Meet Mike Holdeman Life Adviser and Sheep Shearer

A huge thank you to Mike, who that let me interrupt his and Tami’s morning while shearing sheep to climb about and get a few shots of Mike who is well over his 10,000. While working, Mike carried on a conversation with Tami and I and kept us laughing. He would take a few seconds here and there to explain different parts of equipment and what he was doing and why. Explained the skirting process and how he or any shearer can add or subtract value to the wool by doing a good or poor job of skirting. Skirting is the process of removing lower grade wool and dirty wool from the rest of the fleece.

Mike also took the time to pull out different fleeces and show the varying quality of wool that could be found inside of the flock. Explained what higher and lower quality of wool can be used for clothing products to insulation. Overall, it was impressive to watch Mike shear- A fun fact about Mike is that he is ambidextrous while he shears and shears with either hand depending on the side of the sheep he is working on- but more than that it was educational. It was an opportunity that I wish many more other people had the opportunity to do. 

The conversation of sheering sheep this last week left me thinking. How often do we need to be told that we aren’t going to be good at something until we have done it 10,000 times? In a world that makes everything seem as if it comes instantly and where instant gratification is so easily attained daily, we are often in a hurry to become experts in our fields as we chase our dreams. We often see the final product and overlook the hard work, practice and dedication it takes to get there.

Now it wasn’t the first time I had heard something like this, but it came at a time that I needed to be reminded me of all the work that I have left to do and that my goals and dreams aren’t going to happen overnight. My parents often told me as a child, that practice and persistence would carry me farther than luck and talent would. However, now, as an adult, I need that reminder still as I try to chase my dreams.

Mike’s words sat with me all week, and I carried them around with me. It made me think about how thankful I was that my parents did their best to pass the lesson of persistence and dedication early on in my life. It also made me realize how grateful I was that I am surrounded by great people that will remind me of the lessons when I needed to be reminded of the most and those that cheer me on, help me, and advise me on my journey. For all of my friends that are somewhere between there 1 and 10,000 like I am, I hope this serves as a reminder to you that your big dream coming to fruition may not happen as fast as you would like it will come with time.