Once upon a time, my existence was an exhausting pursuit of 'perfection'. Every day unfolded like a meticulously curated masterpiece, each smile radiant, each victory monumental. Yet beneath the gleaming exterior, the relentless chase of perfection was a weary journey, much like chasing a horizon that constantly eluded my grasp.

Then, the unexpected unfolded. My 39th birthday saw a dramatic shift from the bustling city hum to the profound tranquillity of organic farming. Skyscrapers were swapped for the rustic calm of nature, introducing me to the blissful disorder of natural life.

This life was far from picture-perfect. It was gritty, raw, wonderfully flawed. Yet, it felt more genuine than any 'perfect' moment I'd ever sculpted. This was the beginning of my journey into 'Unfiltered Living'.

Now, I invite you to join me in embracing authenticity through the 'Bare Soil Principles'.

1. Embrace Your Inner Weeds

   Much like weeds on my farm, our perceived flaws often reflect untapped potential. My impatient streak, a hindrance in the boardroom, morphed into a valuable asset during inevitable crop failures. Could your 'laziness' simply signal a much-needed break? Is your 'stubbornness' in fact resilience in disguise?

2. Honour Your Scars

   Every mishap on the farm, every imperfect piece of fruit, represents survival. My first tractor accident served as a poignant reminder of my fallibility and the learning journey I had embraced. Could your missteps, heartbreaks, and missed chances be badges of resilience and growth?

3. Dance to Life's Rhythm

   Just as growth on the farm is a dance towards the sun, not a straight line, so too can our personal and professional lives evolve in unexpected ways. My journey from corporate life to farming has enriched me beyond measure. Could there be a twist in your life that you've resisted embracing?

4. Celebrate Authenticity

   A tomato never aspires to be an apple. Similarly, 'daydreaming', often seen as a flaw, emerged as a powerful tool for innovation on the farm. What part of your true self have you suppressed?

5. Cultivate Patience

   Just as a seed doesn't sprout overnight, personal growth often requires patience. Maybe your career progression isn't as swift as you'd like, or perhaps you're mastering new skills slower than you'd hoped. Where in your life can you practice patience?

6. Savour the Journey

   Farming extends beyond the harvest; it's about the day-to-day rituals - tilling, sowing, nurturing. It taught me to value the journey as much as the destination. How can you start savouring your everyday journey?

As we venture into the Bare Soil Principles, reflect on how you can courageously embrace your imperfections and celebrate authenticity.

Embark on this quest with me. Remember, it's okay to be flawed. It's okay to be real. It's okay to be you. Welcome to this invigorating journey into authenticity, where we learn, one lesson at a time, to live unfiltered.