My biggest inspiration and personal head coach is — my grandmother. While others her age may be “retired,” she remains an engaged — and engaging — member of her community. The saying that, “age is only a number” is true for my grandmother. Although she is 78 years old, she lives her daily life and manages her organic farm with the energy of someone decades younger. She never fails to impress me with her curiousity about and knowledge of a variety of topics and the world in which we live.
I admire her organizational and management skills. While her organic farm may be small by some standards, I am constantly amazed by how she manages its 250 grape vines, 44 fruit trees, and surrounding fields of potatoes and vegetables. Additionally, three times every day she feeds a collection of hens, rabbits, roosters, and cats. The farm also includes a greenhouse filled with peppers, tomatoes, chilies, and salad greens. When not tending to the farm, she can be found either cooking, reading magazines and books, or watching an occasional television program.
During our visits, we chat about animals, plants, and nature. Sometimes she will share one of her stories from her tough childhood growing up during wartime or describe how she makes a favorite recipe, such as her syrups made from plant blossoms. No matter what, life with my grandmother is very entertaining. She has inspired — and will continue to inspire — my own life and desire to help others to achieve a joyful balance in their lives.
I am grateful to be part of her family and to share her insights with my community.
