Gathering More Than Strawberries: Finding Nourishment in the Simple Things

There is something so beautiful about being able to walk into a berry patch and pick food with your own hands.


I came for the strawberries, but I left with so much more.

I’ve been feeling especially grateful for the simple gifts that nourish us, not only the food we eat, but the moments that bring us back to ourselves.

Remembering my childhood days, berrypicking with my dad and siblings. There were so many of us.

Standing among the strawberry plants, reaching down to pick each little berry, I found myself appreciating just how much abundance surrounds us when we slow down enough to notice it. Sometimes nourishment comes in ways we don’t expect.

Yes, these strawberries will nourish my body. They are fresh, sweet, and full of goodness. But there was another kind of nourishment happening as I wandered through the patch—sunshine, the earth beneath my feet, the shared fellowship with my friend, and the simple picking something with my own hands.


Sometimes you have to look beneath the surface to discover what’s ready to nourish you.

We live in a world where most of our food comes neatly packaged and ready to eat.

There was something grounding about bending down, reaching into the green leaves and discovering a beautiful red strawberry waiting to be picked.

It reminded me that there is something deeply satisfying about returning to the simple things.


From blossom to berry, there is beauty in every stage of becoming.

Look closely and you’ll find abundance.

One little strawberry plant can offer so much. A patch filled with them becomes almost magical—a sea of green leaves dotted with little bursts of red.

It made me pause and think about how often abundance is right in front of us, yet we rush past it without noticing.


Sometimes, nourishment looks like simply being here.

I’m learning that nourishment isn’t only about what we put on our plate.

It’s also about what we allow into our lives. The places we spend time. The people we surround ourselves with. The moments we choose to slow down and savour.

So, as I stood in that strawberry patch with a basket filling one berry at a time, I felt grateful. Grateful for the earth.

Grateful for the hands that planted and cared for these berries. And grateful that I could simply be there, picking fruit that would nourish my body while the experience itself nourished something deeper within me.

From my little corner of the world.

Sue

P.S.
“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Who Inspires You?

Wow! When I sat down with my thoughts, of what inspires me, or who is an inspiration in my life, the little hamster wheel in my brain began to spin. My first thought, was that the bulk of inspiration comes into our lives from another human being. Which much of it truly does. However, I began to dig deep in thought, and began to realize that inspiration can come upon is in so many other forms that surround us.

I must say, throughout my life, I have had soooo many people come into my life that truly impacted and inspired me in some way, shape or form. And for that, I am truly grateful. Of course I could never mention every single person, but today, I want to share with you, my friend Jenn.

This past summer Jenn and I went on a exciting fun adventure, to the Bowden SunMaze located in central Alberta, Canada. We were looking so forward to enjoying the mass fields of bright yellow sunflowers. Well, the experience didn’t disappoint. We were thrilled to view bright yellow fields for as long as the eye could see. But first, we came upon these goofy boards, to which Jenn encouraged me to get in behind and poke my head through, to which brought forth quite a few chuckles and giggles, to us and the passersby’s.

My friend Jenn continually inspires me, as she is as bright and radiant as a fully bloomed sunflower. Jenn ignites creativity, motivation, and positive change in her day to day life. She has lifted my spirits many times, when they were on the floor, so to speak. Jenn’s joyous laughter resounds from within, capturing others attention nearby. I can’t help myself from laughing along too!

Jenn captures the beauty in that one single sunflower that towers above all the rest. There is a meaning to that she says. Jenn is an inspired individual that is true to herself.

She embraces her uniqueness and authenticity, which in turn, this genuine expression of self, resonates with others, encouraging them to be true to themselves as well. Jenn has truly impacted and inspired me with all her wonderful qualities in life.

In essence, inspiration in a person such as my friend Jenn, is a transformative force that not only elevates her own life, but also has a ripple effect, touching and influencing the lives of others. I’m so very happy and grateful that our paths crossed when they did.

My friend has been very instrumental in my healing journey of life these past two years, when my husband decided to depart from me. I cannot thank Jenn enough for when she answered the call to have a listening ear, anytime I needed to share. I like to say, Jenn’s sat in the “mud” with me many many times. A term I especially like, that comes from American author Simon Sinek.

Ultimately, inspiration in a person is marked by the positive impact they have on the world around them. Whether through their work, relationships, or contributions to their community, inspired individuals leave a lasting and uplifting legacy.

And in closing, who or what inspires you in your journey in life? Feel free to send me a message and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

P.S. “To be inspired is great. To inspire is incredible.”