Advice comes in many forms, but when it’s from people who have already trodden a path through adversity, it’s probably worth listening to, so it seems fitting to start 2024 with some wise words…
Last Autumn, Holly and I travelled the country, seeking out stories of tenacity and triumph through adversity.
Raising funds for Pompe and RABI as we went, our aim was to showcase the stories that you don’t always hear, the times when it’s not always easy and the grit behind the gloss that we sometimes see online.
I have to say we were often both inspired and humbled by the people we met, some were already known to us and others we met for the first time, but in every single case we discovered things we didn’t know before we started chatting.
Telling people’s real stories is an absolute passion for both of us, but I don’t think either of us predicted how much commonality there would be across the broad range of diverse people we spoke to.
Their stories were uniquely theirs, but without exception, they were all extremely humble about their achievements, absolutely candid about what it had taken them to get where they are and were willing to be vulnerable in sharing their story to help others better understand how changeable life can be.
One of our key aims for Countrywoman’s Guide is to show that life is a journey and the path is littered with failure as well as success. We do this in the hope that someone who might be riding through one of life’s ruts can see that tougher times happen to others too, but also to shed light that better times will come further along the journey. So, it’s important to keep on keeping on, or to reach out for help if you just can’t see a way forward at the moment.
At the end of every interview we have asked what advice our interviewees would like to share with others. As we all start our journey into 2024 today, it seems pertinent to share some of their words of wisdom below…
Sophie Gregory : Organic Farmer
“Put your own oxygen mask on first, it’s hard to remember to do that, but if you’re not OK, the whole ship goes down. You’re usually at the helm of everything so you have to look after yourself.”
Read Sophie’s story about the ups and downs of family raising and first time farming here.
Louise Coster : Beatkeeper
“Find the little thing to help you through, find it and set a small goal to help you get through.”
Read Louise’s story of the battle to recover from a cow crushing incident here.
Jo Perrott : Ladies Working Dog Group
“The knocks are never going to stop coming. As human beings, we’re delusional. There will be another huge change and another that will be out of our control. You’ve got to go with it.”
Read Jo’s story about fortitude in the face of a devasting diagnosis here.
Flora Searson : The Dartmoor Shepherd
“Don’t be afraid to take risks – in this day and age, it’s very appealing to think that a steady income, or this or that, is safe but if you’re dreaming of doing something and you want to do it, take the risk and do it.
I think, look at things from a worst case scenarios and if I can handle that, it’s worth taking the risk.”
Read Flora’s story about first time shepherding and entrepreneurial developments here.
Melanie Clarihew : Mackenzie & George
“You don’t know what other people’s path has been or what they’re going through so please remember to be kind. If you see something that you like about someone, give them that compliment as it might transform their day.”
Read Melanie’s story about setting up a business and raising a family here.
Rachel Collins : Rachel Collins Photography
“The egg timer is real. It will run out at some point, it is the only definite in life – so it’s important to embrace that and go with it. So be happy and if you’re not happy change something to be happier.”
Read Rachel’s story of overcoming imposter syndrome here.
Sarah Pittendrigh : Entrepreneur
“There’s lots of things along the way I didn’t do because of anxiety, but what I did do was push myself too hard to please other people, literally until I burnt myself out.
So, I wish I had done the deep work I’ve done now and learnt earlier to live the life I want to live, not the life I thought I had to live to please others. Now I truly believe that money helps you to exist, but a happy heart helps you to live.”
Read Sarah’s story of fighting back to success from bankruptcy here.
Hannah Jackson : Shepherdess and Entrepreneur
“For me, it’s all about mindset – you have to pick how you look at life. I always say, wake up in the morning and pick your mindset. So – this is what I am grateful for, this is what I want to go well today, this is what I love. You have the choice to look at things positively or negatively – it doesn’t fix everything but a positive head will manifest its way through into most of your everyday life”
Read Hannah’s story of baby loss and perseverance here.
So for 2024, Holly and I would like to echo some of these sentiments, why not set an aim for the end of 2024 to be celebrating the things you did do, rather than regretting the things you didn’t do.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead,
Emma & Holly xx