Briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.
I’m Leigh Ann Huguley and I’ve been with UA in Construction Contracts & Compliance since 2010. I don’t enjoy working out and I don’t have the self-discipline for routine exercise. I need an activity to get moving but I also want to be productive with the little amount of time I have available.
Can you describe the starting point in your journey and the factors that led to this decision?
I’ve always loved the idea of growing vegetables in the backyard, and in 2019 I decided to try Square Foot Gardening because it seemed manageable. I bought the book Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew and over a couple of weekends, my husband and I built a 4’ x 4’ garden right outside our kitchen window. Getting the garden built and planted was a lot of effort and I felt great getting that initial exercise and sunshine.
What wellness practices or habits were you able to incorporate into your routine as a result of starting this venture?
This tiny garden has become a source of happiness for me. Each day I look forward to going home and working in it. Planting, weeding, and tending to it is a lot of stretching, bending, and getting up and down from the ground. It’s also a mindful activity as I’m fully present and at peace.
How has your wellness journey influenced your daily life, including work, relationships and overall, well-being?
The garden is a stress reliever. With my feet on the grass and hands in the dirt my mind clears, and I feel grounded. It makes me happy planning what I’ll grow the next season. If I have extra vegetables or flowers, I like to share them with others and that helps to build connections.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out on their wellness journey?
Find an activity that feeds your inner self so that doing it doesn’t feel like something you have to do but rather something you want to do.
How do you plan to sustain your well-being and continue to grow in the future?
I dream of expanding my garden and building a greenhouse so I can grow more things. When it’s time to retire, I look forward to spending more time working in the garden. Square Foot Gardening is an activity that can be adjusted to meet my future physical limitations, and it fills me with joy as I plan for the next growing season.
Read more inspiring wellness stories, tips for maintaining a healthy routine, and meet all the UA Spotlight on Wellness employees from this year.