9 Life Lessons as a Beginner Beekeeper
Wisdom from the Bees
How beekeeping taught me more than I imagined.
It might be just me, but the past year was somewhat of a spin cycle that I am ready to leave behind. There were high highs, and low lows.
Joys that filled my heart and soul. Moments that I vowed to treasure forever. Peace deeply protected and held within my bones.
Experiences that caused me to question my worth, my truth and my integrity. Roadblocks that left me heartbroken and devastated. Challenges that illuminated old wounds.
So I did what any beginner beekeeper would do…I reflected on the wisdom gleaned from my beginner beekeeping journey. 🐝 😉
With encouragement from my brother in law I started the journey of bee keeping this past spring. I didn’t expect to enjoy a harvest in the first year, but was gifted with a surprising 54 lbs of liquid gold to enjoy and share during the fall harvest.
The practice of caring for them, observing them and learning about their little lives mirrored back to me the wisdom I needed most.
Honey bees returning from a forge up to 10 km away from the hive if necessary.
To help provide a little context, here are some interesting facts about honey bees:
-A honey bee only lives for 35 days.
-She leaves the hive for the last 10 days to forage. So if you notice a busy honey bee in your garden, you have been granted the honour of seeing her during her final days of life.
-One honey bee will produce a scarce 1/8 of a teaspoon of honey in her life. (Yes, it absolutely liquid gold)
-The temperament of the queen dictates the energy of the hive. A grumpy queen = a grumpy hive.
-Ancient Egyptians understood that honey, bee propolis, and royal jelly held healing properties and was deemed a sacred gift from the gods
-While honey bee colonies are well organized and productive matriarchal communities, they can be brutal, harsh, and even violent places.
In the midst of impatience, confusion, frustration, and heartbreak I choose to lean into the wisdom from my bees. When things were tough, messy and difficult their lessons brought clarity. When things were joyous, peaceful and fulfilling their lessons brought appreciation.
One morning in particular on my down to check on the hive a beautiful great blue heron appeared, as if to bring a gentle reminder that all will be well.
Carefully stored and ripened honey in wax comb. All 100% manufactured by honey bees.
Here are 9 lessons I gained from my bee keeping endeavour.
Life is short, but also so incredibly sweet.
Many hands make light work.
Hard work is totally underrated.
Life is always better together.
Never underestimate how small your contribution is.
Your energy is needed now more than ever.
Never undervalue the power of community.
You share the energy of the company you keep.
Trust and work with the natural world as often as possible. There is medicine to be found.
These reflections brought me comfort when the discomfort became too much. May you also benefit from this wisdom in 2026 and beyond!
Wishing you all the best in the year ahead. May you be well!
Amber Pavey is a writer, creator, educator, momma, beekeeper, and a lover of all things WELLness. You can learn more about her work at www.presentpossibilities.ca