I have said nothing to you two before, but I have been wondering just how long it would be before you would come out with a video like this one. It took a massive heart attack and my being life-flighted for heart surgery for me to get it through my thick skull that I needed to slow down. I was a full-time caregiver to a 86-year-old with Alzheimer's, I had a successful ranch in Colorado, over 1,000 laying hens, farmers markets every Saturday where I sold countless dozens of eggs. I also had cattle, goats, cats, pigs, and guard dogs. My husband died (US Navy), he hated hard work, my 3 grown kids wanted nothing to do w/farming ranching and they lived in CA, IL and TN. I had intense chest pains in November 2020 so I drove myself to the ER (no one around to take me), was air lifted and had heart surgery. It took over a year for me to get my strength back. God had told me many times to slow down but I told Him, "I have too much to do." What a brat! Long, short, I am 77 years young, I rent a lovely Victorian cottage in the Appalachian VA hills, I live alone, I have time for God. He loves me, I love Him, and we fellowship nonstop. DO NOT LET IT TAKE A HEART ATTACK FOR YOU 2 TO settle down. Sell it all if you have to, love God, life your life because as you can see, everything around the world is turning into horse manure. Love & Blessings. Sally Merrell, a nice Italian girl originally from New Jersey.
So glad you pulled through. I had open heart surgery 4 yrs ago at only 58 yrs young! It also took me almost 2 yrs to recover. Stay positive young lady, stay positive and close to GOD daily enjoy reading your Bible. And remember, the Scriptures fore told world events in our time at 2 Timothy 3: 1-5.
God Bless you Sister, I do to much to and my body can sure feel it and I am like you no help it do just about all if it myself too, I have slowed down some and I do have time for God that u didn't use to have this world is getting so bad so I have been trying to perpair for that. Take care and God Bless 🙌
I worked like a workaholic man for decades and broke my back but still didn’t stop until I broke my neck. Females - even really strong ones-just aren’t made for some physical work. Then I had to finally deal with my PTSD that caused my crazy worklife. Now I’m 56 and finally feel like I’m living my best life. Even though that includes pain management because of my stubbornness.
You know that probably a large number of your viewers are not and will never be Homesteaders. But everything you teach can be applied to all family units. Goal planning, making lists, taking time to understand what is important to reaching the goals and knowing to identify what is not as important, these are all skills that apply to every situation. I am a single person who learns something from you all of the time. You are so good at what you do.
I keep adding on to my gardens because I love to grow food and flowers but I also work full time and have had back problems. I am finally working on, (it's a constant process) , giving myself permission to enjoy a day off with my husband. If the plants survive or thrive, if they get harvested or rot, if they are given away or preserved for us, the goal is to enjoy the process. I want to escape TO my garden, not feel like I need to escape FROM my garden.
The one thing that helped me with burnout was finding a hobby I enjoyed on the farm. I now collect wildflowers and press them into books ❤ I also collect sticks and other wild wonders as a side hobby besides farming 😊 blessings
Well done! You remind me of my great aunt and uncle, who were farmers. They sold their farm, built a new home on property across the road, then did what they enjoyed...bee keeping and gardening for food, as well as raising a couple of pigs and a heifer for meat... They went from fulltime farming to homesteading in their 70's😊
I ran a home-based sewing business, where the burnout came from never having time for "us" as people changed with needs. When I got sick with Chronic Persistent Lyme disease, I had to give things up due to the symptoms associated with it. I tried going back to sewing full-time, but I simply could not with serious fatigue. I still have Lyme, but as I began to heal from the bulk of the disease symptoms, I started refocusing my energies on herbalism, sewing for personal needs, with extra's to sell (albeit I shut my website down as I could not keep up). But, like most who are "workers" with ambitious goals, one does need to stop and ask "what are our goals". For now, since my husband does work full-time, which can be challenging as I end up having to do quite a bit, I find my joy in giving to God through gardening with the herbs, flowers and doing more vegetables. I sew, preserve, bake, cook, and am now taking herbalism courses in order to be a certified herbalist, allowing me the opportunity to teach others in how to care for their bodies with nutrition and the goodness God has provided natural sources of medicine, reminding people that herbs are very beneficial while maintaining a healthy relationship with their allopathic physicians. I appreciate your transparency in your life/work goals in serving our Lord.
