Choosing My Hard: A Personal Journey

Life has a way of presenting us with challenges that test our resolve, strength, and determination. For me, Joy Rubey, co-founder of Acme Farms + Kitchen, these challenges are deeply personal. Both of my parents are grappling with chronic diseases, and the complexities of our sick care system have made their care an all-consuming part of my life. As I navigate this daunting terrain, I've come to understand the profound impact of choosing my hard.

Caring for my parents is a daily struggle. Managing their medications, coordinating doctor appointments, and ensuring they receive the best possible care is no small feat. This relentless cycle of caregiving has opened my eyes to the harsh realities of our healthcare system, but it has also given me a new perspective on my own health and well-being.

Amidst the chaos, I've realized that the choices I make about my own health are equally important. It’s easy to succumb to the convenience of prepared meal kits, processed snacks and fast food, especially when you're pressed for time and energy. However, I've learned that these seemingly easy choices come with their own set of challenges—challenges that can have serious long-term consequences for my health. 

Eating well, cooking my own meals, and eliminating toxic junk from my diet might seem difficult, but compared to the daily battles I face with my parents' health, these choices are a different kind of hard—one that I can control and manage.

When I think about how hard it is to keep my parents alive and thriving, it changes my perspective on the effort required to take care of myself.

I’ve come to embrace the concept of “choosing my hard.” It’s hard to plan and prepare nutritious meals, especially when time is scarce and stress levels are high. But it’s also hard to deal with the health repercussions of poor dietary choices. I choose the hard that leads to a healthier, more vibrant life for myself, so I can be there for my husband, my daughter, my parents and for the future I envision with Acme Farms + Kitchen.

In the face of my parents’ struggles, I've found strength and motivation to make better choices. I've learned that the effort I put into eating well is an investment in my own health—a preventive measure to avoid the chronic diseases that plague so many.

Cooking my own food and prioritizing wholesome, nutritious meals have become acts of self-care, empowering me to take control of my well-being.

At Acme Farms + Kitchen, we believe in the power of good food to nourish the body and the lasting effect our choices have on our planet and within our community. Our meal kits are designed to make healthy eating more accessible and convenient, helping others make better choices without sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. By choosing the hard of cooking and eating well, we can create a ripple effect of positive change, inspiring others to prioritize their health too.

So, as I continue to navigate the complexities of caring for my parents and researching every possible way to help them thrive, I remain committed to choosing my hard. It’s a daily decision, but one that brings me closer to a healthier, more fulfilling life. And in doing so, I hope to inspire others to make the choices that lead to their own well-being, one meal at a time.

Stay tuned… Bekah, Chef Andrew and I will be launching a new box this fall that will challenge us all to eliminate sugar, toxins, and common inflammatory foods from our diet completely. This box will be curated to help you stabilize your blood sugar, ramp up your metabolism and reduce inflammation. Add in filtered water, 8k steps a day and some breathing exercises and you’ll be on the road to thriving!