One of my favorite quotes is basically "take time for you body to rest bc, if you don't, your body will force to you to in ways you probably won't like."

I'm glad you are taking time for yourself. One suggestion: two weeks is not a long break between podcast seasons. You might want to rethink that a bit. I reached a similar place as you a couple of years ago and prayed that the Lord would help me make time to simply be. Not long afterwards, a stray cat showed up at our back door and asked to come inside. We wound up keeping Bootsy (nicknamed Boo). Because we live in an area where coyotes and other predators commonly attack pets, I keep Boo inside but walk him on a leash. Walking a cat is not like walking a dog. You let the cat wander, for the most part, and follow. Often this involves long gaps where Boo takes in the sights and smells. He and I were sitting together in a small grove on our property when it occurred to me that God had answered my prayer in a wonderful way.

I am so glad to hear that you are doing better and continuing to heal. So much of what you pointed out are things that are going on in my life. I am 77 years old, live in Arizona with my handicapped husband on 5 acres. Every year I grow as large of a garden that I can with 8 raised beds and many containers. During the winter I am still putting in a winter garden and during these gardening times I'm taking care of my husband, 2 dogs and a cat. I feel like I am on the go all the time and like you said, even though our bodies say it's time to stop and take a nap, or at least rest, I continue to plunge forward because so many things need to get done and I'm the only one doing them. Like you, I love learning things, but I'm finding that after several hours of watching things on the internet I have to pull myself away to give myself a break. My brain feels like it's on overload! Thanks for a great blog today! It makes me think and that I need to start taking time for myself away from everything for peace of mind and for giving my body time to relax and heal.

Girl, don't be ashamed about the possibility of crying. You just went through so much, it has probably affected your nervous system. That can leave us emotionally vulnerable. We humans can only take but so much. God bless you! ❤

I got Covid in June 2022. It took me out for a month. I could do the bare minimum to maintain household and animals, and then needed a 2 hour nap. Every day. I learned a LOT. Including how much more in the moment I was, practicing gratitude for the small joys of my life. A flower blooming. A cat snuggled against me. A sunbeam. And I also learned that the world didn't end if I didn't keep the pace I had been on for 10 years as a small business owner/homesteader. There was a phrase from that time that I can't remember exactly, but it was basically, "What if you were enough?". Not what you do. Not what you accomplished today, or this week, month or year. But just you. For being a living breathing loving human on the planet. What if THAT was enough? It changed my world. I've been downsizing ever since (I'm 57). We sold the rabitry. We sold the sheep. We downsized the poultry flock by about half. We travel in our little Scamp camper more. This year the garden will be smaller (taking a cue from Rachael at That 1870's homestead, the garden is having a sabbath year. Turns out I have enough food in the pantries and the freezer to feed us without canning more in 2024 - there are just 2 of us). Having my hands in the dirt brings me great joy, but this year I'm planting more flowers. I'll still be making my KZread videos, but that's because I actually really enjoy the process of teaching. In short, I SO FEEL YOU. Everything you said. My best wishes for your good health in 2024.

My margin comes by observing a weekly biblical sabbath day. So Fridays I try not to have outings or extra chores, in order to cook all our meals on thar preparation day to last through Sunday's lunch. We pull up extra feed and hay on friday afternoon to make tending the animals easier on Saturday than Sunday-Friday. We enjoy movies, reading, board games, bike rides etc by intentionall/religiously taking a day to be present and "Enter into the rest" appointed for and commanded to all mankind by our great loving and wise creator. It took me Years to learn to rest. It makes me very productive on the first 6 days of the week because as the commandment says "six days you shall labor and do all your work..." I can be much more thankful for the day of rest when there aren't dirty floors, and piles of lau dry or half finished projects staring me in the face. It truly shaped my life, and seems to be a perenial blessing.

@bethobrien261

5 ай бұрын

The sweet gift of Sabbath rest is the most amazing gift we've ever been given. It's life changing.

So many KZreadrs have found themselves in this position recently. I think everything exploded during the pandemic and folks just went full force with everything in their lives. Now after several years of that, people are tired and realize that kind of pace is just not sustainable. There is a season for everything in our lives and taking time to re-evaluate and redo goals and plans is the healthy thing to do, whether or not you are doing KZread content. Be well and be happy and at peace.

