Chickens, Soap, and Leadership: Lessons from My Homesteading Misadventures
So, I’m married, have 25 chickens, and typically, my husband Kyle is the one who takes care of them. But tonight, he’s working late as a general contractor on a painting job that needs to be completed after hours because it’s an office that people are in during the day. Of course, that’s the time I decide to need him the most. Olivia, my middle daughter, is also not around, so guess who has to make the trek out to the chicken coop to lock them up for the night? This girl.
Now, let me tell you, I had to hype myself up for a good 15 minutes before I walked down there. I mean, I had to find boots, gloves, and, most importantly, convince myself that the coop wasn’t going to be too gross to handle. It’s amazing how long it can take to talk yourself into a task that you know you have to do, but… I finally did it!
And before you think, "Wow, this is an unrelated, random story," bear with me for a second because it’s actually a perfect metaphor for a leadership lesson.
Two years ago, I found myself at a huge crossroads in my life. I had just stepped into a new management role while Kyle was simultaneously starting his own business and working another job. It was an intense time. And, what do I do when I’m in the middle of a busy, stressful period? Naturally, I decided to become a farmer.
Yes, you read that right. In the midst of all this, I had this crazy idea that I would transform our backyard into a farm—goats, mini cows, chickens, bees, vegetables—you name it. I was even convinced I was going to make soap and start an Etsy shop. Because, you know, when life gets overwhelming, the solution is always to add a bunch of living creatures and complex projects to your plate, right?
Well, I dove into the idea full steam ahead. I quickly had around 60 chickens, 10 turkeys, six baby ducks, and a garden that could have been the envy of any homesteader. I even bought all the supplies to make soap. But let me tell you… soap-making is not as easy as it seems. Unless you’re a chemist, don’t try it.
Eventually, after all the ducks, chickens, and failed soap attempts, I realized something: I don’t really want to be a homesteader. It turns out, I’m not a fan of being hot, dirty, and surrounded by things that smell, unless it’s related to being a nurse (strangely enough, I’m okay with that). The ducks, adorable as they were when they were babies, turned into slightly disgusting creatures. And if you don’t have a pond, please don’t get ducks. A kiddie pool just doesn’t cut it.
In the end, I realized where I belong. Not necessarily in a farm field, but leading a hospice team. So, while my dreams of being a homesteader and superwoman mom didn’t exactly pan out, I learned some valuable lessons along the way. Sometimes, what we think we want isn’t actually where we belong. And sometimes, stepping into the unknown (whether it’s a new leadership role or a chicken coop) takes a little convincing, a few moments of hesitation, and some tough decisions. But once we find the right path, we can truly thrive.
So, while Kyle now enjoys his new hobby of tending to chickens, while I admire from a distance, my dad has become my gardener…… I’m right where I’m supposed to be. And the journey? Well, it’s been a messy, farm-filled, soap-failed adventure that’s brought me to a leadership role where I can make the most impact.
And that, my friends, is why I’ll take the chickens in stride (as long as I’m not the one mucking out the coop).