OK, so this was really helpful and encouraging! Thank you! While I don't have a real "Homestead," what i do have is about 1/4 acre of fenced back yard (out of an acre yard) where I have a small "in ground" garden, 2 raised beds, and a small greenhouse. Also, 14 laying hens. My husband passed ( I say he "went Home") in 2021 and now I have family living with me, including my 92 year old mom. My days are filled with what I should do, what I must do, what I can or cannot accomplish... and even home and yard upkeep that my husband used to do for me. With property upkeep and with 1/4 acare "mini homestead,", I have been bordering on burn out. Thank you for the SAGE advice and encouragement. Today, I take my cup of morning coffee to the swing with a pen and paper and I prioritize... and that may be all I do. :) Giving myself the day off!
I'm pleased to hear that you will be taking time for yourselves to do the things you enjoy. Passing the reins to others to do is sometimes the hardest best thing you'll ever do. Congratulations to you 🎉
This video could not have come at a more perfect moment. I’ve been struggling a lot lately with burnout. Mostly due to the fact that I work as a nurse still and am trying very hard to make my homestead/farm become profitable so I can stay home. I have over extended myself in so many different directions and now realize how detrimental that is. Thank you so much for sharing this! ❤
I am in the same boat! Work full time as a nurse but would love to leave the profession and be a full time homesteader. I just need to put my plan in place and figure out what is best for me and my family and go that direction. Homesteading is my passion and I love how much better I feel feeding my family real food. Balance is hard
Same here. I work 12 hour private duty night shifts which means I have been known to garden by flashlight. We have a backyard homestead with several garden beds, chickens and rabbits. Will be building a greenhouse and new rabbit cages this weekend. It certainly doesn’t leave much time for cleaning or fun. Lol! I did cut my shifts down to only three a week though.
ROFL...we nurses are running from society - why is that? I'm retired so I'm not chasing the rainbow at the end, but for all of you taking on this endeavor while you are working - I tip my nursing hat to you!!!
Never feel guilty about planting flowers along with your veg. They feed the soul. So nice that the two of you can adjust your goals and workload as a team.
Our Family experienced this last year, and we have really learned to prioritize and admit to ourselves it is ok to not be able to do everything; and it is ok to take a break sometimes.
No big revelations here. I sensed it for some time. It is good that you both like doing the same things and can talk things out logically. While having a couple both participate in homesteading is not unique, it is also not common. There is a reason my channel is "DIY". I do most everything on our homestead, including the processing. I admire that you two find a way to work together. With that being said, sometimes one person needs to have an income type of job while the other does the homesteading. If it works, then it is all good. Every homesteader WILL experience burnout. I haven't seen one that didn't, though some will not admit to it. I deal with it myself and still need to make some adjustments. I will lay out one simple fact... if you homestead, you better plan to have other income coming in. A homesteader cannot pay taxes, utilities, mortgage, auto expenses, insurance, and misc other bills by selling a few plants at a farmer's market. Furthermore, while you can grow enough food to feed yourself, you cannot grow everything you will need. You will still need to go to the market. Some viewers know that RU-vid is part of your income. That is really a no-brainer. That too takes an enormous amount of time that people might not understand. However, in your situation, it really is a priority because it pays a lot of the expenses. Over time, RU-vidrs become dependent on that revenue and homesteading becomes secondary, or in a lot of cases, simply props for videos. I've seen it on many channels. There simply is not enough time to be able to do both completely. Don't get me wrong; I am not criticizing. Just stating observations about several channels. There is nothing wrong with RU-vid channels to help pay for other things a person wants to do. As I said; the income has to come from somewhere. It didn't take me very long to figure out that making RU-vid videos was taking too much time away from homesteading and adding stress to my life. I may still do an occasional video, but if it is a choice between getting a crop in or doing a video, it is an easy decision for me to make because I am not dependent on RU-vid revenue. Nobody makes money on RU-vid by only doing a handful of videos. Their algorithms will hide you. You must EARN the privilege to have views by cranking out regular videos. I am sure you guys figured that out early on. In one respect, not having a lot of views was a good thing for me. I would have felt obligated to crank out videos otherwise. Furthermore, I am not an entertainer; I teach things that work and get on with the work. Kinda boring to most, unless somebody really needs that information. Most do not. Many like to watch videos like reality TV. My channel will never fit into that bracket. If you can teach and be entertaining, that is a good combination. Regardless if your channel is for entertainment purposes by many viewers or if they see it as a teaching tool, just so long as you create balance in your life it will not matter. If it works for you, it is all good. All the best.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can say the burnout will come again as you allow different things back into your schedule. 33 years on our little farm has taught me to keep it as simple as possible allowing time for other fun things in your life. May God continue to Bless Your Family.