@JamieSantos

4 ай бұрын

No, most people took the experimental gene therapy and are now getting turbo cancers, dying in their sleep ( Never before ), blood clots, dementia, myocarditis and a plethora of other horrible illnesses. Do we need to start making a list of all the children who have died since they rolled out the clot shot?? This is CRIME Scene!

I watched and learned a ton from you when I started homesteading. Thank you for sharing your knowledge/journey. I'm an IBS sufferer for 20+ years, and what ultimately healed me, and drastically improved my health in every aspect, was going carnivore. Within 1 week I dropped my Blood Pressure medication, within 3 weeks I got off 2 more medications and 2 supplements, lost 12 pounds, and went down one pant and shirt size. (I'm about your build) This lifestyle has changed my life. I no longer spend hours upon hours gardening, harvesting, preserving, preparing, canning, planning meals, etc. This is the best I've felt in 20+ years and I will never go back! 😊 Just something to think about. Blessings.

I don’t always get to listen to you but this one was meant for me to hear. We learned yesterday my mother’s 32 radiation treatments and her extensive burns she suffered did not ‘cure’ her cancer. It has spread to liver, lungs, and lymph nodes and has been given about 3 months. Her path would not have been mine but it was hers. The first 5 minutes of your cast was all I heard before I felt compelled to write. I’m glad your surgery went well.

@BonnieBlue2A

5 ай бұрын

🙏🏻 for your mother and your family. May &HVH give you His strength and His peace through this difficult trial.

@cheriwhitley8385

5 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏🙏🩷

@AmberDuggerknitter

5 ай бұрын

Sending you and your family prayers. My step-mother lost her mother a few months ago. She read Angelic Attendants by Julie Ryan and it helped her immensely with that time in her life.

@dag118

5 ай бұрын

If you can get your mother interested, Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations and testimonials on you tube can help.

@cherylcurry2948

5 ай бұрын

Look into fenbendazole and/or vitamin B17. There's promising results with those. I don't want to give false hope, but wanted to at least pass on what we've been looking into since my son was diagnosed with cancer. Prayers 🙏

Hi Melissa, thank you for sharing! Glad the surgery went well! I understand... I have had 1/2 my thyroid removed years ago. I also had 3 back to back surgeries regarding cancer in 2016-17. I am still on hormone blockers. My system was not able to fight flues, COVID... I have been off work since February 2023, so almost a year, due to medical issues and depression. My garden, my dogs, and my chickens are definitely helping me get through each day. Reached out for help, still waiting for a few appointments... We need to be our own advocate and know, listen and nourish our bodies. Wishing you health and happiness for 2024! ❤ Julie

Congratulations on a successful surgery. Miracles still happen today. My hubby goes in for a hip replacement surgery in a week and goes home the same day. He is 80. It amazes me. Sometimes I think we experience things to learn how to help others in a similar situation. Love listening and following you. We live in Idaho.

@Nancy-zk9dj

5 ай бұрын

Good luck with the surgery, I've had both done. It's amazing that you get se t home so fast. He will feel so much better! Make sure he does all of his PT exercises! 🤗

This is a life lesson that we all need reminded of regularly. We have a small homestead, with a large garden, chickens, fruit trees and flower gardens. I work part time and hubby about 60 hours a week in police and fire. I have fibromyalgia, and sometimes I try to push through it, but when it acts up I'm trying to listen and give my body the rest it needs. If I don't I end up putting myself out of commission for several days. Just listening to everything you have on your plate made me tired , lol! Praying for you as you continue to recover!!! 💗

@purpledol8455

5 ай бұрын

I am in the exact same boat. Hubby works 60-70hrs per week, I work 20hrs a week, homeschool our one kiddo, large garden, and have fibromyalgia. There is SO much to do ALL of the time. It’s hard to balance what our bodies need with what everyone else needs from me.

@jillybean15894

5 ай бұрын

​@@purpledol8455 we sound so much alike! I homeschooled my son as well, he is now a senior in college. It's a wonder how I ever got it all done with as much it takes out of us to take care of everything around us and avoid flair ups at the same time!

