New Year Resolutions for Herbalists

Follow me this month while I try to clear out my own chaos and get a few tips on how to get your herb cabinet and/or business back in order! January is a perfect time for reflection and planning, but also, we have time for getting things done since the rush of garden season is still a few months away, the snow keeps us at home a bit more....as does the promise of a warm house and hot cup of tea. Each day, I am going to tackle something that needs constant care or attention, but that is often left to become dysfunctional as the year goes on. Will this be the year, I actually keep on top of things? Who knows...but if not, I will repost next year!

REFLECTION

January 2~

Whether you are an herbalist at heart and only treat your family or friends that ask, or you are also professional and treat clients and teach classes...the quality of your service depends upon your constant assessment of your abilities and the efficacy of your results. It is tough to be unbiased about ourselves, but essential.

My year has been really overwhelmed by family obligations--both good and bad, so I chose to not teach, only do a few lectures,  see no clients nor take on any apprentices. I knew my time and attention would be stretched to MY limit. I have missed it all, but made the right decision. Now that things are on an even keel, this coming year will be full of changes, improvements and additions to my business---and my family will be much better served when in need of a good remedy.

First, though, I want to reflect on what I need to do to offer the quality of service that clients or students deserve. I have a lot of great ideas, but know I have limited time and energy to carry them all out. So, I am learning to pace myself, be realistic and realize not all these new projects have to get done at once or even this year. I don't need to do it all. What is important, is that when someone asks me for help with an illness or gardening tips or if I can be their mentor, I can do so with full attention, energy and good spirit. Many herbalists over reach because they can't say "No"--which is so common among anyone in the various helping professions. Some are not prepared fully before undertaking a business or becoming a teacher....rather, they let their enthusiasm win out over humility, safety and or maturity. Not all herbal students end up making good teachers or practitioners.

So, take a look at the past year. What were the results of your labors? How did others respond and benefit from your suggestions or herbal products? Were you able to strike a good balance between family needs and customer/client demands? If you teach, do you feel your students understood both the spirit and responsibility of herbalism? Are you pleased with the quality of your work?

If you feel positive about your herbal endeavors, then carry on...continue learning and providing information about the plant world. If you hesitate or feel as though your instincts have been off or your energy low...or that you do not enjoy herbal work as much as you used to, reflect on why and what can be done.