The Homesteader’s Guide to Slowing Down & Thriving as a Parent, with Alicia Rose
Embracing Your Best Life: Lessons from a Suburban Homesteader
Have you ever felt like you're running on empty, constantly chasing after an elusive sense of fulfillment? As parents, we often feel like we have little time for our own dreams and aspirations. But what if I told you that it's possible to create a life that's both deeply satisfying and family-centered? That's exactly what I discovered in a recent conversation with Alicia Rose, a suburban homesteader and podcast host who's mastered the art of living her best life while nurturing her family.
Alicia's journey from burnout to bliss offers valuable insights for parents seeking to reclaim their energy and excitement for life. Her story reminds us that fulfillment isn't about having it all, but rather about intentionally crafting a life that aligns with our values and passions. Let's explore how we can apply Alicia's wisdom to our own lives and find that sweet spot where personal growth and family life harmoniously coexist.
The Power of Clarity: Defining Your Best Life
One of the most striking aspects of Alicia's transformation was her commitment to gaining clarity about her ideal life. She shares:
"I would grab a pen and piece of paper and write down what your best life looks like. Write down who you want to be and how you want to live and how you want to show up and get completely clear on the life that you want to have."
This simple yet profound exercise can be a game-changer for parents feeling stuck in a rut. By taking the time to envision our best life, we create a roadmap for fulfillment. It's not about crafting an unrealistic fantasy, but rather identifying what truly matters to us and how we want to show up in the world.
Consider asking yourself these questions:
What does my ideal day look like?
How do I want to feel when I wake up each morning?
What activities bring me joy and energy?
How can I best support my family while also nurturing my own needs?
Simplifying and Prioritizing: The Art of Saying No
Once you have a clear vision of your best life, the next step is to create space for it. Alicia emphasizes the importance of simplifying:
"I would look at the reality of your life, the reality of your planner, of all your commitments. And I would take away every single thing that you do not have to do."
This advice resonates deeply with the struggles many parents face. We often find ourselves overcommitted, leaving little room for personal growth or quality family time. By critically examining our commitments and letting go of non-essential activities, we create breathing room for what truly matters.
Remember, saying no to certain things allows you to say yes to others. It's about making intentional choices that align with your vision of your best life. This might mean declining volunteer opportunities that don't align with your passions or limiting extracurricular activities to preserve family dinners.
Starting Small: Building Confidence and Fulfillment
Alicia's approach to homesteading offers a valuable lesson in pursuing our passions: start small and build gradually. She advises:
"I would find something that you're passionate about and I would start very small. So if you love to cook from scratch, I would encourage you to pick one recipe that you would like to make."
This principle applies to any area of personal growth or lifestyle change. Whether you're interested in gardening, writing, or learning a new skill, starting with manageable steps builds confidence and momentum. As parents, we can model this approach for our children, showing them that pursuing our passions is a journey of small, consistent efforts.
Consider these ideas for incorporating small steps towards your best life:
Dedicate 15 minutes each day to a hobby or skill you want to develop
Try one new recipe or gardening project each week
Set aside a specific time each day for undistracted play with your children
Implement a weekly family meeting to discuss goals and celebrate progress
Challenging Limiting Beliefs
One of the most powerful takeaways from Alicia's story is the importance of challenging our limiting beliefs. She shares how she overcame her initial doubts about homesteading in a suburban setting:
"I thought I can't have chickens. I don't have all this acreage. And then I challenged that belief and I was like, why can't I have chickens?"
As parents, we often hold ourselves back with self-imposed limitations. We might think we're too busy, too old, or not skilled enough to pursue our dreams. But by questioning these beliefs and exploring possibilities, we open doors to new opportunities and growth.
Ask yourself:
What dreams have I put on hold because I thought they weren't possible?
What assumptions am I making about my capabilities or circumstances?
How can I reframe my thinking to focus on possibilities rather than limitations?