Thank you Melissa! You have no idea how many people needed this. I'm one. Even in our struggles the Lord has a plan for good. In this season there is a purpose already brewing...I look forward to the great adventures you share. And you are an amazing teacher! No doubt it will evolve helping others learn and prepare.😊

Someone once told me …If you always DO what you always DID, you’ll always GET what you’ve always GOT.

I am happy to hear you are doing better. I also agree, that learning to relax and have some downtime is crucial for wellbeing. Sending prayers for your mental and physical healing. 🤗

I really needed this- thank you.

Thank you for your candid sharing!

Continued prayers for you!!!

I’m so glad you are well! Prayers for you and your family

I’m glad you’re better! Thank you for catching us up and for sharing all you do.

Prayers for your healing🙏

So glad to hear your surgery went so well!

So glad you are better and establishing a better balance for youself, your family and your homestead! Thanks for all you give!

Thank you for this video and thank you for your honesty about how it really is!

Glad your on the mend. Prayers to you and your family. Take time for you !!☺

Yes! Thank you Melissa for your honesty & vulnerability🙏 I needed to hear this as I too have a health condition that has resurfaced. Enjoy each day! Love you💜

This was beneficial to me. Thank you for being so transparent. I'm praying for your health. ❤ I push myself too. Margin is important. I'm glad you are making some changes. Take care!

I'm so sorry, I had no idea you were going through all of this. Thank you for sharing and for your willingness to be vulnerable. YES, we can't forget to take time to BREATHE. Much love

Thank you for the update. You are so wise and grounded. I'm going through a health setback and doing the same evaluations. I have faith you'll make the right decision for this season of your life.

Thank you so much for this wonderful episode! This really hit home and its clear that I needed to hear this at this moment in time. Wishing you an abundance of blessings in 2024!

Melissa- glad you are feeling better! Your content is always very thorough and educational. I can imagine the amount of hours you put in each week is a more than a full time job. Glad to see you are taking care of yourself, so you can continue to help others. I say work smarter, not harder. You got this!

I feel like this is one of the more important and also more difficult aspects of homesteading. Anyone can learn how to plant a seed or bake bread, but deciding how much of it is sustainable for you to do forever is the hard part.

I'm so happy you're feeling better. I've had you in my prayers and will continue.❤❤

I'm so glad you are doing this. Had another influencer I follow who also scaled back. She has 4 home school aged children, full time job, home, extended family etc. We women need to know our limits and not be afraid of margin time. Thank you for bringing attention to this ❤

Thank you for your wisdom ❤.

Melissa take care of your self take time to heal Prayers for your health

I was so happy to see you on my feed this morning. Thank you. My wife Penny and I love you so much. We have learned so much from you from you and rerun your videos often, thanks again. Continue to heal.

Thanks for sharing! All great guidelines, in my opinion. Prayers for continued healing to you🤗🇨🇦

I am right there with you.

Good for you! Thank you for the wise sharing. My plan this year is to simplify. My house etc.

Thank you Melissa. I truly appreciate hearing this. I am dealing with some health issues that have really slowed me down. I feel terrible that all the things I have been doing for so many years have come to a halt. I have raised my garden, canned all our food, and chaired several clubs we belong to. This has had to take a back seat for the time being. I have watched so many of your videos and loved hearing you and learning from you. Take care of yourself and keep us informed.

Bless your heart! So good to see your face! Glad you are better❤️🙏🏻Regina

You have so many wonderful ideas for your homestead. Gives me some goals to work towards for when we retire and move out into the country. We already have a 2 acre property, but it's too far from work right now to keep driving back and forth. We'll hopefully be able to move there in 10 years. Until then we'll work on setting up an orchard and planning the garden :)

I love this. We just decided to scale back the garden this year slash change direction this year because of other projects going on. This season is a change from others and we need to embrace not every year is the same.

Im glad you are feeling better and things went well with your surgery. I got very sick too with multiple things. It is very rough.

Hi Melissa 💛 Hope you're doing okay in your healing friend.

