I’m a multi-tasker.
And not just because, as a mom and business person, I need to be. I actually really love taking an action
that results in multiple benefits. It’s like bargain shopping, only instead of
saving money on things, I’m investing time that brings big rewards into my
life.
One of my
favorite “bonus buys” is container gardening. With the most minimal of
materials, I get so much value. My children and I choose our containers, fill
them with organic soil and plant seeds for yummy veggies we will all enjoy.
But, just like on the late-night infomercials, there’s much, much more. You see, while we are elbow-deep in the
cool brown soil, we talk about the day’s events, or a book we’re reading, or
what we plan to do in the future. Somehow, our worries and small grievances meld
with the bits of earth that slide between our fingers, and we feel renewed and
replenished through our work. By nurturing the seedlings with the regular
watering and tending they require, my children learn, in a very concrete way,
that their actions matter. And when we harvest and eat the fruits of our labor,
not only are we getting fresh, organic food that nurtures our bodies, but we
also feel the connection between the workings of nature and what ends up on our
plates.
Need more
convincing? How about this. Instead of sitting in front of a screen and
engaging in virtual activities, my children go outdoors, breathe fresh air, get
the benefits of sunlight and move their bodies in real space. Remember that healthy habits are best
started in childhood, so if you don’t want to grow your very own couch
potatoes, get your children up and out of the house early and often.
One of the
easiest ways to get started is to plant carrots. Here’s how.
