Sometimes looking back is exactly what you need to find the strength to move forward.
To say we’ve poured countless hours into this garden plot would be an understatement. It’s more than a piece of land to us—it’s a place filled with blood, sweat, and tears. And if I’m being honest, it’s the very ground that tested us, broke us down, and somehow made us stronger.
Ryan and I work from home, so we’re together nearly 100% of the time. This wasn’t always the case. It started when we moved back to Iowa, a decision that changed everything. Working side by side has its challenges, and if you’ve ever been in this position, you know what I mean. These moments can either break you or make you stronger. For us, this farm—this plot—has made us bulletproof.
The truth is, this garden didn’t start with both of us on the same page. It was Ryan’s vision, his project, his baby. That first year? I was there, but not really there. I helped when asked, but I wasn’t fully bought in. I doubted. I questioned. I didn’t see what he saw. And the garden? Well, let’s just say it reflected that disconnect. The weeds won that year. They outgrew every crop, swallowing up any chance of success. We found two cheap greenhouses, threw them up halfheartedly, and did almost nothing with them.
We weren’t working together—we were working against each other.
Then, one day, something shifted. I don’t know why or how, but it did. I saw Ryan out there, pouring everything he had into that garden. I stood there watching him, and for the first time, I truly saw him. I saw the passion, the drive, the need he had to make this work. And in that moment, I realized this wasn’t a phase. This was who he was.
That moment changed everything. Not just for the garden, but for us.
I started showing up—not just physically but mentally, emotionally. I got out of my own way, let go of my ego, and trusted Ryan to lead. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
The next year, we tackled that plot together, both fully invested. And let me tell you, it wasn’t perfect. We still had disagreements, moments where we didn’t see eye to eye. But we always found common ground. Together, we turned an inefficient, unstable, unstructured patch of weeds into a thriving, functional, and beautiful garden.
This garden became more than just a plot of land. It became proof. Proof that when you work together, trust each other, and believe in something bigger than yourself, you can turn chaos into something extraordinary.
We went from fragile to bulletproof—and the garden stands as a testament to that transformation.
Moral of the story: It’s not always about you. Sometimes, the real power comes in leaning into the meaning of us. I’m just grateful I realized it sooner rather than later.
-❤️✌🏼Jamie
www.madacrefarms.com
Moral Of The Story 