I'm so glad your surgery was successful and you are feeling better❤. You have been through a lot. I'm glad you are taking time to care for yourself 🌹. Thank you for sharing your experiences. You have given very good information and I've learned so much. Thank you 🥰

Thank you for sharing. It truly helps!!!❤

My family and I have been non stop sick from November on till now. Same thing, upper respiratory, fever, cough, congestion... and not that I'm happy to hear you were also sick, but it's actually reassuring to hear that it's not just us. We just moved and thought it was the house or the new area. 😅 anyway, thanks for sharing. God bless

Good for you!❤

💚Love you, let's be present, here and now, Melissa. Bless you and to your Best Seasonal Health 💚

Medical procedures always put the body in a stress state. I had my gallbladder removed, and a week later, I got shingles...mild, but still. I have to go get a goiter-like mass removed in March...can't wait to see what pops us after. 😬 Praying you feel better quickly, and get some answers from labs!! ❤

Happy you are doing well! 💕

Thank you so much for this message. You don’t realize how this connects with so many people including myself. Everything you shared just hits home for me. In the past year I have had at least 3 people tell me…”Just breathe.” A powerful phrase and have had to take to heart. Thank you again.

Melissa - So glad your surgery went well! I have been watching and loving your sweet personality for years! That being said, "Your health is paramount!" So proud you are putting your health first and taking things a little slower moving forward! You have been so successful at everything you have tried and put your energy into. Whatever the future holds for you and your family I hope it includes peace and "more margin" that you need for your health and your family! God bless you my dear! Take care

I'm very happy you are feeling better. Please be careful, when visiting any Hospital, Doctor's office, clinics, food shopping, and when around many other people.

I’m so glad you are feeling better ❤ I didn’t see you in feed til today❤ Natural works❤ Hugs & stay well ❤

Good morning!

I’m glad you are better. Every person that follows you should be behind self care. As you said, one way or another it will catch up with you. True at work, true at home, just true.

Thank you for sharing! So happy to hear you are doing so much better!! I had labs done Jan 2. My appt to discuss the results has been postponed twice do to the ice storm in the Willamette Valley.. I have a lot of the symptoms you mentions for low thyroid.. as well a low or no hormones.. 5 yrs since I've been to a Dr. For adrenal fatigue. 15 yrs before that.. time to start taking care of myself.

Positive thoughts can help a lot, but we learn our limits when reality sets in. I am glad you are feeling better and are able to share your journey with us. ❤ 🤗 hugs

I wish I lived near you. I couldn’t grow a thing last year, so I would have loved a garden to come to. I’m so sorry it didn’t work for you, but you can always revisit the idea later on. 😉. Glad you are feeling better. Don’t push yourself though.

Praying blessings of wisdom, discernment and helpful family dynamics as something needs to change, for sure. Modern living is so chaotic and I long for time that I can truly devote to my growing little garden. “Margins” was a really great thing to hear about. My issues too started after a very successful surgery. Mine was Lyme that had not been previously diagnosed, and autoimmune thyroid popped up out of nowhere. The feelings are real, and the need for those margins is just as real. Thanks for the reminder to build those back in, again.

Watching a new conference from Healing through the Ages, great stuff!

This is EXACTLY the things I have been working on… I do feel like we are in the same space and thinking the exact some solutions!

I am glad I listened to this podcast today. There were a few points in it that resonate with where I am right now too. Thanks for telling us about the ventures that aren't complete successes. That is so refreshing and makes it easier for myself to move forward in my own homesteading journey. I also love that you talked about not having a dairy cow and are supporting another farm and purchasing milk from them. I live in suburbia, so part of my homesteading journey is creating relationships with local farms to purchase the things I cannot grow in my backyard. Finally, I need to incorporate a few habits to just slow down, so I have been telling myself I need to just go sit outside or go for a walk or whatever, so it was nice to hear it from you as well. Also, I just got your book and I am so excited to use it as I work on my 2024 goal to can something every month.

You give so much of yourself. May God give you wisdom in your steps forward and in your health.

Brilliant! Good to see you, glad you're surgery went well. I totally get it, balance . Love from 64 yr old grandma

Thank you for posting this and being real. I’ve been exhausted for over a month and all bloodwork “is in normal range” but a friend suggested my Epstein barr may have been woken up recently by being sick, etc. This came at just the time for me.

