by Bailey Morrell, NJHA Director

I was driving up the California Coast to visit my grandparents toward the end of summer break. My mom and I were discussing what I should talk about in this very blog post. She told me, “Don’t overthink it. Just be you.” Simple words that I have been told many times throughout my life, but still struggle with, as many of us do. So let me break it down for you, in hopes that we can stop overthinking and simply be ourselves, together.

Now, the concept of being yourself may not relate directly to cattle, but I recently went through an experience in our industry where I was reminded of this very saying quite often. When running for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Board of Directors I truly struggled with overthinking every small move, whether it was my delegate gifts, outfits or what I was going to say in my speeches. For me, it was hard to overcome my own personal struggles of coming from a smaller state and feeling as though I didn’t have the family name or reputation. However, once again, my mom’s voice would ground me throughout this process by saying these simple words, “Don’t overthink it, just be you.” I soon realized the material goods I presented weren’t what the delegates wanted from me. They wanted to get to know the real me throughout the process, and that is what I chose to give, and you know what, it worked.

Now, I know I am not the only individual in our breed, let alone outside of it, that feels this way. You may be struggling with a speech, a contest, maybe you have just entered your first year of high school or college. You want to be like everyone else but, you aren’t, and honestly that is even better. You are you and that is amazing. When doing something, anything really, the best person to be is you. Also, find friends who appreciate the real you; you should never have to overthink friendships or change yourself for others.

Now, I could have talked about the cattle markets, the weather, or honestly anything I wanted. However, I chose to give a message to anyone who reads this post and has felt the way I feel. I have needed this reminder many times throughout my life, and now I am sharing it with you. Hereford juniors, please don’t overthink it, just be you.