My hubby (on a much smaller scale) is “driven” for a lack of a better term. He can’t “sit still”, and sometimes I’m afraid I’ll find him dead somewhere in the yard. 😞 He works at least 60 hours a week at his job, and then the weekends are consumed with “projects” that at least in his mind need to be done. He’s turned our yard into a Better Homes and Gardens show place; but the personal cost has been high. He REALLY wants to buy some property; but I hesitate, because it’s “something bigger” to attend to. I often have just said to him “it’s time to stop for today, honey, you’ve done enough”. To his credit, he seems to be relieved, because to be honest, I don’t know if he has his own “brakes”. In the spring/summer, he is outside on nice days, or driving himself inside the house, on rainy ones. I’m retired (older than him by 8 years), and home all the time; but if I clean the house (for example) on Friday, he’ll go along behind me of a rainy Sunday AND RE CLEAN, which drives me insane! Did I say he has OCD, in spades? Smiling, sadly. We were at Lowe’s last Sunday and a couple walked by, saw our cart, and he said, “guess you’ve got him busy for awhile”. I said “not me, he drives himself”. It’s not enough he’ll get a project done, but then he’ll think “it would be better” doing this or that, and before I know it, he’s pulling it apart!! We do talk a lot about ways for me to save him from himself, and he’s always open to my interventions, but honestly it’s exhausting! I could clean the house every week, and do do my share; but IF I didn’t he’d just do “it all”, which isn’t going to happen as long as I live. I always tell him “you know there’ll be plenty of time for you to clean after I’m dead”, but that doesn’t seem to register. 😢 So, women who think I have it “made” with my hubby, don’t really know the cost of living with a man who’s driven to work, work, work! And I worry about what he’ll be like in retirement! Suggestions anyone???
Music. He needs an guitar and lessons to get started. My son at 13, now 36, has the similar need to be busy at all times. Learning and playing guitar has been a life saver for him. Can’t hurt to try!
@Dori Fraser Dori, thanks for the response! I don’t want to change him at all, would just like him to slow down a wee bit, before doing it all to “perfection” kills him. Yes, it stems from his childhood, but it goes back further … lol it’s in his genes. His mum, and several uncles are all the same way! So, I just let him go, sit with him, whilst he goes around the yard, and on occasion bring his focus back to us. Of late, I’m thinking of saying I’d like Sunday afternoons to go to the Pedlars Mall, or just for a long drive, just to get him away from it all. He’s inspired me to have a huge garden, preserve, can, and freeze way more than I ever have, which given the way the world is, turns out to be a very good thing. Lol Have a blessed day!!
I going through one too! My husband is now a ex husband. Didn't wanna talk to me without being mad at me. You two are happy with what you do, that's how it's going to work better. Air change from city to country. You are two teachers that made your own world 🎉 even more cooking shows! God bless you too!❤
I can totally relate to your situation. I hope that you get on track. I always wanted to be a Farmer's wife. THAT never worked out for me. Now I have a mini Homestead. Just a little under 5 acres. More than enough for my purposes. I've got a partner/boyfriend. We've been together for 37 years. It's like a mismatched team of horses. One pulling one way, one pulling the other way. So I can relate to you. Just do what you have to do. We don't talk much. I hate wasting 37 years. I don't want to waste 37 years. So I focus on my land and house. I own it, and I try to include him in everything. Sometimes it's like walking on eggshells. I wish you well. GOD bless
@@ritamccartt-kordon283 the saddest thing about possibly wasting 37 years, is that next year it will be 38 years. Sometimes goodbye is a second chance. The ABSOLUTELY BEST TIME to plant a tree, was 10 years ago... the SECOND BEST time to plant a tree, is TODAY. There is nothing worse than compounding an error just because we have so much time invested. Wish you well.