Bless you heart, so sorry you've been suffering. Surgery, or the anesthesia, wipes out our good bacteria. I'm sure that's part of it. Wishing you a speedy recovery, you so deserve it.🙏❤

Giiiirrrllll!!!!! It’s about time you create margin and take time for YOU! You are an incredible inspiration but…. I want to know you are real and I want to know that I don’t have to try and do all that ( and that says something coming from me who at one point in my life had 4 jobs and is totally ADHD ) You are so supported in this decision. Thank you for teaching us to do all these great things while maintaining peace and health

Good episode Ma'am. It is so important to prioritize your health, both mental and physical. And in so doing, do with out some stuff, eat seasonally, cut back etc. are important to ensure this. And it comes with no shame! But as you mentioned, the quiet times in the garden, on a walk or driving in your car are equally, if not more, important than other factors. I have never listened to anything while walking or in the garden as I enjoy the "neutral" state that your brain goes into which allows for the sounds and sights of life around you to enter and for random thoughts to enter. I have even started to not have anything playing while I am driving - just me and my thoughts and the scenery. I feel it all helps bring clarity and brings you closer to the natural world around you and the creator. Something we need more of I figure. You do you and best wishes as you figure things out.

Glad that your surgery went well. My homesteading is solely a vegetable garden and chickens and I want to plant some fruit trees. I have learned quite a bit from the videos of yours that I have watched, but there is no way that I can watch every one of your videos and still have time for everything else that I do, so I completely understand you stepping back. I agree with the others that say that you may not be planning enough margin time. God wants us to rest on a regular basis.

So glad you are feeling better. I had a similar illness that lasted over a month. I started coughing. It turned into a sinus infection and traveled to my chest. Wheezing and rattling. Couldn’t breathe. I was on an antibiotic, nasal spray, decongestant. Thankfully I didn’t have a fever. I’m so much better. And I also have Hashimoto’s. Thankfully, the medication I’m on is helping. There was a period of time when I had difficulty swallowing. I’ve given up trying to lose weight. I’m 40lb overweight. Doesn’t matter what I eat or don’t eat. My energy level is still struggling. I’m just starting a new garden and will add chickens in the spring.

Balance is Everything! This time in your life you needed to learn to keep a balance. We still think in our brains that we are able to do what we could 20 years ago. Or in my case, 50 years ago. (Yikes!) Then our bodies remind us that we are older and should not do what our brains say we can!!!

Wisdom is to reevaluate and make the necessary changes.

I liked the mentality of helping people, the mentality of giving knowledge everything you know that can help...I face the saying " The secret of the profession" .. the information is only for himself, afraid that people take her from his path.. a big difference between the mentality in your community and our local oriental one...

Thank you for talking about the need to get testing done rather than guessing about why you may feel unwell. It frightens me the number of people advocating for things that even my Naturopath tells be are detrimental to health. Drs should be trusted partners in health, and if they aren’t, keep looking.

I think winter gives us burnout as well. Especially in gloomy places like our state (WA). They call it seasonal depression but it also drains us without the sunshine. It's hard for me to stay motivated this time of year.

Good morning 😊

Hi Melissa, great to see you back and well. I kind of had to laugh when watching this because as soon as I saw the opening I thought I have to send a comment. Hope all went well with your husband. When I had my first cardioversion we decided it was a result of working way too many hours for way too many months (years) in a row. I slowed down for a while but soon was back to working 60-80 hrs/wk, and thus came the second cardioversion eight months later. I was planning to comment that there comes a time we have to accept we can’t keep burning the candle at both ends and in the middle forever. We have to back off and take a breath for our own good. Then as I listened to the rest of the video I just sat nodding ‘Yep, you got it!’ We’re looking forward to see what workshops you have this year. If you do the medicinal garden again we’re hoping it comes at a time we can make it this time!

Thank you for the conversation you hit my target 100% health surgery trying to rebuild my body just had labs done I’m hopeful I can figure out what’s going on .

