Growing Up With Nature
Source: all pictures on this page are from my family photo library
Hard Work. Innovation. Stewardship.
Growing up on the farm
Growing up on a farm with wooded land and a pond was an experience that shaped my character and worldview in profound ways. Our days were filled with the rhythms of farm life, from tending to crops and animals to exploring the natural wonders that surrounded us.
This upbringing instilled in me a set of values and life lessons that have proven invaluable throughout my life. The consistency required in our daily routines, especially with tasks like milking, planting and harvesting, taught me the importance of discipline and commitment.
The unpredictable nature of farming – dealing with weather changes and market fluctuations – fostered a resilience that has helped me adapt to life's challenges. I learned patience watching crops and animals grow, understanding that good things often take time and careful nurturing.
Our farm taught me stewardship – the responsibility of caring for the land and animals entrusted to us. This has translated into a lifelong commitment to environmental consciousness and paying it forward. The physical demands of farm work instilled in me the value of hard work and perseverance.
Problem-solving was a daily occurrence on the farm, cultivating resourcefulness and creativity that I've applied to various aspects of my life. Teamwork was essential – our family worked together, teaching me the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
Living so close to nature fostered a deep respect for natural cycles and ecosystems. The strong sense of community in our rural setting showed me the value of social connections and mutual support.
Perhaps most importantly, farm life taught me self-reliance. The need to handle diverse tasks independently built my confidence and versatility, preparing me for whatever challenges life might bring. These lessons from my farming childhood have been the foundation of my personal and professional growth, shaping me into the person I am today.
Lessons from our dog
Our family dog was more than just a pet; he was a teacher of invaluable life lessons. Fizban approached each day with boundless energy, reminding us to find joy in the simple things and to bounce back from setbacks with resilience. Through his unwavering companionship, Fizban exemplified the virtues of forgiveness, enthusiasm, and adaptability.
Fizban’s attentiveness (he was always sniffing the ground or watching squirrels or chipmunks) to his surroundings taught us mindfulness and the importance of living in the moment. His ability to sense and respond to our emotions demonstrated empathy, while his curious nature encouraged us to maintain a sense of wonder about the world. Fizban was motivated by attention (and food) and his gratitude for the smallest gestures reminded us to appreciate what we have, and his authentic behavior showed us the value of being true to ourselves. Through his trust, patience, and open affection, our canine friend taught us the importance of building strong, genuine relationships and expressing our feelings freely.
These lessons, combined with Fizban's loyalty and unconditional love, provided a roadmap for living a more fulfilling and positive life, making him not just the family pet, but a wise and cherished life coach.
Philanthropy
Growing up and throughout my life, I witnessed firsthand how a helping hand or a kind gesture could make a significant difference in someone's life, just as our neighbors would come together to help during harvest or in times of need. This sense of mutual support and the understanding that we're all part of a larger ecosystem - whether in nature or in society - fueled my desire to give back. The lessons of stewardship learned from caring for our family, our land and animals translated into a broader sense of responsibility towards our fellow human beings and our planet.
Today, my philanthropic efforts are a way to honor those family values, aiming to cultivate the same sense of community, resilience, and interconnectedness that shaped my formative years. I am very passionate about education, housing and food insecurities. By paying it forward, I hope to sow seeds of positive change, just as surely as we once planted crops, nurturing a harvest of opportunity and support for others.