112 episodes

Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here to be your Encouragement Mentor in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.

Simple Doesn't Mean Easy Michelle Visser

    • Education
    • 5.0 • 1 Rating

Are you longing to simplify things just a little, amidst the crazy, loud, distracting clutter of life? That's where I was just 5 years ago, when my family started on this crazy ride toward simplifying things. Since "simple" is almost never synonymous with "easy," I was pretty much a failure at everything I tried. But along the way I learned that it's not only okay, but actually GOOD that simple joys require hard work. So I'm here to be your Encouragement Mentor in this sometimes difficult effort to simplify. Because we can do this, guys. Together.

    112. Making the right decision (when logical negatives haunt you)

    112. Making the right decision (when logical negatives haunt you)

    In this episode, Michelle Visser shares thoughts about her family's experiences that led them to a simpler life and even homesteading. She reads some of her story (find that here: https://soulyrested.com/following-directions-part-1/) to explain their family journey.

    Celebrate the10th Anniversary of SoulyRested and join in the Pantry Staples Summer Challenge right here: https://soulyrested.com/makeit/

    The Giant Cookie we make to celebrate: https://soulyrested.com/the-secret-to-making-a-perfect-giant-cookie/

    Michelle emphasizes why we sometimes need to overlook the "logical negatives" when we feel ourselves drawn to a different lifestyle, on a different path. She also delves into what one can do when you no idea what is ahead.

    FREE resources:
    Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
    Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
    Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
    Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
    Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz

    Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/

    My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
    My website: https://soulyrested.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

    All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/

    • 26 min
    111. Let's redefine "luxury,"... grandmom had it right

    111. Let's redefine "luxury,"... grandmom had it right

    This mini episode of the Simple Doesn't Mean Easy podcast shares the backstory of Lula, my grandmom, and how her love for dandelions embodies the concept of finding joy in simple things.

    Lula grew up in rural West Virginia and had a deep appreciation for the natural world.

    * Finding joy in simple things can bring a sense of fulfillment and contentment.
    * Appreciating the natural world and its beauty can enrich our lives.
    * Contrasting perspectives on simplicity and cultivation can coexist and influence our own choices.
    * Valuing hard work and the results it brings can shape our definition of luxury.
    * Recognizing the value of seemingly insignificant things can have a positive impact on our lives.

    FREE resources:
    Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
    Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
    Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
    Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
    Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz


    Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/

    This episode sponsored by SoulyRested.com/botanicals
    My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
    My website: https://soulyrested.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

    All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/

    • 7 min
    110. Six things I've learned as an accidental homesteader

    110. Six things I've learned as an accidental homesteader

    In this episode, I'm dishing out the insider details... I'm sharing six things I've learned as an accidental homesteader over the past 10 years.

    The article this episode is based on: https://soulyrested.com/2015/11/30/following-directions-part-1/

    A Homestead Checklist for every season: https://soulyrested.com/2020/08/23/a-homestead-checklist-for-every-season/

    6 Ways to Start Homesteading BEFORE you own land: https://soulyrested.com/2021/02/28/6-ways-to-start-homesteading-before-you-even-own-land/

    We discuss the therapeutic benefits of simple living, the importance of slowing down, the value of documenting experiences, the realization that goals may look different than expected, and the significance of delighting in the journey rather than just the destination.

    I share how I have learned over the years to trust in God's timing, find joy in the process, and relish in the opportunity to help others along the way.

    We discuss how simple living can be therapeutic and life-changing in our modern society of constant stress and how slowing down and focusing on simple joys brings lasting happiness and fulfillment.

    We walk though the fact that documenting experiences is important for personal growth and for sharing with future generations.

    Goals may evolve and look different than expected, but that's okay and often for the better.

    Delighting in the journey and finding joy in the process is more important than reaching the final destination.

    In fact, the process of working towards a dream can be more rewarding than achieving the dream itself.

    FREE resources:
    Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
    Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
    Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
    Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
    Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz


    Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/


    My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
    My website: https://soulyrested.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

    All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/

    • 25 min
    109. A lavender farmer answers your questions

    109. A lavender farmer answers your questions

    Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Lavender Companion (if you live in the continental U.S.) by leaving a podcast review: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/

    Preorder a copy here: https://amzn.to/4a3owHn

    Find Terry Vesci here: https://www.pinelavenderfarm.com/

    Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/R-st5rXGRh0

    And the full talk with Terry Vesci: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/108-you-need-this-medicinal-herb-in-your-life/id1502035061?i=1000653897722

    • 5 min
    108. You need this medicinal herb in your life

    108. You need this medicinal herb in your life

    Win a copy of Terry Vesci's brand-new book (if you live in the continental U.S.). For a chance to win, just leave a podcast review. That's it. (more details here: https://soulyrested.com/podcast/)

    Join in my Pantry Challenge with my good friend, RuthAnn Zimmerman right here: https://soulyrested.com/challenge/

    Find Terry Vesci & her lavender products here: https://www.pinelavenderfarm.com/

    My lilac syrup recipe: https://soulyrested.com/2018/05/28/join-live-5-29-making-lilac-syrup/

    My lilac sugar recipe: https://soulyrested.com/2018/09/30/the-secret-to-making-amazing-lilac-sugar/

    My Lilac Blueberry Kombucha recipe: https://soulyrested.com/2018/07/11/lilac-blueberry-kombucha-totally-make/

    FREE resources:
    Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
    Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
    Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
    Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
    Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz


    Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/


    My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
    My website: https://soulyrested.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

    All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/

    • 1 hr
    107. 13 ways to use a dandelion

    107. 13 ways to use a dandelion

    Today I'm settling the debate between my Dad and Grandmom... Are dandelions a weed or a treasure? Should a dandelion be pulled as a weed or used in one of many ways?

    How to dehydrate dandelion flowers (& why): https://soulyrested.com/2023/05/27/dehydrated-dandelion-flowers-how-why/

    How to make Strawberry Dandelion kombucha: https://soulyrested.com/2022/05/13/strawberry-dandelion-kombucha/

    How to make a simple syrup from dandelion flowers: https://soulyrested.com/2020/09/19/the-easiest-way-to-make-simple-syrup/

    How a dandelion was a Poor Woman's Bouquet (about Lula, my grandmom): https://soulyrested.com/2014/05/22/62/

    We started this conversation in episode 103
    listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/103-a-gardener-looks-at-weeds/id1502035061?i=1000650105547
    or watch here: https://youtu.be/z8iNqJw9u5k

    FREE resources:
    Learn how to use fresh milled flour: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/k36hnsvbh7
    Learn about kombucha (and grab some of my favorite recipes): https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/b91bdd18-3581-414f-b145-8acd2e508a52
    Learn about dehydrating food: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/fl36xcgpvq
    Learn about baking with maple syrup: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62116313e0eda1a0d870b747
    Learn about making your own maple syrup: https://graceful-base-213.myflodesk.com/q5ecjrundz


    Looking for more free resources? Choose from even more FREE e-courses here: https://soulyrested.com/howto/


    My book: https://amzn.to/45Pt8Pu
    My website: https://soulyrested.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/souly.rested/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulyrested
    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/soulyrested/

    All my favorite ingredients: https://soulyrested.com/the-best-ingredients-in-my-kitchen/

    • 6 min

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