Unanticipated Insights Gleaned from Rearing Holstein Calves that Offer Perspectives on Conquering Post-Divorce Struggles
In the heart of rural England, I embarked on an unexpected yet transformative journey when I decided to raise three cows. Little did I know, these bovine companions would teach me invaluable lessons about life, love, and healing.
Raising cows taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. The daily chores, from feeding to milking, were demanding, but the rewards were worth every effort. I learned to appreciate the simple pleasures in life, and the satisfaction that comes with nurturing and caring for another living being.
The cows also taught me the power of connection and the impact that animals can have on our lives. Their gentle demeanour and unwavering loyalty provided a sense of comfort and companionship that was incredibly healing. I found solace in their presence, and in the rhythm of farm life.
The cows provided a sense of community and belonging. They brought me closer to a kind-hearted man who shared my love for animals and farm life, leading to a romantic relationship. Together, we navigated the ups and downs of farm life, supporting each other through thick and thin.
Raising cows can have several therapeutic benefits for mental and emotional well-being. The connection to animals and nature, the social bonds formed, and the sense of purpose offered daily goals and achievements that positively impacted my self-esteem and emotional stability. The regular physical exercise and therapeutic distraction from everyday pressures further contributed to my overall well-being.
However, it's important to acknowledge the challenges that farmers face. Financial and succession pressures can lead to intense stress and mental health challenges[1]. Yet, initiatives emphasise the positive mental health impacts of active, social farming lifestyles and supportive community activities off the farm[2][4].
In the end, I am filled with gratitude for the healing power of animals and the lessons I learned from raising the three cows. They taught me the importance of letting go and moving on, as they needed to be reintegrated into the herd. They showed me the importance of compassion and empathy, putting their needs before my own and showing them love and kindness. And they provided me with a sanctuary where I could heal and grow during a challenging time.
[1] Farming UK, "Farmers' mental health: A growing concern", 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.farminguk.com/news/farmers-mental-health-a-growing-concern_50048.html
[2] Rural Health and Care Alliance, "The benefits of social farming", 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.ruralhealthcarealliance.co.uk/benefits-of-social-farming/
[4] Farming Community Network, "The benefits of farming for mental health", 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.fcn.org.uk/news/benefits-of-farming-for-mental-health/
My unexpected journey with the cows also introduced me to the realm of 'fashion-and-beauty', as I discovered unique ways to repurpose their wool for crafting. This hobby provided a creative outlet and an opportunity for self-expression in my 'lifestyle'.
Living on the farm also made me realize the importance of creating a comfortable and inviting 'home-and-garden', which resulted in me improving my DIY skills and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Furthermore, the bonds I forged with my cows significantly influenced 'relationships' in other aspects of my life. I learned to communicate better, empathize more deeply, and show love and patience to all beings, including humans.
In my pursuit of personal growth, eventually, I felt the urge to delve into 'education-and-self-development' to broaden my knowledge about animal husbandry, farming, and sustainable living. I enrolled in courses and worked towards improving my skills to ensure the welfare of not just my cows, but all animals under my care. My journey with the cows led me to a path of ongoing 'personal-growth' and 'career-development', teaching me valuable lessons that transcend the farm.