@@ritamccartt-kordon283 Rita, it’s never wasted time. You’ve learned more about what you’d like vs what you don’t like, in a mate. I spent 26 years with my first husband, and when I finally decided “we were done”, was the most freeing thing I’ve ever felt. Like you, we were playing at being married/parenting; but it was like I was playing hockey in Canada, and he was playing football in the US. We weren’t even in the same game, or in the same inning. Then my dad got sick. I was in my early 40’s he was in his early 80’s. I remember thinking, you’re half done life Bella, if you get to live as long as your dad, and you’ve been unhappily married to entirely the wrong man. To not change that would be so sad. It was in that moment, that he had to go, quietly into that dark night, but go just the same. My happiness wasn’t contingent on anyone but me, and once you get there, the world opens up to a million possibilities. My life only went up from there, and I’m so happy I didn’t give him one more second of ME. I hope I’ve helped. Is it scary going it alone? To be sure; BUT give it over to God, and when the time is right he will send whom you’re meant to be with … just be ready, and accept your life may change. Hugs and Good Luck.
@@miguelfilo962 some women see love in a man, with a hug or even looking at her like no another person did. Love isn't always for the person and red flags are not seen tell out of the Relationship. Heart ♥ goes out to you! It all gets better with time.
I've been watching your RU-vid videos for years now and have followed you through from one property to the other and happy to see that, through it all your A-Team and you truly are inspiring to me. God bless you from Garden Grove California and may God continually watch over you and you're incredible beautiful family. Even at 59 years old, I pray my fiance and I can acquire a piece of property and a homestead of our own and start a legacy for her kids.
Yes I've been there worked in Aviation 7 days a week 12 hours a day for many years. Found a great job thanks to the good Lord. Now I work 16 days on 12 days off and get paid for my off time. This is a blessing from God as I had to slow down.
Good for you! As much as we'd like to, we can't do everything. I'm getting into my later sixties, and I just can't do what I used to. I think it's wise to know your limits and preserve your mind body and soul for the future. God has certainly blessed you in your endeavors! 💜 And through you, me as well.
Thanks for sharing. As you were talking about considering hunting as recreation, I was reminded of my own struggle for validation. Many people around me assume that I grow things for fun. I thoroughly enjoy growing things, but I'm not doing it just because it's fun. I grow things to provide quality food for my family. Some people don't understand why I don't just buy my food at the store.
Thank you for this video, now I’ve got to show it to hubby. We’ve been struggling the past 6-7months as well. We love this lifestyle but we’ve had to pull back & re-evaluate as well but we’ve felt so guilty. Thanks for affirming that it’s ok to admit you can’t “do it all”.
Absolutely! But I so love your bees... and Miss Daisy! And the pups... and the new chicken tractor... sigh!💕 Oh! And I really liked the way you figured out how to break up that block of wax!!! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us! Blessings on your day Kiddo!🥰🌻🐛🙏💕
I get it I've been gardening/canning/preserving for 40 years. We finally got our small, rural property almost 10 years ago now. I'm slowing down much faster than I anticipated and just keeping up with it all seems burdensome most days. I joined a CSA last year which meant I was only gardening things I really wanted. The rest came from the weekly fresh produce we got in our CSA boxes. That was amazing, and I found that this years I will get half shares. Getting help means hiring someone when you are rural and that is limited by available income. We are going to let some spaces we tried to plant, go back to nature. You just have to be flexible in your planning. Not every choice made is a permanent decision on how to do something.
Hello, I just learned to can two years ago. Put in my first garden last year (20x50). Last year I planted so many different things but was unable to get enough of one kind to can. Also, a few vegetables I planted cant be canned. It was a steep learning curve. This year I will grow what I can can. Anything extra I want, I will buy at a farmers market.
