End-of-Year Overwhelm Is Real and We’re All Feeling It

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Cultivate Contentment

Jess Knight

41 episodes

2 days ago

Are you a rural farming woman, wife, or mother struggling to find peace in your busy life? Do you find yourself trying to squeeze joy out of your daily routine, manage stress that seems never-ending, and somehow reconnect with your passions in the midst of it all? Do you love your rural life yet often feel overwhelmed by the challenges it brings? Welcome to "Cultivate Contentment," the podcast designed just for you. I'm Jessica Knight, a fellow rural woman, wife, and mother. I get it—I've been there, right there in the trenches, juggling the demands of farm life, motherhood, and trying to keep my sanity intact. I understand the challenges you face every day. From being a first-generation dairy farmer to raising three energetic boys, I'm right there with you, navigating the ups and downs of rural life. Come along with me and my guests as we explore balancing farm life with personal needs on a realistic level, practical ways to sprinkle a little joy and peace into your daily routine, nurturing relationships without losing your sense of self, and how to keep stress at bay and prevent burnout. All while staying focused on what we really want; feeling content and settled in our lives. This is a show to delve into the heart of your daily struggles and triumphs, providing practical advice and heartfelt support to help you find peace and fulfillment in your unique journey. I know how hard it can be to juggle the responsibilities of farm life, motherhood, and personal well-being. "Cultivate Contentment" aims to be your companion and guide, offering insights and strategies that resonate with your experiences. So, whether you're savoring a cup of coffee before the morning chaos begins, stealing a moment of quiet on your drive to town, or popping in your earbuds while wrestling with laundry and dishes, I invite you to join me. Let's laugh, learn, and cultivate contentment together.

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End-of-Year Overwhelm Is Real and We’re All Feeling It

Cultivate Contentment

29 minutes 57 seconds

11 months ago

End-of-Year Overwhelm Is Real and We’re All Feeling It

Episode Summary: As we reach the end of the year, everything just seems to hit all at once—school’s out, Christmas is looming, and farm work doesn’t slow down. If you’re like me, you’re feeling the weight of it all, and maybe even a bit guilty for not being able to enjoy the holiday season as much as you think you “should.” The end-of-year overwhelm is real, and I want you to know that we’re all feeling it. This time of year, it’s easy to think everyone else has it all together, but trust me, they don’t.

In this episode, I’m getting raw and real about how chaotic this season is for so many of us mums. From the Christmas tree still not being up, to forgetting to move the elf for days on end—none of us are thriving right now, and that’s okay. I’ll be sharing how I’ve been managing (or barely managing) through the stress, and offering up some tips that have helped me keep my head above water. Let’s stop pretending we’re coping and start admitting that it’s hard—because it is. Together, we can make it through this season without completely losing it.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

The pressure mums feel to “do it all” during the holidays: The truth is, we’re all feeling the weight of trying to make everything magical for our kids while juggling a million other things. Social media makes it seem like everyone else is baking cookies, wrapping presents, and planning the perfect holiday—but behind the scenes, most of us are barely getting by. I open up about the guilt I feel when things slip, and why it’s okay to not do it all.
Why it’s okay to not have everything perfect at the end of the year: There’s this constant pressure to finish the year strong, tick every box, and hit all our goals. But the reality is, we’re exhausted. I talk about why it’s perfectly fine to let some things go—whether it’s not sending teacher gifts, skipping the Christmas cards, or just ordering takeaway more often than you’d like. It doesn’t make us bad mums, it makes us human.
Real tips to bring a bit more structure and sanity to the season: While I’m not about to tell you to overhaul your life, there are a few simple things that have helped me regain a bit of control during the chaos. From keeping a flexible routine to giving the kids small responsibilities, I share how adding just a little structure can stop the days from blurring together and give you a chance to breathe.
The importance of letting go of expectations and focusing on what really matters: It’s easy to get lost in all the “shoulds” this time of year, but I’ve found that the most important moments are the ones where I’m present with my kids, not the ones where everything looks picture-perfect. I remind myself—and you—that the kids don’t care if the decorations are Instagram-worthy. They care about the time we spend together, even if it’s messy.
How to get your kids involved without adding to your stress: Getting the kids to help around the house is a win-win—they feel useful, and you get a little help. But let’s be real, it doesn’t always go smoothly. I talk about the learning curve I’ve experienced with my boys, and how giving them small, manageable tasks (like unloading the dishwasher or putting their clothes away) has made a difference in keeping the household running, even if it takes a bit of extra time at first.

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