You know you have met someone who is special when you are in awe with what they are doing. This was how I felt when I connected with Abby over Instagram and even more so, when she provided her responses and when I read more about her through her website.
First impression of Abby was that she is so fresh and optimistic, truly like a ray of sunshine. Then when I connected with her before even asking her to be on my website, she replied that her motivation for a farming business is to do her part for food insecurity in the community. This already blew me away because how many adults would give that response as their business motivation, not to mention Abby is just ten years old!
Inspirational Abby The Photosynthesizing Farmer
Later when I receive Abby’s responses on her day, and read more about her, I was even more inspired because:
- Young entrepreneur – started her first venture at six years old
- Doing what she loves – this is exactly what this website is about! That we can create our better life when we follow the fun and feel the joy. From Abby’s story, she has always focused on what she loves, whether it is craft, soap making or farming
- Giving to her community – Her desire to do her part for her community has started even in 2016. Abby was awarded WSAZ-TV’s Hometown Hero Award for raising money selling personalized stuffed elves and she was the youngest ever to receive that award then!
- Not being afraid to experiment and dream – You know how sometimes you try something and you want to believe that would be THE thing? I love how Abby freely explores her different interests and just views all that as part of her entrepreneur journey. Her dream occupation is to be an aerospace engineer at NASA!
- Facing life optimistically – I would never guess that Abby has a chronic pain condition known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome; my kiddo also has a chronic condition and I know how hard it is to always be tackling an issue that doesn’t go away – yet Abby does it with so much calm and joy 💪
Abby’s Thoughts on Planning the Day
Let’s dive right into the Q&A:
How do you start the day?
Abby: Once I am fully awake, I go outside to check on my chickens and collect the eggs. Then I come back in and do my physical therapy, and usually some art too!
How do you plan your day to incorporate self-care or downtime?
Abby: I was recently diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). I have to be sure that I am being intentional with incorporating self care and downtime. I am learning to listen to my body even more than I used to. I have to take extra breaks and that’s okay.
I learn to listen to my body… I have to take extra breaks and that’s okay
Abby, on how she deals with her chronic pain
What is the one mindset or thing that you do so that you can go to bed satisfied?
Abby: I think mindset is one of the most important things that helps me go to bed satisfied, especially on my hard days with CRPS flares. It helps me to think about all of the things that I did accomplish in the day instead of focusing on what I was not able to do. I also use my zenimal when I go to bed. It helps me relax and meditate.
The Abby’s Inspired Planner
So here’s the FREE planner printable pdf download that I created, inspired by Abby. The focus is on reflections and taking multiple breaks within the day, useful for those of us who are managing chronic condition! Download the planner in the shop for $0!