In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I dive into what Christmas looks like on our farm and how it has evolved over the years. While Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, it comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially when you're juggling farm life and family expectations. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself to create the perfect holiday for my boys, but over time, I’ve learned to let go of that impossible standard and focus more on the meaningful moments.

Christmas on a farm is far from the idyllic snowy scenes you see in movies—it's hot, cows still need milking, and the work doesn’t stop just because it’s a holiday. In this episode, I reflect on the changes I’ve made to celebrate the season without letting the pressure take away the joy. From gift-giving strategies to finding time to enjoy the day amidst the farm chores, I share my personal journey of simplifying Christmas and making it work for our family in a way that feels right.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• The Reality of Christmas on the Farm
• Letting Go of the ‘Perfect’ Christmas
• The Gift-Giving Strategy
• Making Time for Family Amidst the Farm Chaos
• The Pressure to Create Magic for the Kids
• 
  

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram@groundedfarmwife

Check out my websitewww.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/21

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I sit down with Jessica Fishburn, a pelvic health and pain physiotherapist, and a fellow rural woman.

Jessica is an experienced Pelvic Health & Pain Physiotherapist with a fierce passion in population education. Leading with compassion and humility, Jessica is committed to changing the experience of health and wellbeing for rural women. Together with her business partners, Jessica is a Director of Gen Health Hamilton and Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton, a combined allied health clinic and a specialist podiatry shoe store respectively.

Professionally, Jessica strives to achieve the best outcomes for each individual despite rural isolation, using the latest evidence, technology and networks. As an advocate for women's health literacy, Jessica thoroughly enjoys her presenting roles at events, forums, conferences and universities.

Personally, Jessica is committed to lifelong learning and development. She strives to challenge the status quo, to be challenged to be the best leader she can be. Jessica endeavour's to think global and act local. Outside of her working roles, Jess is a mum, a wife, a volunteer, a board chair, a hiker, a veggie gardener, an ocean swimmer and the occasional salsa dancer

Today we talk about a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important for our well-being: the nervous system and how it impacts our emotions and health. Jessica shares her expertise in a way that’s not only practical but incredibly relatable for us farm wives and mums navigating the busy, often chaotic, rhythms of rural life.

We dive deep into how our nervous system plays a key role in how we manage stress and emotional health, especially when life on the farm feels like it’s constantly pulling us in a million different directions. Jessica shares easy, actionable ways to help balance our nervous system and reduce stress through simple daily practices, which can make a huge difference in how we feel and respond to life’s challenges.

We also dive into pelvic health and talk about some staggering figures around the number of women who suffer from pelvic health issues each year. It’s a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about and often hard to find the right help. Jessica offers some great tips around finding the right health professional and tips for communicating what you’re experiencing.

Key Points Covered in this Episode

• How the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems affect our stress levels
• Simple ways to balance your nervous system and shift out of "fight or flight"
• The impact of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins on mood and energy
• Finding flow and how it can boost resilience and happiness
• Easy practices like breathwork, structuring your day, and mindfulness to help reduce stress
• The importance of pelvic health and why it’s important to seek help when needed

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

CONNECT WITH Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

CONNECT WITH Jessica:

• Follow her at @jessica.fishberg or @genhealthhamilton
• Check out her website

Find the complete show notes here:

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I continue exploring the experience of change and focus on what happens after you’ve taken that brave first step but haven’t yet arrived at where you want to be. This stage—the in-between, often called the liminal space—can be incredibly challenging. It’s that place where you’ve left behind the familiar, but the future isn’t fully clear yet. As rural women, farmwives, and mothers, we often find ourselves here, navigating new roles and letting go of old routines that have been ingrained in us for years. This space can feel disorienting and uncomfortable, but it’s also a time for growth and transformation.

Drawing from my own personal experiences and using agricultural metaphors that feel so familiar to life on the farm, I share how this liminal space can lead to powerful growth, even though it may feel uncertain. It’s a lot like planting a crop—you’ve done the work, you’ve planted the seeds, and now you need to nurture them and trust that growth will happen, even if you can’t see the results yet. In this episode, I’m offering practical advice on how to stay patient and trust the process, even when it’s tempting to slip back into old habits.

• Understanding the Liminal Space This in-between phase is a transitional period where you’re no longer in the old, but you’re not quite in the new either. I talk about how I’ve experienced this in my own life and how it often feels unsettling and uncomfortable. Recognizing that this is a natural part of any change can help us embrace it, rather than resist it. It’s like standing on a bridge between two places—you’re on your way, but you’re not quite there yet.

• The Importance of Gradual, Incremental Changes Change doesn’t happen overnight, and trying to force it can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to make slow, incremental changes in my own life to help ease the discomfort of the liminal space. It’s about taking one step at a time, without trying to do too much at once. These small, manageable shifts can create lasting change without feeling like you’ve taken on too much.

• Trusting the Process, Much Like Tending to a Crop On the farm, we know that you don’t see the results of your work right away. After planting, it takes time for crops to grow, and you need to trust that all the nurturing and care will pay off. I apply that same mindset to navigating this liminal space. Even when you can’t see the progress, trust that growth is happening beneath the surface. It’s all part of the process, and having faith in that can help you keep moving forward.

