Small Bites – Practical Tips for Farm Resiliency – Self-Reflection
Small Bites are short, informational articles with practical ideas about stress reduction, improved communication, and family well-being. They are written by coaches from UMaine Extension’s Farm Coaching team. Farm Coaches are available at no cost to work remotely with farmers and farm families.
Self-reflection is an often overlooked skill in life. The ability to reflect on our own strengths and challenges without judgment is “grown up stuff” and can really lead to positive changes. Self-reflection is simply the time and space to ask ourselves a few questions and listen to and possibly record the answers. A journal is one way for recording our thoughts. Here are some possible questions for self-reflection:
How am I doing today?
Am I holding stress in my body? Where is it?
What is one thing I did really well this week?
What was one thing I would like to improve next week?
What is one thing I could do to take better care of myself next week?
Which relationships are tough for me?
Which relationships really feed me?
Who can I lean on if things get really stressful?
Are there unexpressed feelings that are adding to my stress?
One time in the past when I overcame a big challenge was ______….I used
________(planning, organization, strength, compassion, humility, etc ) to attend to that challenge.
Sometimes sharing the answers to one or more of these questions with your intimate partner can be a nice way to connect. Self-reflection is very intimate and can be a great way to connect heart-to heart with the one you love.
Check out the Supporting Relationships for Farm Success website for resources and information to sign up for Farm Coaching.