Taking some time for yourself, is very necessary for good health. We need to learn to give ourselves the gift of regenerating rest, by scheduling it into our day.

Melissa you need to take care of you. We appreciate and love everything you do for US! However you are correct you need to care for you because without you you can't share with us! We love you... we enjoy you but you need to take care of you!

Thank for sharing your personal issues with this community, Melissa. Although I am a homesteader wannabe, like so many here, I can identify with your burnout side which ultimately affects our overall health of course. Doing too much and not taking our own advice are general womens traits i think😮. I'm glad that you saw it before its too late. I have been slowing down on some responsibilities as well and taking care of my own wellbeing. I used to think people were selfish for doing that, now I only wish that i had listened to my own advice much earlier! Now the "execution" of my plans requires my focus😊 Wishing you good health and success in 2024. And a Big Thank You for all you give to this community. You ARE appreciated ❤

Emotions are ok!!

Thank you for sharing. I’m one that I have done “everything right” and I have hashimotos and low thyroid I have never been able to heal. Now I have recurring acute pancreatitis and can’t get into a GI for 10 months. I had a panic attack while getting my thyroid tumor biopsied and I left without getting it done. I need to but I have the worst healthy anxiety. I just keep living and praying for healing and sharing my journey in here like you- in hopes someone benefits from my story. 🌻🌻🌻

@hollyhock3945

5 ай бұрын

Check out Neisha Berry Hoshimotos

@godstendermercies6394

5 ай бұрын

Carnivore ❤

Being present in the moment - whatever that looks like it so valuable. When having a conversation being focused on them. Eating something - notice and pay attention to the meal. Not just eating mindlessly. Just sitting and noticing the clouds, birds, breeze... Being present in life is a list art.

@tericamcginnis5848

5 ай бұрын

That would be a lost art.

I too was told i have Epstein barr virus back in 2013. Was diagnosed with Breast cancer with metastasis to my uterus. Had full hysterectomy, due to extensive research Epstein virus can cause Cancer. Great Podcast, Prayers for all suffering with some kind of disorder or health issue. 🙏🙏🙏❣️

Anyone who has a viral illness, please rest. My DD had glandular fever when she was in her last year at Uni. Kept going, dancing multiple times per week. She got ME/CFS. Has got worse over the last 10-11 years to a point where she is house bound and almost bed bound. She is 33. Looks like she will never have a normal life. She should have rested.

Medicinal Perennials for at the farm stay. Pretty flowers and harvestable

I always hated school, but was mysteriously still very good at it

Even with scaling back?, reevaluating, and “slowing down,” you still have a TON of stuff in your life. Be careful.

I was also sick like this for the whole month of December, still trying to get rid of the cough

Also if your already on thyroid hormones and have a good low inflammation diet but your still experiencing a lot of symptoms that seem like they are low thyroid related still... Get a full iron panel done not just hemoglobin because low iron levels can exist even without hemoglobin being low and the symptoms overlap tremendously with thyroid symptoms

I'm happy for you! Many blessings ❤️🙏

Thanks for this Melissa. I'm so glad your surgery went well. Sorry you struggled with all the sickness afterwards. I had a benign pituitary tumor removed in August. Hospital for 2 days - still recovering and they will be following my case for a few years. Blessings on your healing journey.

I always joked that I chose the “slow lane”, while my friends went on and excelled in many ways. Many of them ended up like you are now, and I just trudge along and have a simple life. You may just want to look at what’s bringing in the best return on investment and ease up on everything else. Good luck.

Anti-Thyroperoxidase Antibody levels over 500 require medicine. Your TSH,T3,T4,PTH can be what doctors call "normal" but your symptoms can be the key to the need for medicine. My 26-year-old son thought he had long covid or CFS but it turned out the Levo made him completely well. He also went on a low Histamine diet because thyroid disease and autoimmune disease is due to inflammation. We have also been organic and dairy and gluten-free. Best of luck on your health and recovery.

good yes Perhaps you should connect with one or two people who are 40 or 50 years OLDER than you are, and sit right down with them and enjoy them for hours. How many hours. I don’t know. But it took us years and years we who are over 80 to understand the value of not moving an inch for a good long time in each and every day