The Journey to Room to Grow Farm: How It All Began

The road to where I am now is a winding one, full of side quests and the occasional distraction along the way. Aside from the obvious play on words, for me this is truly about a place to grow, not only food, but a deeper connection to the land, the animals, and the life around us. My goal is that in my time as a steward of this land, I can leave a lasting positive impact.

I think many people believe nature is better off without humans, yet there are so many stories of a single dedicated person saving a species of butterfly or someone single-handedly replanting an entire forest. I want this farm to showcase the positive impact that a relationship rooted in reciprocity can have in our environment. We are a part of nature not apart from it!

As an indigenous person, reciprocity, giving more than you take, and respect for all life are fundamental principles.  These teachings have always existed, and more people are now recognizing them as essential for our shared flourishing. Through my years as a healthcare provider, it has become clear that much sickness stems from imbalances and unhealthy environments. I hope to demonstrate how mending our broken relationship with the land that nurtures us can also help us mend our own broken bodies and minds.

My husband sold eggs as a kid and his slogan was, "Healthy happy chickens lay healthy, happy eggs." I always loved that saying, and today it feels more true than ever. A growing body of research shows that we truly are what we eat. What we eat (the freshness and conditions in which it was raised) and how we eat (our mood, stress level etc.) deeply influence how our bodies use nutrition as fat or fuel, as bloat or energy. Even stress hormones from animals can lead to inflammation in our own tissues.

Room to Grow is a work in progress, as we all are, and full of potential. You have not yet become all that you were meant to be.