Let Go Of The Chickens

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The Power of Letting Go

Picture yourself walking along the shore, the rhythmic crash of waves filling your ears. No matter what you do, no matter how much effort you exert, you cannot stop them from rolling in. They are constant, relentless, indifferent to your wishes. And yet, in their persistence, there is something profound—something deeply connected to you.

For a moment, surrender to that reality. I know we are all sooooo good at trying to turn everything into something more, but now, try to let go of that impulse to control, to resist, to shape the moment into something else. Instead, simply be. Feel the salt air against your skin, the cool water rushing over your feet, the vastness of the ocean stretching endlessly before you. In this moment of release, you might sense something unexpected: a deeper connection to everything around you.

We spend so much of our time trying to control life. We make plans, set goals, and attempt to bend circumstances to our will. While discipline and determination have their place, what if true fulfillment comes not from control but from connection? What if life isn’t something happening around you, but something happening with you? Because that is the simple reality that is so difficult to grasp. Life IS happening with you. Life Is happening to you.

The boundary between you and the world may not be as rigid as it seems. What if the very energy you use to resist could instead be used to embrace? What if the pursuit of power over life could be replaced by an openness to life’s flow?

Consider the waves again. You did not create them, nor can you make them stop. But you can stand in their presence and find inspiration in their timeless rhythm. You can learn from their ceaseless motion, their ability to persist, adapt, and shape the world over time.

Rather than grasping for control, focus on what you can do: improve what is within your reach, accept what is beyond it, and channel your energy into creating something meaningful. The ocean does not fight against its own nature, and neither should you.

Step into your own strength—not by forcing life into submission, but by meeting it as it is, fully and completely. The waves will keep rolling. So will life. Find your balance within it, and let it carry you forward.

And even if you’re going through a storm right now, think back to the ocean once more. Imagining a storm, the waves crashing, the dark sky. Yet under that harshness still lies so much beauty. So much calm. So much magic.

1. Acknowledge What You Can and Can’t Change

Take a step back and ask yourself: Is this something I can actually control? If the answer is no, remind yourself that resistance only drains your energy. Instead, shift your focus to what is within your power—your response, mindset, and actions.

2. Reframe the Situation

Often, we suffer not because of the situation itself, but because of how we interpret it. Try seeing the issue from a different angle. Ask yourself: What can this teach me? How might this be an opportunity rather than a setback? Shifting your perspective can make it easier to let go.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Presence

When you dwell on what bothers you, you give it power. Instead, ground yourself in the present. Breathe deeply, engage in meditation, or simply focus on what you’re doing right now. The more present you are, the less room there is for unnecessary worries.

4. Release Through Action

Sometimes, letting go isn’t just a mental exercise—it requires physical action. Write down your thoughts and then rip up the paper. Take a walk, exercise, or do something creative. Channeling emotions into movement or expression can help you move past them.

5. Trust the Process

Much of life is unpredictable, and no amount of control can change that. Trust that things will unfold as they’re meant to. Remind yourself that you’ve handled challenges before, and you’ll handle this one too. Letting go isn’t about giving up—it’s about freeing yourself to move forward.

Chick Chick Chickens….

So, You Want Backyard Chickens? Let’s Talk Reality

The idea of keeping backyard chickens is undeniably charming. Fresh eggs? Check. A little slice of farm life? Check. Cute, clucking companions? Double check. But before you start Googling “best chicken breeds for beginners” and designing your Pinterest-worthy coop, let’s have a quick reality check.

We’re not here to talk you out of it. We have 11 chickens of our own, and we love them. But we’ve also learned that raising chickens isn’t just about tossing out feed and collecting eggs. It’s a commitment—of time, money, and energy. And like most things that look effortlessly wholesome on Instagram, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes.

