One of our resolutions for 2022 was to keep better track of our budget and where our money goes. With that I have been tracking each expense and putting it into categories, so we can review at the end of the month and make adjustments moving forward.
I am not sure if this was a good idea or not, because it brought to light just how much we have been spending on our critters and it got me thinking about all of the other things we could be doing with that money on a monthly basis. It had me questioning my motive and overall rationale of having animals to care for.
But, what it comes down to is, nothing else makes my life fuller, or gives me more opportunities than owning livestock. Not only is it a reason to get up and go outside each and everyday, but it is also a way that we get to spend irreplaceable family time, in the truck, camping at shows, or simply around the tack pen with our animals. There are also so many friends that we have met in our adventures with livestock and goats specifically, that our lives would not be nearly as fun without them.
After, truly reflecting. It does not matter how much money that we spend on our animals as long as we are able to live our life, and the bottom line behind that is our lives would be so much less without these animals. Less fun, less busy, less exhausting, less expensive, but I don't want my life to be less, I want it to be more. These goats have taught us that by putting what matters to us most in life first, the rest will simply fit in.
This is especially true when I talk to co-workers, they want to know how we do it, manage the animals, the property, our home and work. The answer is, we don't have a magic wand, we work hard, enjoy each others company and also provide grace. That means the house won't always be clean, but we will be fed and the animals will be warm and dry. Or it could mean we spent the past few days out of town, but the barn needs to be seriously cleaned when we get home. Its all about the balance and living in the moment and beauty that life provides me.
On really hard days like yesterday, I end my marathon of to do's by simply sitting in the straw with the goats. The horses were happily munching on hay on the background and as soon as I sat down I was overtaken my my lovely goats. They don't care what we do, as long as they are loved, fed and cared for and the way I see it that is what I was put here to do.
I hope you all are able to find your why, when it comes to caring for your goats, and there by are able to love a little deeper. Stay warm and Happy Goating!