You guys, the struggle is real! Thank you for sharing this! I've been coming out of burn out myself...homesteading, home schooling, running a business, and life! Your strategy of rediscovering your "why" and aligning your priorities is huge. I started that work in the fall, but it continues! I also love your idea of categorizing your seasonal priorities AND setting an end time of work. This lifestyle (homesteading and entrepreneuring) can really work a person to death, killing the joy for the things we valu and love. Also, letting ourselves off the hook of our own demands...gah! Such a tricky, but very important part of the work to live life with joy.. Thanks for sharing your struggles and nuggets of wisdom!
What do you two do for recreation - for fun and relaxation? Animals require constant care. Do you ever get “away” time? It’s really hard when all there is is work and more work.
I ran into this a few years back. Our main income came from selling produce at farmers markets. coming from a retail background, I was always looking for ways to provide my customers with everything they would ask for. If it would grow in Louisiana I learned how to grow it. At one point I was growing about 23 varieties of peppers. I only eat bell peppers, banana peppers, and I need 2 chili pepper plants to make my chili powder. Yet, year after year I was planting nearly 400 pepper plants. Over time, just as you did, I learned more doesn't always lead to more. I decided very soon that if my wife or I don't enjoy eating it, I don't bother growing it. I planted 12 pepper plants this year.
I went throught this two years ago and made some really similar changes. I dropped a breeding program, and also let go of some of my plans for sharing food in the community too. And as a treat, hiring a gardener to come in once a week to maintain the non production parts of the property. Just to stick to what is manageable.
We too have a landscaper take care of the front of the property. Without that, we'd probably have a modest herb garden and a few things in containers. That is, we would not have the time or energy to do it all. It has been a great decision.
So glad you are taking time to get back to your main priorities. Before we moved back to a small town, we were involved in volunteering for everything and anything in the 55+ community we lived in. It got to be too overwhelming and we are so much happier living where we can just live our retirement years enjoying what we really like to do and not what everyone expects of us. It’s so easy to get caught up in things and before you know it you have no “me” time. God bless you both.
Not to mention all the rules in a 55 plus community. I want out from the HOA. they're bringing in tons of surveillance along with 5G fiberoptics. Not good. Seems like they're moving us into a smart city.
This was a really good video. I've often wondered how you do it all. I do understand that it can be difficult to ask for help and it's good to hear that you are now getting help that will free you up to live a fully rounded life. Kevin and Sarah you remain my favorite homesteaders and t's been a joy to see you grow through this whole process. God's blessings! btw...I do like your new website. 🙂
We used to joke during harvest time "If you aren't burnt out by the end, you didn't do it right." 😁 Nothing wrong with hard work but managing stress can be a real challenge. Funny how much we ask Spirit for guidance and when it answers we can't hear it. Big hugs to you both. 🌺
Since you guys give and teach so awesomely, what about bringing in some local FFA or 4H students? Having them help out helps them just as much as they are helping you. The future generations need people like yourselves to teach them the ways of homesteading. Keep up the good work!
Good morning guys! Totally understand. I had to scale down my birds. We have too much going on and I end up not enjoying the load of work. Something had to give.
I Love Watching Y'all. I have learned alot..Thank Y'all..I don't miss Y'all, When you put a video on here...Can't wait to watch..love Y'all...and God Bless Y'all...I have watched Y'all for Years..Wished I could meet Y'all one day..
Y'all have come a LONG WAY. Since I have been watching y'all since 2017,we have come a long way too. Living in Chandler,AZ and moving to the AR. OZARKS,has been NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE FOR US! Y'all have taught me SOOO MUCH! Thank you and I pray you do NOT get another burnout for A LONG TIME DOWN THE ROAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the video! At 55 working a 40+hr. A week job and farming. The last year we have been burned out. And didn't know how to fix It. Thank you for the ideas. And God bless you and your family!
AIN'T NOTHIN' GONNA KEEP ME FROM GROWIN' MY FLOWERS!!!!!! NOTHIN'. I am so glad it is so easy and quick to do as my hubby takes care of screening our dirt and amending our soils so I don't have to. GOD IS PROUD OF YOU BOTH,,,JUST KNOW THAT!