The Power of Your Why
Alicia emphasizes the importance of having a clear "why" to guide our decisions:
"So you need to have your why. So if for your audience, it's probably their kids, right? So your kids would be your why. So why do I want to live this best life? I want to be the best mom to my kids. I want to be with my kids. I want to be present with my kids."
Understanding your core motivation helps you make decisions that align with your values and goals. For many parents, their children are a powerful why. However, it's crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is an essential part of being the best parent you can be.
Consider creating a personal mission statement that encapsulates your why. This can serve as a touchstone when making decisions about how to spend your time and energy.
Balancing Presence and Productivity
One of the most challenging aspects of parenting is finding the balance between being present with our children and pursuing our own goals. Alicia offers a powerful insight:
"You can't be present and you can't be busy at the same time, right? You need to find a way to slow down and take some things off your plate."
This reminder challenges us to be intentional about how we structure our time. It's not about cramming more activities into each day, but rather about creating space for meaningful connections and personal growth.
Consider implementing these strategies:
Designate specific "no-phone" times for family interactions
Create a daily ritual of connection with each child, even if it's just for a few minutes
Schedule regular "me time" for pursuits that energize and fulfill you
Practice mindfulness to help you stay present in the moment
Modeling Self-Care and Personal Growth
As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is the example of a fulfilled, balanced life. By pursuing our own passions and taking care of our needs, we show our children the importance of self-care and personal growth.
Psychologist Dr. Shefali Tsabary emphasizes this point:
"The greatest gift you can give your child is your own happiness."
When we prioritize our own well-being and pursue our dreams, we not only become happier individuals but also more effective parents. Our children learn by example that it's possible to nurture both family life and personal aspirations.
Creating Your Suburban Homestead
While not everyone may want to raise chickens or start canning vegetables, the principles of suburban homesteading can be applied to any lifestyle. It's about creating a life that's more connected, intentional, and aligned with your values.
Consider these ideas for bringing elements of homesteading into your life:
Start a small herb garden on your windowsill
Implement a weekly meal prep routine to simplify cooking
Create a cozy reading nook for family storytime
Designate a space for a family hobby or craft project
Remember, the goal isn't to do everything at once, but to gradually create a lifestyle that brings you and your family joy and fulfillment.
Embracing the Journey
As we reflect on Alicia's journey and the lessons it offers, it's important to remember that creating our best life is an ongoing process. It's not about reaching a perfect destination, but about continually aligning our actions with our values and dreams.
Just as Alicia transformed her suburban lot into a thriving homestead, we too can transform our lives into something that truly resonates with our deepest desires. It starts with clarity, requires intentional choices, and flourishes with consistent, small steps forward.
So, dear parent, as you close this article and return to the beautiful chaos of family life, I encourage you to take a moment. Breathe deeply, and ask yourself: What small step can I take today towards my best life? Remember, every journey begins with a single step, and your path to a more fulfilled, energized life starts now.
Your children are watching, learning, and growing alongside you. By pursuing your own fulfillment, you're not just improving your own life – you're setting the stage for generations of intentional, joyful living. So go ahead, plant that seed of change, nurture your dreams, and watch as your best life blossoms, one small step at a time.
Join us on Fulfillment Therapy, where you'll find healing, wellness, and the tools needed to live a life you can't wait to wake up to. Together, we can create positive ripples of change and help others ignite their lives with lasting joy and fulfillment.
Thanks for reading and listening and shine boldly and brightly, my friends!
Connect with Kendra:🤗
ALL LINKS → https://linktr.ee/fulfillmenttherapy
Website → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org
Contact → hello@fulfillmenttherapy.org
Instagram → @fulfillmenttherapy
Facebook Community → http://bit.ly/fulfillmenttherapy
Facebook Group → Private FB Group
Schedule 1:1 Coaching → https://fulfillmenttherapy.org/1-on-1-coaching
Chat → 1-986-910-5172 *text questions & topic requests
Phone
(986) 910-5172
