Most days I can sit down and just crank out an article for you. But this time, I’m not going to lie, I have hit a block so hard I think it left a mark.
Things are crazy right now. My head hurts, my body aches, and I can hardly sleep to save my life because my brain just will not shut off. I am constantly thinking about what I have to do tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, and so forth . . . it truly is exhausting.
I find it amusing, as a husband, father and dairyman, my brain is segmented in many different quadrants to complete very different tasks throughout the day. I put one proverbial hat on in the morning and take it off as I walk out the door. I then exchange it for another as I get the first phone call before I get to my truck. But wait, my wife is calling me, too. Change hats and answer. It’s really a circus up there in my head but somehow, by the grace of God, I am able to keep those chipped plates spinning.
I know my story is not any different than yours. Some days tasks seem hard, while other days go by like a breeze. It’s life, and life does not show any favors. But what I have learned is, what defines a great person is not the events that happen to them, but how they handle the event.
There are going to be days that you have had enough and just can’t take it anymore. Do not let it destroy you. As things get harder, remember you are not going through it alone. There are people around you that care more for you than you could imagine. Do not let your struggle define who you are or who you are going to be.
If you need help, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
This year, like past years, will be volatile. This year, like past years, will have hardships. This year, like past years, you will get through it.
Tyler Ribeiro is a fourth-generation dairy farmer born and raised in California. He is currently partners with his father at Rib-Arrow Dairy in Tulare where they proudly ship their milk to Land O’Lakes. Tyler is actively involved in the dairy industry, holding leadership roles in various organizations locally and across the United States.