The (Not-So-Cheap) Cost of Raising Chickens

If your grand plan is to save money on eggs, I have bad news: backyard chickens are not the budget-friendly hack you think they are. Sure, store-bought eggs are getting pricey, but keeping chickens comes with its own hefty price tag.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A Coop & Run – Chickens don’t just need a place to crash; they need a secure, well-built home. A decent coop can run anywhere from $300 to well over $2,000, and that’s before you factor in fencing, bedding, and insulation.

• Feed & Supplies – Chickens eat a lot. A bag of quality feed costs $20-$30, and a small flock will tear through it faster than you think. Add in feeders, waterers, supplements, and grit, and the grocery bill for your birds starts adding up.

• Predator Protection – Everything from hawks to raccoons (and let’s not forget the neighbor’s dog) would love to make a meal out of your chickens. Reinforcing your setup with hardware cloth—not flimsy chicken wire—is essential. Spoiler: it’s not cheap.

• Healthcare Costs – Chickens get sick. Parasites, respiratory infections, egg-laying issues—you name it. Finding an avian vet is tricky, and treatments aren’t free. Be ready to quarantine, medicate, and make tough calls when necessary.

Chickens Need More Than Just a Coop

Think a coop and some food are all they need? Think again. Chickens are surprisingly high-maintenance, social creatures that need entertainment and space to roam. Otherwise, you’ll have some grumpy birds on your hands—complete with feather-picking, aggression, and general chaos.

To keep your flock happy, plan on:

• Dust Bathing Areas – Because chickens like to roll in dirt (and it helps with mites).

• Perches & Hiding Spots – They love to climb, hop, and explore.

• Room to Roam – Even if they have a run, supervised free-ranging keeps them stimulated.

• A Balanced Diet – Scraps, mealworms, and veggies keep their diet interesting.

The Part No One Talks About: Sick Chickens & Loss

One of the toughest parts of keeping chickens? Dealing with illness and loss. Chickens hide sickness until they’re seriously ill, meaning by the time you notice something’s wrong, it might be too late. You’ll need to learn to recognize symptoms, isolate sick birds, and make tough calls—including euthanasia.

We learned this the hard way when we lost one of our hens last year. It’s never easy, but it’s part of keeping livestock. If you’re squeamish about the not-so-cute side of animal care, this might not be the hobby for you.

Check the Rules Before You Buy

Thinking of grabbing a few chicks this spring? Hold up. Many towns have rules about backyard chickens, and nothing kills the excitement faster than realizing you’re violating local ordinances. Before you commit, check for:

• Limits on the number of chickens allowed

• Required permits

• Distance regulations for coops

• Rooster bans (Hint: most places don’t allow them)

Skipping this step could mean fines—or worse, having to rehome your new flock.

So… Should You Get Chickens?

Backyard chickens can be a fantastic addition to your home. They provide fresh eggs, plenty of entertainment, and a real connection to where your food comes from. But they also require work—more than most people expect.

If you’re ready for early morning feedings, surprise vet bills, and the occasional heartbreak—not just cute photo ops—then welcome to the club. Just make sure you’re in it for the reality, not just the idea.

Got chicken questions? We’ve been there. Let’s talk.

Maybe Instead of Chickens,

you think about growing your own vegetables, now is the perfect time to start! Not only does homegrown produce taste better (seriously, tomatoes from your garden put store-bought ones to shame), but it’s also a great way to save money and eat healthier. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about picking your own dinner straight from the garden.

Easy Tips to Get Started:

🌱 Start Small – Don’t overwhelm yourself. A few raised beds or even containers on a patio are enough for fresh veggies.

☀️ Pick a Sunny Spot – Most vegetables need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily, so choose your space wisely.

🌿 Grow What You Eat – Love salads? Plant lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Prefer fresh herbs? Basil, rosemary, and mint are easy to grow.

💧 Water Smart – Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Early morning watering helps prevent evaporation and keeps plants happy.

🌾 Choose Easy Crops – Beginners should start with foolproof veggies like zucchini, radishes, lettuce, and green beans.

With warmer weather on the way, now’s the time to get your seeds in the ground and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long. Happy gardening! 🌿🥕🍅