About a half dozen years ago I started gardening (seen in the first picture here). My decision to take on gardening was multifaceted.
First, my husband and I had chosen to work towards living a more natural and organic lifestyle. Don't get me wrong, I love all of the horrible-for-my-body treats just like anyone else - eating out, soda, ice cream, and so on. Not that we can't enjoy these things, even on a regular basis. But I have legitimately struggled to not be snacking on sweets all day every day. We used to eat out multiple times a week. And don't even get me started on my husband's soda addiction. But - as is for most people - improving your health is about incremental decisions, not flipping some magical light switch. It largely began with this garden. By taking on gardening, I have been able - with my own hands - help put natural, organic, home-grown with my own blood, sweat, and tears food on my family's table. That's an extremely satisfying accomplishment.
Furthermore, gardening helps bring peace to my life. Initially, it was just the peace derived from going, doing, and accomplishing a physical activity. It was some alone time to enjoy peace and quiet. I could put in my earbuds and listen to music or a podcast I enjoyed, without distraction. There was an enjoyable element of play involved, being able to manipulate the soil in my hands, pluck my bounty from the plants I raised, and so on. But it has evolved into another sort of peace of mind. The plants I grow in my garden are 100% organic. The soil is organic with my own organic compost. The seeds came from organic sources, and many are now seeds that I captured from a previous year's garden. The fertilizers and pest controls that I use are organic. I have a peace of mind that at least this portion of the food my family is consuming is not contaminated with toxic chemicals that can not only affect one's physical health, but also their mental health.
We can choose to partake in activities that help restore our own physical and mental health. Gardening is a good outlet for both - improving your health with the food you consume, and improving your health by bringing enjoyment and satisfaction in the activities you do.
Why post this now, as we enter winter? Well, now is the time to start planning and preparing your garden for the spring. Each winter, my garden is conceived in my kitchen, with seed and starter trays. So now is the time to be inspired!