Our next guest blog comes from Wallace Currie who hails from a beef and sheep farm on the Isle of Arran. He has become a passionate supporter of Farmstrong, advocating for small changes that make a big impact since he started his own journey to better wellbeing, earlier this year. Over to you Wallace...
“I’m currently sat here looking over Brodick Bay, up to Goatfell. It’s almost become a ritual to sit here for at least two minutes everyday, or even go for a run past it, and just look up. To take notice of that beauty feeds my soul - something I’m actively trying to do more of after some big changes this year.
My wellbeing turning point came when I signed up to a Farmstrong fundraiser to abseil off the tallest whisky distillery in the world. With only six weeks to go, I found out I needed to lose 19kg or I wouldn’t be allowed to take part. The abseil itself was a big enough challenge, and this really added the pressure, but I was determined to make it happen.
I had wanted to lose weight and become healthier for years. It turned out that this fundraiser was the catalyst I needed to help me completely change my habits and my mindset. It was daunting initially, but what surprised me the most was actually how much I’ve enjoyed the journey, and the realisation that it was the mindset change that unlocked all the other positive changes.
I used to spend my spare time gaming and make all the wrong food choices. Now, I set myself goals like picking 5kg of brambles a week while I’m out walking, and making sure I walk 40km a week. So far, I’ve lost over 28kg and am healthier and stronger than I’ve ever been. I successfully took part in the abseil and can confidently say that while I got a buzz from the event itself and raising money for Farmstrong, the whole process of taking part ended up being more of a win for me than anyone else.
Changing the small habits first led to natural changes, that for me, have had a huge impact. I no longer have to remind myself to choose the more nutritious food, it’s just second nature.
The change in mindset has also had positive effects in my appreciation of what’s around me, I push myself to connect with nature more, to look at the world around me, and to continue exploring and understanding more of what makes my mind and body happier.
One of the things that makes me very happy is connecting with so many different people in this industry. I’ve recently started a new job, working for The UK Agri-Tech Centre as a Knowledge Exchange Manager and separately have a fantastic opportunity to travel to China soon to lecture Agriculture there for just over a month. There’s lots to do, but I’m focused and organised and that positive mentality is helping me balance everything.
This whole experience has shown me why Farmstrong's message matters so much. I genuinely believe in what it stands for - promoting positive life choices, and focusing on wellbeing, whether that's social, mental, or physical is so valuable, and I will continue to be a big supporter of that positive lifestyle message.
Here’s to embracing the journey, whatever your catalyst turns out to be.
Wallace Currie
To contact Wallace or if you would like to contribute to future blogs, contact comms@farmstrongscotland.org.uk
