Our Rural Roots
Toss the Worry and Focus on Joy
If he's not soundly napping at my feet, Toby, the Australian shepherd/Great Pyrenees rescue dog who joined the farm three years ago will be chasing a Frisbee. Multiple Frisbeelike flying discs are scattered around the farm, ensuring there is always one available to throw.
Toby doesn't need much to be happy -- a long early-morning walk, ice to crunch, cheese and any kind of fruit as a special treat. He loves riding in cars, trucks, side-by-sides, tractors and semis. He claims the passenger seat. He needs his people, a good scratch behind the ears and a gentle belly rub.
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One morning while simultaneously tossing the Frisbee and scrolling notifications, I felt my anxiety rise. People like me who are "fixers" are also worrywarts. I worry about the weather. I worry about the trials facing friends and family. I worry about personal obligations and meeting expectations. I worry about national and international events.
Sulking, I pocketed the phone and zeroed in on Toby. His whole body vibrated with anticipation. Toby is best described as "perpetually joyful" when racing across the yard to snatch a Frisbee from the air.
As I watched Toby, I grabbed onto a thought. Instead of spending hours worrying about things I cannot control, what if I could become "Frisbee-focused" and dial in on what brings me joy.
Gardening. Preparing a good meal to serve my family. Rocking on the porch swing to a gentle downpour. Reading. Finding ways to serve the community in which we live.
This noisy world easily pulls attention away from what counts. Our families, farms and ourselves deserve better. I'm not advocating for blocking out the world. But turning my focus to my personal circle of control and celebrating what brings joy to life seems a positive way to tackle another day.
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-- Katie Pratt writes, tosses Frisbees and shares her love of agriculture and family with others from a north-central Illinois farm. Find her writing blog at https://theillinoisfarmgirl.com/…
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