Thank you for sharing. 1. Burnout happens in most businesses. Your suggestions work to overcome any burnout, especially for self employed people. 2. Explained things that may have seemed “off” or different in your videos. 3. Reminder that life changes may require adjustments to our priorities. 4. Big changes (moving, business growing or slowing, children leaving the nest-physically or emotionally, etc) cause extra stress and burnout. Thank you for sharing. It happens to most of us.
This video came at an opportune time. We’ve been thinking hard about getting a few pigs, but hadn’t made the jump yet.. we were thinking Guinea hogs or something smaller and more manageable. Our idea for pigs came up because My cow drowns us in milk when she is lactating. I’ve been selling a little locally, making all of the butter I could, but end up letting the excess clabber and feed it to my chickens. I have a large garden, and have toyed with the idea of selling at the farmer’s market, but then I’d need a tent, and tables, and have my garden inspected by the Farmer’s Market coordinators. We have a small herd of registered cattle, sold a few calves and a few cows that didn’t fit what we are striving for, I have chickens and sell eggs, but the market has slowed down because everyone (I presume) has bought their own chickens due to the recent crazy egg prices, so I’m swimming in eggs also. I have incubated and sold some chicks this year, last year I bought and hatched turkey eggs and sold all but one that we ate for Christmas. I bought a freeze dryer, but am not one of the lucky ones to have it work right out of the box, so am working with the company and working on it, when I can spare the time.. I am definitely going into a bit of burnout. My days start before the sun is up, and it seems that I blink and it is already afternoon…. Day after day after day. I am living my dream, but it is at times like being on a hamster wheel..
What a great topic! 2.5 years ago my wife and I bought a small house in a small town (less than 3000 people) on the Colorado Plains. We're both in our 60's, but healthy, and in good shape. We live on less than a 1/4 acre. We "woke up" to what's happening in society and the world. We saw the need for self-sufficiency and very little time to prepare. So we jumped in with both feet. Obsessed with your channel and many others. What an education! We're not "wealthy" so we had to plan. In just 2.5 years we've made tremendous strides, but a price (not financially). PLEASE take things in stages. We discovered you can't be completely up and running in just a couple years, it doesn't work. This "lifestyle" never ends. Every time we cross an agenda item off, we add 3 more to the list. We've talked about selling and moving to a place with acreage, but I seriously think in our 60's we need to do the best we can with what we have. Between growing veggies from seeds (heat pads, grow lights, etc...), then the greenhouse, then 30+ raised garden beds. We start in late Winter, prepping for the Spring. Then the growing, fertilizing, tending to the garden throughout the Summer, then harvest, canning, freeze drying. Along with that we're active members of a prepping group (which includes all the above, plus developing relationships with like-minded people, things like Security, Medical/First Aid, Communications all come into play. Don't try to do it all! Leverage your relationships, barter, trade, help others that help you. On top of that, I still work (wife is retired), and we have civic obligations (City Council), Church involvement, etc... Prioritize! I love all the things stated in this video. Several excellent ideas and things we need to consider doing (daily quitting time). Thank you for your honesty, sincerity, and the sharing of your experiences. May God bless you in all that you do! You are a tremendous asset to many. We do what we can and trust God to provide where we can't.
Same here, on a half acre. Greenhouse is coming. Most all of your priorities. We live in central Kentucky and for a break, we will go to Sevierville TN. 3 hours away for a Fri and back home Sat. Blessings
When working is your hobby and home is your passion it’s easy to take on too much and all the sudden you’re trapped. My mom dying at 58 a year ago changes perspective a lot. It’s a hard balance.
So sorry for your loss. Your Mother was so young so you must be as well. Grieve as long as you need because it does no good to hold inside the loneliness. Life is so short for some!
I love that your dog photo bombed the video. I love dogs and I think seeing more of your pets would please your viewers. Thanks for this video. It's a reminder that all work and no play is not much fun.
You are so gracious and wise to share this with us…having hard conversations is what helps with longevity, growth, and endurance. As someone who isn’t a homesteader, I still benefitted from it greatly!
