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 BSE anxiety in the neutral zone
Change consists of endings, the neutral zone, and then new beginnings. The ending happened on May 20, 2003, when things really changed. Since May, many farm families, cattle producers and other livestock producers have felt stuck, frustrated and grief-stricken. So many things are out of one’s control. The not-knowing of where the new beginning is going to be. What will happen? We’re in transition. “It’s not so much that we’re afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it’s that place in between that we fear — it’s like being between trapezes. It’s Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There’s nothing to hold on to.” — Marilyn Ferguson, futurist. William Bridges calls the middle phase of the transition process the neutral zone. This is a very frustrating and anxious place to be. I see it when I coach farm families that are trying to decide if they should pass on the farm to the next generation, or find a new vision and sell out. It’s the place where anxiety rises and motivation fails. Things are very unclear and foggy in the neutral zone, so some people pine for the old days and some really want to move forward and get on with their lives. “Normal is only a setting on your dryer.” When people understand that it takes time to move from the ending stage, through the neutral zone, on to new beginnings, they can start to get a grip. “People need to recognize that it’s natural to feel somewhat frightened and confused in this no-man’s land,” says Bridges, author of Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change. What word picture can redefine your fear to help you make the most of the BSE situation? Are you going to grab the bull by the horns and control what you can control? Can you keep positive by looking at a bigger picture for your situation? Who have you asked to help support you with their gift of listening and relationship? It’s especially important to try to rebuild a sense of identification with other producers and a connection with one another. What new roles or systems do you need to create to get through this time in the wilderness? What short-term goals can you aim for to give you some sense of achievement and movement? Are there long-overdue creative projects that you can feel good about doing? Use the neutral zone creatively. I’m sure the media would love to promote a good news story about coping with the BSE crunch. What discoveries or innovations have you heard people use to make it through? Our ag rep Scott Day has mentioned that this tough time is forcing people to look at new markets and new ways of doing things. There are opportunities to brainstorm new answers to old problems. Maybe we’ll come out of this waiting time better able to manage the next transition. Farmers have always fostered a deep spirit of invention and entrepreneurship. They are not keen on harboring fear for a 10-month stretch. Talk about your fears. Stay connected with your family. Do understand that the anxiety you’re feeling is normal for being in the neutral zone of change. Call your Rural and Farm Stress Line to vent your frustration. In Manitoba the number is 1-866-367-3276. Saskatchewan readers can call 1-800-667-4442 and in Alberta call 1-877-303-2642. Find a positive word picture that gives you energy to keep focused on the daily chores and goals you know you can meet. “We’re being tested yet refined by fire; we’ll be stronger once the new form is set.” Consumers who have shown support to producers by voting with their beef-buying dollars have been encouraging. Cattlemen are being creative and innovative in how they keep their stock in good shape while we all wait. Farm families are specialists in managing transition, but this BSE challenge grows harder as the bills to be paid mount up. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger is the title of Dr. Nikki Gerrard’s research on the resiliency of farm families. Find strength by connecting to your families and community. While we’re all hoping and praying for closure of the neutral zone and the opening of the border, let’s listen to the unspoken fears of those around us. Talk about your anxiety. “I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might, I yell at the top of my lungs. He listens.” (Psalm 77:1, The Message) “Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV) May our prayers be answered soon. Elaine Froese is a Farm Family Coach from Boissevain, Man. Elaine Froese is a Certified Farm Family Coach™ who farms near Boissevain MB. She helps family get unstuck and talk about tough issues for a better future. She is a member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors www.cafanet.com. Call toll-free 1-866-848-8311 or email elaine@elainefroese.com Note: You are welcome to reprint or repost any articles on this website with the understanding that
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I overheard a cattle farmer confiding that “it’s hard to get used to living with deep fear.” His anxiety was echoed by a Saskatchewan rancher who said it was tough feeding worthless cows during the January cold snap, not knowing how much longer the wait for open borders would be.