Welcome to another episode of "Cultivate Contentment," where we explore the art of simplifying life and reducing mental load. In this episode, we chat with Bridget Johns, founder of Be Simply Free, who helps women declutter their homes and minds.

Bridget Johns (no, not Bridget JONES!) is a Life Simplifier & Time Optimiser. She founded Be Simply Free, an online declutter coaching and life organisation business in March 2020 jus tbefore life was flipped upside down. Her mission is to empower women to live a life where their homes and minds are decluttered so they can be simply free. She WAS a busy, stressed, overcommitted perfectionist who found that by minimising the stuff in her home and mind she could live a much happier, joyful and meaningful life.

In this episode Bridget opens up about her personal transformation from being a stressed perfectionist to embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. She shares her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to start Be Simply Free, aiming to help others achieve the same sense of peace and order.

Throughout our chat, Bridget offers a wealth of practical tips on how to reduce mental load and effectively involve family members in household tasks. One of the key strategies she discusses is her "1% theory," which advocates for making small, manageable changes that cumulatively lead to significant improvements in decluttering and organization. This approach makes the daunting task of decluttering feel more achievable and less overwhelming.

Tune in to this episode for a dose of practical advice, a good laugh, and a fresh perspective on how simplifying life can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.

In this episode about 'Simplify Your Life: Declutter Your Mind and Home with Bridget Johns', we cover:

- Importance of reducing mental load, particularly for women.

- Strategies for involving family members in household tasks.

- Practical tips for decluttering physical spaces and mental clutter.

- Personal journey of the guest and the founding of her business, Simply Free.

- Impact of COVID-19 on decluttering and home organization.

- Techniques for creating systems to manage household responsibilities.

- Emphasis on communication and collaboration within families.

- The significance of self-care and personal time for well-being.

- Understanding personality types and love languages in family dynamics.

- Teaching children life skills and responsibilities related to household tasks.

Conclusion

Bridget's strategies offer a refreshing perspective on simplifying life. By addressing mental load, involving family in tasks, and implementing decluttering strategies, you can create a more harmonious home environment.

Resources & Links:

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

• Remote OpShop Project on Instagram and Facebook

• https://www.remoteopshopproject.org/

• Love languages

• 16 Personalities free quiz

Connect with Bridget:

• Follow on Instagram

• Follow on Facebook

• Listen to Bridget’s podcast Clear Clutter Find Time

• Follow Grants Simplified

• Check out her website https://www.besimplyfree.com.au

• Contact hello@besimplyfree.com.au

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

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

Emily Reuschel on Rural Life, Motherhood, and Personal Growth

In the latest episode of "Cultivate Contentment," I had the pleasure of hosting an enriching conversation with Emily Reuschel. Emily Reuschel is a champion for the leaders, thinkers, doers, and dreamers of rural communities and beyond. Her thought leadership defies expectations, busts limiting beliefs, and asks better questions to understand this big beautiful world and the people in it.

Whether from the stage, behind the Gather in Growth podcast mic, or within her signature virtual communities, she fosters conversations to help women heal, grow, evolve, and build empathy bridges to transform from the inside out.

Summary

Emily shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming an entrepreneur and coach, navigating the complexities of rural life and motherhood. The episode delves into key themes and actionable insights, offering a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to cultivate contentment in their lives. Emily's background includes transitions from an elementary education teacher to a nonprofit program director, and finally to a self-employed entrepreneur and coach, embodying resilience, personal growth, and authenticity.

• Emily’s journey from teaching to entrepreneurship and coaching.

• Experiences and challenges of rural life, particularly in agriculture.

• The pressures and expectations of motherhood in rural communities.

• The importance of self-care and prioritizing personal well-being.

• Societal expectations placed on women and the impact on their identities.

• The dynamics of marriage and the need for open communication about roles and responsibilities.

• The significance of community and building supportive relationships, especially for women in rural areas.

• The myth of competition among women and the value of collaboration and support.

• Simple practices for cultivating contentment, such as spending time outdoors.