That's one of the most important conversations with yourself and your spouse is what is your Out before you get In to projects, And reevaluating, readjusting as you go along. It's not failure, it's education
Good morning 🙏😊 What a blessing you guys are to all who watch your videos! I have been in the burnout and to the point that I felt like I was a hamster in a wheel and couldn’t get out! Thankfully, Covid hit and I had to stop! Lol I’m probably one of a very few who saw Covid as a blessing, but I believe it actually saved my life. We all get so busy in this world that we sometimes forget our original priorities. I realized that it is ok to say no and ok to ask for help. I’m so happy for you guys that you are taking time for yourselves and again enjoying your homestead. Thank you again for all you do. Have a blessed week 🙏😊
I clearly understand burnout what I have found does help it's just a manage your time a little better in the things that you do I live in Australia and I am raising cows pigs sheep and meat chickens I believe securing your own food sources very important also any access livestock that I get through breeding which does help financially because animals do eat a lot of food I don't think a lot of people understand that animals do take up a lot of time and they are very hard work looking after recently I took on the task of breeding my meat chickens and incubating their eggs it might take a little bit more time to what I was doing throughout the day but I love it even though it's a bit of hard work just seeing little baby chickens hatch makes my day or seeing a cow being born or a sheep being born I don't mind little piglets but they take a lot of work and wear me out very fast but as I said I think it's about time management and always making sure that you leave time for yourself just to do something different
Your honesty is appreciated! It helps the rest of us. That is one reason I think alot of us like to watch your videos. You guys are just so likeable and relatable also. God Bless you..
I understand completely, frequently we spread ourselves too thin, and neglect our well-being. Taking a step back and reassess priorities, your correct is essential. 😊
Thank you for your honesty! It is refreshing to hear not everything comes up roses. We are stuck in this world and need balance between here and God, where our focus needs to be. Good stewardship, love of family and community and a little fun along the way is what I strive for. Peace be with you!
My husband and I are 73. He retired from pastoring two years ago after 50 years of ministry. He has had his own contracting company for a number of years. I have a skin care business. We are pretty busy but we can come and go as we please now that the church is not at our beck and call. We just got back from a vacation to Oregon and California where I grew up. We do about 9 markets a month which my husband loves. I doubt we will ever completely retire. We just planted about 15 raised beds and 20 fruit trees/bushes. We also keep our evenings relatively free. Blessings and I love your channel!
The challenge for being good hearted people is to know when your generosity becomes a burden. We appreciate you sharing your experiences and knowledge. Editing video is very time consuming. Do only what you NEED then enjoy what you want. We love all your choices.
Thank you for your honesty. My husband and I thought you were abandoning homesteading and getting too “corporate” with all the businesses you were expanding with. Cutting back and focusing on your original homesteading goals is the way to go. Sounds like you’re on the right track. Best wishes.
I'm not a homesteader per se but I do want to feed my family with healthy food grown from seed. I went a bit too big for my first garden but I'm plugging along and trying to do things without getting overwhelmed! I appreciate that I'm not alone in my panic and fatigue. I always appreciate your wisdom. Thanks and enjoy your season :)
Oh my gosh! You’re so honest & human. I love sharing your life but there’s times I feel lazy when I see all that you do. Good for you! Some of my busiest times are the most rewarding when daily tasks (chores) are done and my life is filled with “smelling the roses.” It’s another chance to count my blessings.
Having grown up on a homestead in North Eastern Ontario this is the first time I have heard this term discussed. With us it was our way of life and we cherished life. We lived it to the fullest in my mind and enjoyed what we accomplished. Sure it was not all roses and happiness. It had it's good and bad times but I never once heard my parents say the words "burn out" though I am sure they had times they may have. As you say "burn out" is a state of mind. One must get up and continue on for the benefit of all. We had many as we were a family of fourteen siblings raised on a 160 acre farm with 5 month long winters. If you make the choice to live as such, yes you can have burn out. If this is your only life as you know it, live it to the fullest because we only have one ride on the marry-go-round. Enjoy your videos very much. Keep them coming.
I think they were saying they stretched themselves too thin with video production, farmers market, & not the basic homesteading of growing food & raising animals. They have to put up food for themselves, run a farm, with many responsibilities. God bless.
Good for you. You are allowed to enjoy life. I admire you for being as organized as you are. I admire you for admitting that you DON'T have to do EVERYTHING. I really enjoy your videos. I am happy that you will have time to smell the roses.
