Getting Away From It All

Liz Shankland continues her new smallholding venture in west Wales, but still finds opportunities to relax, from time to time.

- Liz Shankland

When I run courses for aspiring smallholders, I always warn them not to take on too much, too soon. I’m a firm believer that, if your responsibilities become so great that you’re not enjoying what you’re doing any more, it’s time to have a serious re-think.

Having said all that, I don’t always practise what I preach. I find it difficult saying ‘no’, and I have a real problem with asking for help from people I don’t know very well. Consequently, I frequently overload myself with stuff and end up getting stressed out, worn out, and completely burned out.

I should know better by now. I had thought that, when the college summer holidays arrived and I didn’t have to devote one entire day to sitting in a classroom being taught how to be a teacher, and another to getting some practical lecturing experience under my belt, things would get a lot easier for a while. But Parkinson’s Law – ‘Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion’, is, sadly, very true. In reality, we just find other tasks or distractions to fill the spare time, without really realising it.

I had promised myself that, once term ended, I would get out more, explore new places, go to local events, and even visit the coast – which is only about 20 minutes away. And what did I do? None of the above! I have pottered about, tidying up rubbish, lighting bonfires, making trips to the council tip, and selling unwanted items on eBay and Facebook.

I did get to a show….