It Feels Hard Because It Is Hard

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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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It Feels Hard Because It Is Hard

Cultivate Contentment

22 minutes 39 seconds

6 months ago

It Feels Hard Because It Is Hard

Some days feel heavy — not because you’re doing life wrong, but simply because life is hard. And that’s something we don’t say often enough.

In this episode, I’m talking honestly about what it means to sit in the hard seasons without guilt, pressure, or pretending. Whether it’s endless laundry, school holiday chaos, or just the daily grind of farm life, I want to remind you that you’re not failing — you’re human.

We talk about the pressure to romanticise your life (hello sourdough and glass jar laundry liquids), why high-achieving women often push through without pausing to celebrate what they’ve already overcome, and how learning to say “this is hard” might be the strongest thing we can do — not just for ourselves, but for our kids too.

✨ Key Points Covered in This Episode:

Why life often feels hard even in our best seasons, and how accepting that truth can lighten the load
Insights from The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, including why chasing constant happiness can leave us feeling more stuck
The rise of romanticising rural life on social media — and why it can backfire when it adds more pressure instead of joy
The sourdough example: how doing “what looks good online” can sometimes cause more stress than peace
A not-so-glamorous look at laundry: the unrealistic tips that make us feel worse (and why decanting detergent won’t fix burnout)
The importance of saying “this is hard” without guilt — especially in farm culture where getting the job done often takes priority over how we feel
Why hard doesn’t mean bad — we grow and build resilience when life challenges us
How acknowledging our emotions helps us and teaches our kids emotional regulation in real, everyday ways

🎧 Listen to this episode if you need a reminder that you're not weak for feeling worn out — you're strong for showing up anyway.

Tag me @groundedfarmwife or send this to a friend who might be in a hard season too.

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Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/37