I'm not a homesteader, but am avid gardener. And I am aging and getting less agile. My husband has been making tall raised vegetable garden boxes for me, one or two a year. I now stand and do most of my gardening work which has greatly reduced fatigue and soreness. I am able to continue my gardening otherwise I believe I would have to give it up. So, don't be afraid to modify your procedures to accommodate your abilities and desires. Thanks for this video, timely for all.
the one that has always been clear to me is the amount of work you two do, including all the house chores. I'm not surprised that you get burn out! Take care make sure you're there for you grandbabies.
This is helpful for anyone with burnout, no matter what it involves. Setting goals is so important, and making a plan and taking action even more important!
YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME!!!! I'M 64 AND RETIRED NEVER DID ANY GARDNING BEFORE BUT LISTENING TO YOU MADE ME WANT TO START DOING AND BEEN TRYING ALL KIND OF SEEDS AND EVEN GOT BEAUTIFUL 🥔 HOPPING TO LEARN LOTS MORE.
When burn out hits again. Please remember I am a person you have effected. So many times you have shared a problem and solutions that I was experiencing at the very same time. Like my brassicas dying with the unvented propane heater and deer pressure issues (The moat) to name a couple. Thank you for making my life easier. I know am not the only one.❤
I must start with applause for your honest opinion on burnout as I'm feeling that now. I have decided to get help to maintain and improve my plot. Just last week, I hired a guy with a mini digger to do loads of prep that I would have done by hand. It's saved me hours of backbreaking work and allows me to do a lot more on my land. The first thing you need to realise is you can't do it all by you're self. I'm looking after 4.5 acres of lovely land in central Portugal and the growth rate here is unbelievable. A little rain and sun equals a meter of weeds. I have been following you two for years and appreciate all the hard work you both do to bring us all these great videos. Thank-you.
Kevin & Sarah TY for such an important video. It is healing and helpful. How amazing the Lord opened your eyes to all these helpful changes. He is truly blessing you but also (in some way) saying "My children you are doing a great job, but I would encourage you to " I am in no way speaking for God, but Biblically he has guided His faithful in similar ways. Big smile! God bless you both mightily!
Wow. That is where I am now. My husband works full time, and it is me taking care of everything else. Inside and outside the home. Plus help with the grandchildren. It has been super difficult. I haven't even been able to start my garden.
I'm glad you 2 realize that burnout is real. A few years ago I quit my job of 20+ years planning to take the summer to figure out what direction I wanted to take with my life... before summer was over I wound up going to the emergency room and from there I found out I had cancer. I spent last year having surgeries and chemo. I've spent most of this year recovering from the side effects of chemo. I'm feeling better every day but I know I'll not get back to 100% again. I'd settle for 75%. Getting older doesn't help but I know many other women my age and older that get more accomplished. This is a ME year. That may sound selfish but I have to prioritize what I can and want to do. Making my bucket list a reality is hard because I truly never know what is going to happen tomorrow but I look forward to seeing it every day! I hope you two take time to sneak a vacation in every year. It's hard with animals I know but you should get a couple of weeks to see what's happening off the homestead. Even if it's one week at a time
Kevin and Sarah, my wife and I just love your honesty! We came down to see you at the farmers market last Saturday for our 49th anniversary. You are an awesome couple! With a wedding coming soon and your farm....step back and take a breath. Love Kevin and Katheleen from Kansas. God Bless
Great video guys. Thank you for sharing your experience. It's so important to get your priorities straight and ensure your actions day to day are in alignment with those goals. Always good to be reminded of that!
I could sense you were feeling a little burned out and love that you were not only able to recognize it, talk to each other, devise a plan and then graciously share it all with others. May God continue to bless you and yours.
It's hard to manage a brain that has such an imaginative business side. Couple that with generous and giving hearts, and you have a recipe for burnout. God bless you for giving this information to your followers. I'm in my 60's and have struggled with these things all of my adult life. My body is breaking down, and some days there is so little joy in what I do, I feel paralyzed by the burnout. Your plan to go back to the purpose rather than trying to do it all is the prescription needed. Again, God bless you and your efforts.
