If you’ve been craving change but feel stuck, or if you’ve started making changes but are now feeling unsure or uncomfortable, this episode is for you. Change can be scary, exciting, and overwhelming all at once, especially in rural life, where tradition runs deep. It’s easy to feel conflicted—wanting something different but fearing what might come next. In this episode, I share my own experience of navigating change on the farm and how stepping out of the familiar doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. In fact, that discomfort you feel? It’s a sign you’re growing.

We explore why change feels so uncomfortable, particularly for those of us who are tied to family traditions and rural lifestyles. Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, and that’s hard, especially when we’re surrounded by generations of people who’ve done things the same way for years. I talk about the fear of doing things "wrong," how the weight of tradition can hold us back, and the unique pressures that farm wives face when they challenge what’s expected of them. Yet, challenging tradition doesn’t mean you’re disrespecting it—it’s about finding a balance between honoring the past and making room for the future.

Finally, I discuss how to navigate the hard work that change requires, from overcoming fear and self-doubt to handling the tensions that arise when you try to do things differently. I offer practical advice on embracing change without losing yourself in the process. Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how to keep moving forward, even when you feel like you’re standing still. We’ll also explore identity shifts and how letting go of who you think you “should” be can help you discover who you truly are.

Key Points Covered:

• Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable: Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, which is why it feels so difficult. It’s easier to stick with what’s familiar, even if it no longer serves us. The uncertainty that comes with change makes us question if we’re making the right decisions, but it’s part of the growth process.

• The Fear of Doing Things "Wrong": There’s a fear of making mistakes or doing things the "wrong" way, especially when stepping away from the traditions we’ve been taught. This fear can hold us back from fully embracing change and moving forward, but it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of learning.

• The Weight of Tradition in Rural Life: In rural communities, traditions run deep, and stepping out of these long-standing practices can feel like you’re going against generations of family values. This is especially true for farm wives who are often expected to fill certain roles. Challenging those roles can feel overwhelming but necessary for personal growth.

• Generational Tensions When Bringing in Change: One of the hardest parts about change in rural life is the tension that arises between generations. The younger generation often wants to introduce new ideas, but it can feel like a battle when the older generation holds on to the "way things have always been done." This can create emotional strain, especially in tight-knit family farming operations.

• Challenging Tradition Doesn’t Mean Disrespecting It: Bringing in new ideas or changing the way things are done doesn’t mean you’re rejecting or disrespecting the past. There’s a way to honor the work and values of previous generations while still embracing change. It’s about balance—recognizing what’s valuable from the past and finding ways to evolve.

• Change Takes Hard...