In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m opening up about a week that didn’t go to plan—and the truth about motivation. From a flooded bathroom and piles of laundry to the reality of slipping habits and cold dark mornings, I’m sharing why motivation alone doesn’t keep us going, and what I’m leaning on instead. If you’ve ever known what’s good for you but still couldn’t bring yourself to do it, this one’s for you.

We’ll talk about the emotional toll of disrupted routines, why doing the basics can feel impossible, and how I’m using small, practical steps to get back on track. You’ll also hear how the changing seasons and our own internal cycles can affect our energy, and why we need to stop expecting ourselves to operate at 100% all month long. Because motivation isn’t what drives us—it’s movement, habits, grace, and starting small.

Key Points Covered in this episode:

What happens when routines fall apart during busy seasons

The story of our flooded bathroom and how I’m still avoiding the mess

How my health goals got derailed by Easter chocolate and farm life

Why knowing what helps doesn’t make it easier to do

How our energy shifts with our hormonal cycle—and how I’m learning to plan around it

The impact of daylight savings and seasonal change on motivation

Practical ways I’m adding movement and sunlight into my day again

The list my personal trainer gave me to get back into good habits (without burning out)

A reminder that you don’t need motivation—you just need to start small

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

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Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/35