• Resisting the Urge to Revert Back to Familiar Routines When things get uncomfortable, it’s natural to want to go back to what’s familiar, even if that old routine or role wasn’t serving you. I’ve been there myself, and in this episode, I discuss how to resist the urge to revert back to old habits. Instead, I encourage you to stay the course and trust that this discomfort is part of the growth process. It’s hard, but staying committed to the change you’ve started is so important.

• Embracing the Liminal Space as a Time for Reflection and Growth Though the liminal space is filled with uncertainty, it’s also a time for deep reflection and personal growth. I talk about how this period, though difficult, can be one of the most transformative if you allow yourself to sit in the discomfort and reflect on where you’re going. Much like how we tend to our crops, we need to tend to our inner growth and trust that, in time, the fruits of our labor will emerge.

If you’ve been craving change but feel stuck, or if you’ve started making changes but are now feeling unsure or uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Change can be scary, exciting, and overwhelming all at once, especially in rural life, where tradition runs deep. It’s easy to feel conflicted—wanting something different but fearing what might come next. In this episode, I share my own experience of navigating change on the farm and how stepping out of the familiar doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. In fact, that discomfort you feel? It’s a sign you’re growing.

We explore why change feels so uncomfortable, particularly for those of us who are tied to family traditions and rural lifestyles. Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, and that’s hard, especially when we’re surrounded by generations of people who’ve done things the same way for years. I talk about the fear of doing things "wrong," how the weight of tradition can hold us back, and the unique pressures that farm wives face when they challenge what’s expected of them. Yet, challenging tradition doesn’t mean you’re disrespecting it—it’s about finding a balance between honoring the past and making room for the future.

Finally, I discuss how to navigate the hard work that change requires, from overcoming fear and self-doubt to handling the tensions that arise when you try to do things differently. I offer practical advice on embracing change without losing yourself in the process. Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how to keep moving forward, even when you feel like you’re standing still. We’ll also explore identity shifts and how letting go of who you think you “should” be can help you discover who you truly are.

Key Points Covered:

• Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable: Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, which is why it feels so difficult. It’s easier to stick with what’s familiar, even if it no longer serves us. The uncertainty that comes with change makes us question if we’re making the right decisions, but it’s part of the growth process.

• The Fear of Doing Things "Wrong": There’s a fear of making mistakes or doing things the "wrong" way, especially when stepping away from the traditions we’ve been taught. This fear can hold us back from fully embracing change and moving forward, but it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of learning.

• The Weight of Tradition in Rural Life: In rural communities, traditions run deep, and stepping out of these long-standing practices can feel like you’re going against generations of family values. This is especially true for farm wives who are often expected to fill certain roles. Challenging those roles can feel overwhelming but necessary for personal growth.

• Generational Tensions When Bringing in Change: One of the hardest parts about change in rural life is the tension that arises between generations. The younger generation often wants to introduce new ideas, but it can feel like a battle when the older generation holds on to the "way things have always been done." This can create emotional strain, especially in tight-knit family farming operations.

• Challenging Tradition Doesn’t Mean Disrespecting It: Bringing in new ideas or changing the way things are done doesn’t mean you’re rejecting or disrespecting the past. There’s a way to honor the work and values of previous generations while still embracing change. It’s about balance—recognizing what’s valuable from the past and finding ways to evolve.

• Change Takes Hard...

Lately, I’ve been asking myself, "Can I keep carrying it all?" Between the end of calving season, dealing with silage, board meetings, and keeping up with the kids’ appointments and school schedules, it feels like everything is piling up. Add in the winter illnesses we’ve all been battling, and I started questioning if I’m really managing it all or just barely holding it together.

In this episode, I talk about the strategies that help me cope with the mental load we carry, especially as rural women. We’ll dive into setting boundaries, reassessing commitments, and working together with our partners to lighten the load. It’s not about trying to do it all, but focusing on what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll figure out how to find strength in what’s important and let go of the rest.

But it’s also made me think about what really matters. We all juggle so much—our roles as wives, mothers, and farmers—but there’s a point where we need to step back and figure out where to draw the line. How can we find the strength to manage it all without losing ourselves?

For me, it’s not about doing everything perfectly or fitting it all in—it’s about setting boundaries, letting go of what doesn’t align with my values, and working with Stephen as a team. Like so many of you, I’ve had moments where I feel guilty asking for help, especially when Stephen already has a lot on his plate. But I’ve realized we can’t carry it all alone, and sometimes, finding strength means doing less and focusing on what really matters. If you’ve ever felt like the weight of farm life, family, and everything else is too much, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Key Points from This Episode

• Setting Boundaries: It’s crucial to define what aligns with your values and say "no" to things that stretch you too thin. Boundaries protect your time and energy, especially when you're juggling so many responsibilities.

• Delegating to Your Partner: Don’t be afraid to ask your husband for help, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Stephen and I are a team, and it’s important to work together. When you communicate openly, it reduces stress for both of you.

• Reevaluating Priorities: Over time, our values shift. Letting go of things that no longer fit your life (like I did with my GippsDairy board work) can be hard, but it’s necessary to free up mental space.

