Friend or Foe

I joined a community garden this year.

It has been a wonderful experience. I am learning so much about the flora and fauna of this region. What surprised me the most was gallus gallus domesticus species.

The community garden had a great season, producing plentiful crops for members to share. Unfortunately, the grasshoppers wreaked havoc on the plants as we broached fall. A plan to save the garden was quickly formulated.

A garden member who was also the owner of 5 chickens volunteered her ladies. Apparently, the gallus gallus domesticus (the modern-day chicken) has a reputation for reducing the grasshopper population.

She brought the chickens over to the garden when our group was present for a project. The chickens followed their owner into the garden, nonchalantly waddling along as we locked the gates.

Then it happened.

A grasshopper jumped across the beak of one of the birds. With matrix-like reflexes, the chicken snatched the unsuspecting grasshopper from midair in one fell swoop!

It then clicked for the whole flock: “We are here to eat!” The chickens formed a wall and strategically started walking in the same direction, flushing out the grasshoppers. The owner shouted, “It’s just protein today ladies”. The birds had received their marching orders. The grasshoppers were retreating to the north in a tidal wave of green and brown.

Depending on your perspective, these chickens were the best thing to happen to the garden or the poor grasshopper’s worst nightmare. Regardless, once these birds knew their “why”, their goal became achievable.

What’s your “why”? When setting goals, this is an important concept to identify. Once you get clear on your objective, your strategy for the goal will fall into place more easily.

Here are some questions to help you get clear of the “why” when goal setting:

• What is it that I want to be different?
• How will this change impact my life?
• What are my values around this subject?
• What else do I need to consider?
• How will I commit to this change if I proceed with this goal?

Start with this and then DM me if you want more help on creating and executing your goals.

~Wing Woman