07/26/2026
Let's talk about burnout...
I've hinted at it in a few posts recently, have definitely been less present on socials, but haven't really said much about what's going on and why.
It's a pretty common thing among folks like me, or so it would seem. It doesn't mean that we don't still love what we do, it just means that we've been doing too much for too long.
I see it all the time; farmers over-extending themselves for whatever reason. This profession is addicting, after all. And then I see the fallout - declining health of animals, drastic herd or flock reductions, and sometimes an all out collapse of the farm as a whole.
I don't want that for my animals, and I don't want that for my farm.
Burnout is very, very real. I have a long history of it, suffering it to one degree or another in almost every "real" job I've ever held. Farming was different. It was a release, therapeutic, fun...
.. but it is also hard work - LOTS of it. And it is very hard to get away from it.
I don't really want to get away from it, not for long. I don't want to stop doing it. But I do need a break. And that is ok.
Recovering from burnout takes time, patience, and rest. I don't mean sleeping all the time, though I am doing more of that than usual (and yes, it feels good). I'm talking about doing the things I love to do when I'm not farming - art, writing, and maybe some long overdue home care.
I've been neglecting myself for a very long time. Self-love is the antidote.
I am so grateful to have the support of my loving husband and stepson. They have been doing the heavy lifting while I have been taking time to heal, create, and care for myself.
It has been about a two months since i took leave of my regular duties. Being with the animals has started to become therapeutic again already. I enjoy the time I spend with them, talking to them, giving them treats, and hopefully soon getting some fun projects done that have been waiting far too long on the back burner.
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone for their continued support, both online & in-person, of our small farmstead and for sticking with us through all of our challenges the past couple of years (we have sure had our share).
I am still committed to bringing you all with us on this journey through our social media. I will continue to post content as I feel up to it. The Porch will continue to be open regular hours unless specified otherwise on our page.
I appreciate your kindness & understanding while I focus on getting myself back on track.
All my love,
Ashley