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Affirmations - Berry Orchard

6 Truths (& Affirmations) from the Berry Orchard

Today, I’m excited to share with you my insights from my first-time-ever blueberry and blackberry picking extravaganza! Have you ever picked berries? Ahh, so many good life lessons and reminders to be found in the berry patch! Scroll down to read all about it ~

Affirmations - Berry Orchard

Last week Dean the Dream and I drove about 30 minutes to Germantown, MD to a family farm called Butler’s Orchard. I had read the sweet family story online before we went so I had good vibes about this place and it didn’t disappoint.

George and Shirley Butler originally purchased a 37-acre farm. Over many years and through three generations, it has now expanded to 300-acres with a little market, a cafe, a petting zoo and other activities, but mainly many fields growing fruit, vegetables, and herbs.

We jumped on one of the farm trolleys for a short ride to the blueberry and blackberry fields. I love all types of berries but I actually had never seen an actual blueberry or blackberry bush so it was fun just to get an up-close look at how they grow.

Here are some insights that came to mind as we were picking:

1) Don’t stop at the first bushes. Although it’s convenient, they’ve also had more pickers. By putting in a little extra effort at the beginning to walk further we found tons of low hanging fruit. At the beginning of a project put in the extra effort needed for the best long-term success (or, “worst first / greater later”).

Affirmation: I do what’s needed now for success later

2) I found that by looking a little closer, or moving a branch slightly I could find many clusters of ripe berries perfectly ready to be picked. When we’re willing to look a little closer we find treasures right in front of us.

Affirmation: I see and value the treasures in front of me

3) The berries that were ripe and ready for harvest easily fell off right into our hands. The ones that weren’t quite ready required a gentle tug. Let it be easy, when things are ready, they’ll fall into your hands.

Affirmation: I let it be easy, I am patient with the flow of life

4) There were several other families nearby, speaking different languages, and although we didn’t understand their words, we did understand their laughter and enthusiasm about the berries. Even if we don’t completely understand others we can still share in their energy of happiness.

Affirmation: I share in the energy of joy with others

5) We focused on finding the berries that were at their peak, knowing that the not-quite-ripe berries that we left on the vines will be gathered in the coming days and weeks by later pickers. Also being grateful that those who came before us took what was ready at that time, and left plenty for us. Everything is in divine timing, the Universe is abundant and there is enough for you and anyone else who wants to gather.

Affirmation: I trust the abundance and timing of the Universe

6) When we got home I washed all my blue/blackberries in a tub of water with Veggie Wash – I put some in the fridge for snacking, cooked one small jar of sugar free jam, then put the rest in baggies and into the freezer so we can enjoy them in weeks to come! Delayed gratification is a good thing, it’s reassuring to know we have some sweetness for later.

Affirmation: I’m thoughtfully preparing now for the future

7) And here’s a BONUS lesson about being open to extra blessings. As we were driving out of the orchards, there it was! A field of herbs – it was glorious! We parked the car, I jumped out, got a container from the girl working in that section, and breathed deeply as I walked into the rows of those sweet smelling herbs!

Dill, parsley, basil, and cilantro, yum, they all wanted to come home with us- I mean, the berries were amazing, but this was truly the “garnish” on top of a great day! I’ve been enjoying cilantro in my smoothies and fresh basil on my salads and avocado toast this week. Be open to additional, unexpected blessings. Allow and accept good surprises into your life.

Affirmation: I am open to receiving goodness in expected and unexpected ways.

All in all – it was a delightful evening at the farm and I’m looking forward to going again next month for the “Sunflower Spectacular” and in October for “Pumpkin Harvest Days”. (And yes I’ll share some photos if it’s as cool as it sounds).

I hope you enjoyed these lessons and affirmations, and that you have something FUN planned for this weekend ~

Truths - Berry Orchard
Berry Orchard Cilantro

Shine On,
Carolyn

P.S. Now I’m curious…Do you love cilantro like I do? It seems people either love it or think it tastes like soap (or a stinky armpit, eww!). According to the research, loving it or hating actually depends on your genes- wow! (I wonder if we can clear that, lol.)

I’m curious, which one are you – love it, or hate it?

10 Behaviors that Block Happiness

10 Behaviors that Block HappinessSpring is the time for new beginnings and that means Spring Cleaning to let go of what is not serving you. We all seek that elusive quality of “happiness.” Here are some things you can place your awareness on and clean out of your life so you can be happier.

Impressing. What you have —your possessions, your accomplishments—don’t result in real relationship or lasting happiness.

Blaming. Your response to any situation is your choice. Try making it a learning opportunity—taking responsibility is empowering.

Controlling. It doesn’t help you feel good about yourself. Honor your boundaries, but make space for others’ needs and choices, too.

Criticizing. We are all unique and different, not better or worse. Appreciate the differences instead of zeroing in on shortcomings.

Whining. Complaining is ineffective, whereas asking for what you want is liberating.

Clinging to what is known. When you’re feeling afraid or insecure, be willing to let go of the familiar, take a risk and try something new.

Being Ungrateful. Stay aware of all the gifts and blessings that you do have. Express gratitude and happiness will follow.

Preaching. Another form of judging. Find more fun and empowering ways to share your knowledge.

Negative Self-talk. Train yourself to notice your mind’s chatter. Working towards changing negative thoughts to positive ones will transform your life.

Fear. Don’t let fear get in the way of progress. Whatever you’ve been dreaming, get going on it. “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”

How have you been able to overcome these negative behaviors in your life? How have you become better at recognizing these behaviors and stopping them? Share with us below…

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