Well, the closing of 2019 and going forward apparently did not go as any of us may have planned. I had big ideas and well intentioned plans to do so many things including posting here regularly. And I even had the makings of some drafted posts in my brain as I finished the last one back in October of 2019. But not only does SHIFT happen as those of us who attended ShiftCon like to say – but SHIT happens, too. And lots of it in the past year. So while it may have been a ridiculously long time since I connected with folks here on the website, it was not for lack of caring or wanting to.
I am back again, for now. Until the next shift or shit happens I suppose. But I’m happy to report that even with all of the heartbreak, stress, loss of multiple sources of income, along with neverending grief – I miraculously made it to the 2020 Virtual ShiftCon. And boy, am I so grateful that Jessie from Tiny Yellow Bungalow and I purchased our tickets during the closing party fun at ShiftCon 2019. We both made it virtually, and had another incredible experience in 2020. ShiftCon Virtual Shift may very well have been the BEST thing to come out of this year. Just ask my parrot Merlin who attended at least half of the sessions this year with me. If she learns any new words in 2020 I do hope they are in the vein of sustainability, zero waste, regeneration, environmental justice, soil health, and collaboration.
ShiftCon 2020 was different in the sense that we were not there in person able to hug our friends, shake hands with and eventually hug the new friends we would inevitably make, sample things during the Expo, or sit down to share a meal with everyone during the Keynote sessions. But that does not mean it was any less meaningful, worthwhile, or successful. And honestly, considering all that had to be done to put this together, I was beyond impressed with how engaging it still was even with us all attending virtually. Kudos to everyone who helped make the conference happen. What a remarkable accomplishment to bring all of us together and get so many people not only connected but also getting so many people fired up and ready to go MAKE AN IMPACT!
The motivation to do all we can to support and educate others about regenerative agriculture is sticking with me. I had already felt this way for a while. But after attending the breakouts, keynotes, and watching the documentary “Kiss The Ground” and attending the Virtual Q&A on Day 3 of the conference, I can’t STOP thinking about it, or talking about it with others. I am now officially fired up, too – and that takes a lot after the devastating Winter, Spring, & Summer I just endured. There are so many more things I am still processing and want to share about this year’s event. But for now I am needing to rest while I process, and support my own wellness practice that is crucial to me being able to attend these types of things to begin with.
I am sincerely hoping that this change in energy which I could feel from the moment I logged onto the online platform for this year’s event is just the start of many good things to come and I welcome the shift and inspiration I felt during and now still after the conference (even though like last year I got all sappy and cried a little after it was over).
FEUD with FOOD 