We are shaped by what surrounds us

I have never been much of a social butterfly. I am one of those artists who starts looking for the nearest exit at large gatherings. Small talk feels like trying to hand feed a crocodile. Possible, but not something I enjoy.

Most of my favourite conversations happen around the kitchen table, walking through the paddocks, feeding animals, drawing at my desk which is the kitchen table covered in crap, let’s be honest, or sitting with my family after a long day. That is where life feels real to me.

Who do you spend the most time with?

The internet loves to tell us that success is about networking, being seen, attending events and constantly putting yourself out there. There is probably some truth in that. But there is also truth in knowing what fills your cup and what empties it.

For me, the people I spend the most time with are the people I chose to build a life with.

Now, because I do not trust the internet with photos of my family, you will not see them plastered all over this blog. Instead, I thought I would share a few photos of another part of the family. The farm family.

There is an old saying that you become the sum of the people you spend the most time with. I am not sure if it is five people, ten people, or twenty. The number changes depending on who is selling the self improvement course. What I do know is that we are shaped by what surrounds us. If that is true, then I reckon I am doing pretty well.

I spend my days with my wife who cares deeply about the land, two kids who still see wonder in small things, and a collection of animals who remind me daily that the world is far stranger, fun and more interesting than most people realise. That seems like good company to keep.

In a world that often feels noisy, crowded and increasingly synthetic, I find comfort in a quieter life. Family. Animals. Art. A few acres of dirt. Something growing in the garden. A sketchbook nearby that hopefully hasn’t gotten too dusty. Not a bad way to spend a life.