Tara Smith, 50, credits RDI's Ecology of Leadership (EOL) program with helping catalyze a major life change: "jumping into organic farming." She is the proud co-owner of Tara Firma Farms, a thriving all-natural farm and education center in Petaluma, Calif.

"Trusting that I am worthy."

Tara learned about the Ecology of Leadership through the Internet. After participating in a free introductory session, she was inspired to sign up for the full course--EOL 2 in spring 2008--which met one weekend a month for 5 months. Tara came into the program with a clear vision of what she wanted: a life immersed in organic farming, education and community. Her major edge was learning to trust herself and her vision.

Believing in herself was a challenge, she says. "Trusting that I am worthy regardless of my perceived 'facts' to the contrary." She was surprised to learn "how much we all listen to the voices in our heads--much to our detriment."

A major aspect of the EOL journey is designing and taking action on a project that helps bring forth one of your ideal visions. Tara's project was to work out the "how" of her organic farming dream--namely, the business plans.

"While I didn't finish all of them, I was able to move structurally through most of it and deal with the pressure and stress much better," she says, "learning to understand what drives me and how I can enjoy that process much more."

"Fear I can deal with. Regret I can't."

Almost three years later, Tara Firma Farms is a bustling reality, a place offering CSA shares, fresh produce, eggs, pasture-raised meats, farm tours, holiday events, farm-to-table dinners, and a daily "sunset experience" by the pond.

"The thing I learned through EOL that has stuck with me the most is that I live without fear," Tara says. "Fear I can deal with. Regret I can’t.
 
"EOL is worthwhile if you are really interested in moving forward in your life. And even if you're not, at least a glimpse or a beginning of telling yourself the truth is worth the time and money."

Ecology of Leadership:
http://regenerativedesign.org/courses-events/ecology-of-leadership

Tara Firma Farms:
http://www.tarafirmafarms.com/