You have an important role on the farm.
That role is being you.
Be yourself.
It took me years of questioning myself, "What is my role on the farm?" I was the newbie who was not raised on a farm, let alone used to living the country life. Cornfields surrounded me. There were no city lights except on tractors plowing the fields. I could not walk to the grocery store, borrow a cup of sugar or holler "Hey" from my kitchen window to my next-door neighbor.
I am not going to lie; the struggle was real. This life is hard and very different from the life in which I grew up. I repeatedly recited the right words to myself, and I would hear the encouragement from my farmer, family, and friends, but that did not fix my insecurities or figure out what farm role I would tackle. And am I even qualified for this role?
The answer is an absolute yes.
Finally, when I realized everybody's role on the farm holds value, did I find my place.
It was right in front of my face the entire time. I was questioning and comparing myself to other people. It is easy to fall back into self-doubt, "I'm not good enough" or "I wasn't raised on a farm." Just remember; you are your unique personality.
It does not matter if you spend your day wrangling cows or kids, slinging feed buckets or biscuits in the kitchen, driving a tractor, or meeting deadlines at your off-the-farm job; your role is important.
And I am proud of you.