• Focusing on What Matters Most: It’s easy to get caught up in the busy seasons of farming and motherhood, but true strength comes from focusing on the tasks that truly matter and letting go of trying to do it all.

• The Mental Load: The mental weight we carry as rural women is real, but we don’t have to carry it all by ourselves. It’s okay to ask for help and to prioritize what’s important over what feels urgent.

Resources & Links:

• Values Bundle

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Related Episodes

• Episode 003. My Struggle with Burnout as a Rural Farm...

In today’s episode, I’m excited to sit down with Zoe, a holistic wellness expert, naturopath, and emotional release technique (ERT) practitioner. Zoe is passionate about holistic wellness and personal growth and is a dedicated holistic health guide. With a background in Naturopathy and Emotion Release Technique, she is committed to empowering women and mothers to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. Through one-on-one sessions, group programs and compassionate support, Zoe guides her clients through emotional clearing and nervous system regulation, whilst teaching them about the fundamental pillars of health and helping them cultivate vibrant well-being in every aspect of their lives.

Zoe’s passion is empowering women and mothers to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. We dive deep into how interconnected our physical health and emotions are, and Zoe explains the seven fundamental pillars of health that she focuses on with her clients. She highlights how diet, sleep, hydration, movement, and even nervous system regulation play a role in achieving vibrant well-being, sharing practical tips for rural women looking to improve their health sustainably.

• Health is interconnected; it's not just about diet or exercise, but how all aspects of your life come together.
• Nervous system regulation is crucial for emotional health and can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
• Start small and build up your wellness practices—perfection isn’t necessary to see positive changes.
• Emotional health plays a huge role in physical well-being, and addressing emotional blockages can lead to significant improvements.
• Simple, everyday changes, such as how you breathe or the time you spend in nature, can have a profound effect on your overall health.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

CONNECT WITH JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

CONNECT WITH ZOE:

• Follow on Instagram

• Check out her website

Find the complete show notes here:https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/zoe-boyce

Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m talking about a topic that’s close to my heart—the power of sleep. For many of us as rural mums and farm wives, sleep feels like a luxury. Between the early mornings on the farm, caring for kids, and managing everything else that comes our way, we often put our own needs on the backburner. I’ve been there—those nights where you toss and turn, thinking about everything you have to do, only to be woken up by a child who needs you. It feels like a never-ending cycle, right?

I know I’ve struggled with sleep ever since becoming a mum, and farm life only makes it trickier. There’s always something to be done, whether it’s late-night calf feedings or worrying about the next day’s workload. And as we get older, sleep seems to change—our bodies don’t bounce back the way they used to. In this episode, I’m sharing not just why sleep is so crucial to our well-being but also some of the hard truths I’ve learned along the way about how we, as mums, often don’t give ourselves permission to rest.

Most importantly, I’m offering five actionable tips you can use to start improving your sleep tonight. These are simple changes you can make, even when life is busy and unpredictable. I’ve found them to be really helpful, especially during those hectic farm seasons when you’re running on empty. So, let’s dive into how we can get better sleep and start feeling more like ourselves again.

This episode is part of my 2 month Spring Reset series. This series is all focused on helping rural women reset their lives and shift their focus to the things that bring more peace, balance, and joy. Each week, we’ll dive into a new topic that will help you slow down, find moments of contentment, and feel more grounded—despite the chaos around you.

In this episode about The Power of Sleep, we cover:

• The challenges of sleep after motherhood – I talk about how sleep changes once you become a mum, especially when you add the demands of farm life into the mix. It’s not just about getting less sleep, but the quality of sleep changes too. Between waking up for the kids and managing the farm, we’re constantly on edge, and that mental load can keep us awake long after the lights go out.

• Why sleep is so critical for our well-being – I explore how lack of sleep affects us as rural mums and farm wives. It’s not just about being tired; sleep impacts everything from our mood to our decision-making. When we’re sleep-deprived, we’re more likely to feel overwhelmed, make mistakes, or lose patience with those around us. I share my own experiences of how sleep (or the lack of it) has affected me on the farm and in my role as a mum.

• Five actionable tips for better sleep – These tips are designed to help you get better sleep, even when life is busy or unpredictable:

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m diving into something that might feel very familiar to many of you – being in the trenches of life, feeling like you're barely keeping your head above water, and realizing you need a reset. Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, trying to survive one day at a time, without a moment to breathe or reflect? Maybe you're overwhelmed with the demands of farm life, family, and everything else that comes with it. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.

Recently, I found myself in that very place, where the days were running together, and I felt disconnected from my goals, my purpose, and even myself. Can you relate to that? Have you ever felt like you needed to hit the reset button on your life? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I recognised that it was time for a life reset and the practical steps I took to get back on track.

Resetting your life doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some intentional action. Together, we’ll go through the four steps I followed to reset and bring some clarity and peace back into my routine. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just ready for a change, this episode is for you. Let’s take the first step towards finding more contentment and balance.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Related Episodes

Episode 6 No Sick Days: When Winter Illness Hits

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Join my email list

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/knowing-when-you-need-a-reset