Resources & Links:

• Episode 100- a chat with my husband Andrew: Farming, marriage, fatherhood and growth
• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Emily:

• Follow on Instagram @emilyreuschel

• Listen to the Gather in Growth podcast

• Check out her website www.emilyreuschel.com

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

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

When Everything Seems to Go Wrong

Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I dive into the chaos that sometimes engulfs our rural lives, especially for us mums. It’s been one of those weeks where it feels like everything is going wrong – from a cow mishap to septic system issues, and even a website crash on the podcast launch day. I share my own experiences and frustrations, aiming to connect with those of you who might feel like you’re the only one dealing with a series of unfortunate events.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of reframing our thoughts during these tough weeks. By acknowledging that our mindset can sometimes exaggerate the negatives, I explore ways to shift our perspective and find small positives even in the midst of chaos. This approach has been a game-changer for me, and I hope it can help you too.

On today’s episode:

In this episode about When Everything Seems to Go Wrong, we cover:

How to handle those weeks when everything seems to go wrong.

The concept of confirmation bias and how it affects our perception.

Practical strategies for reframing negative thoughts and finding positives.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here:https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/when-everything-seems-to-go-wrong

In this episode of "Cultivate Contentment," I explore the dynamic roles that rural women play in the farming world. I share my personal experiences and reflections on the evolving identity of women on the farm, addressing the common question: are you a farm wife or a farmer? Through engaging anecdotes and thoughtful commentary, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of embracing both roles, offering a relatable and encouraging perspective for rural women everywhere.

I also discuss the societal expectations placed on farm women and how these have changed over the years. Highlighting the pressures of balancing farm work, family life, and household responsibilities, emphasizing that it’s okay to seek help and make changes when needed. By sharing the stories of different generations of farm wives, I underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all women in agriculture.

In addition, I reflect on the unique challenges faced by farm wives when dealing with industry professionals who often overlook their expertise. I share personal stories of handling dismissive attitudes and emphasizes the significance of women's roles in farm decision-making and management. Through these reflections, I encourage listeners to find their own balance and to confidently embrace their multifaceted identities without feeling constrained by societal labels.

Tune in to gain insights into the unique experiences of farm women and find encouragement in the shared journey of balancing farm life, family, and personal identity.

On today’s episode…

In this episode about embracing both roles as a farm wife and a farmer, we cover:

Navigating Stereotypes and Assumptions: I discuss my encounters with individuals who assume I lack farming knowledge and how I handle these situations.

The Value of Being a Farm Wife: Highlighting the pride and importance of the farm wife role, I share a conversation with a farm wife from a different generation emphasizing the significant contributions of farm wives to the family farm.

Balancing Multiple Identities: I explore the pressures and joys of wearing multiple hats, from being a mom and a farmwife to taking on the title of a farmer, and how rural women can find contentment in their diverse roles.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

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

In today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I, Jessica Knight, also known as the Grounded Farm Wife, delve into a topic that hits very close to home for many of us: burnout. This episode is especially personal for me as I share my own journey with burnout, something that I know many rural women face but don’t often talk about. Burnout is more than just feeling tired or stressed; it’s a state of chronic stress that leads to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It can creep up on you slowly, especially when you’re juggling the demanding responsibilities of farm life and motherhood.

Throughout this episode, I recount specific instances from my life where burnout took a significant toll on my health and well-being. From collapsing from severe dehydration to battling recurring illnesses like pneumonia, these stories illustrate how ignoring the signs of burnout can lead to serious consequences. I also touch on the emotional aspects, such as feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy daily activities. By sharing these experiences, I hope to shed light on the realities of burnout and emphasize the importance of self-care and seeking support.

Understanding Burnout: I explain what burnout is, how it develops over time, and why it’s so prevalent among rural women. Burnout is often the result of prolonged stress and pressure, not just a single overwhelming event.

Personal Stories: I share some deeply personal stories from my own life, such as the time I collapsed from dehydration while caring for my young children, and the recurring bouts of pneumonia I suffered due to pushing myself too hard. These stories highlight the severe impact of burnout on both physical health and daily functioning.

Recognizing Symptoms: We discuss the various signs of burnout, including fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, increased illness, anxiety, and more serious conditions like depression. I also talk about the emotional symptoms, such as loss of enjoyment, isolation, and a sense of hopelessness, which can be just as debilitating.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/my-struggle-with-burnout-as-a-rural-farm-wife