdoors.
They love the weather, maybe even when it is making them miserable. They love to live where they work and to work where they live.”
Is that true for you? Do you love what you do? I would venture to say that is probably the case and the reason why you do what you do. And, I’m sure it makes a difference in your life and in the life of your family.
I can honestly say that I love my job. I know you’ve read these things from me before, but I truly work for and with good people.
I get to associate with some of the very best people around – those involved in agriculture. And I know that my daily efforts make a difference and are appreciated.
I have been playing a bit of a balancing act the last few years, however. Balancing not only between work and home, but also balancing both the editorial and circulation departments here in the office.
So, as is often the case in our lives, sometimes things need to change.
I’m excited to announce that we have hired a new team member on our staff that will be taking over the editorial content for Progressive Forage Grower and allow me more time to focus on my circulation responsibilities. Ironically, her name is also Lynn, and you will get to officially “meet” her in the next issue.
I know she will bring new and valuable ideas, and I look forward to supporting her behind the scenes.
I also hope to continue to interact with each of you as you renew your subscriptions and give us feedback about the magazine. And hopefully we will all be able to continue to say, “I love my job!”
