ME + MOTHERHOOD with Benita Bensch

Benita Bensch
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Stories and meaning-making from motherhood, rural life, midlife unravelling, writing, healing, entrepreneurship and evolving from feeling invisible to seen again - by yourself first. benitabensch.substack.com

  1. 50. Blending Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

    02/26/2025

    50. Blending Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

    For this, my 50th episode, I'm sharing my lessons on blending motherhood and entrepreneurship. From the start of TTC (trying to conceive), going through IVF, the newborn and toddler days and now the school years, motherhood and business have gone hand-in-hand for me. This journey has shaped me in ways I never expected, teaching me lessons that go far beyond business strategies or parenting techniques. I’d love to share with you some of the insights I’ve gained from navigating this blend (not balance) of motherhood and entrepreneurship over the years.  1. Know Your Values - Initially, I thought I needed to compartmentalise these roles, but I've learned that when your values are clear, decisions flow more naturally. It's about recognising what truly matters and letting that guide your choices, even if they seem conflicted. 2. Understanding Different Energies - Work often provides immediate satisfaction and clear outcomes, while motherhood is more nuanced and complex. Acknowledging this difference has helped me approach each role with more awareness and intention. 3. Embracing Support - One of the most profound lessons for me has been understanding that seeking support isn't a sign of weakness - it's essential for growth. This realisation didn't come easily, but it's transformed how I approach both roles. 4. Honouring Multiple Passions - Rather than seeing this as a lack of focus, I've learned to embrace it as a strength that brings depth to both my parenting and entrepreneurial endeavours. 5. Listening to Your Body - The physical demands of motherhood and business are real. Learning to recognise and respect our body's signals isn't just beneficial - it's crucial.  6. Finding Natural Rhythms - It's not about forcing a perfect schedule, but rather finding flows that honour everyone's needs while moving your business forward. 7. Leading with Strengths - The skills we develop as mothers often enhance our business capabilities, and vice versa. It's about acknowledging these strengths and allowing them to serve us in both areas. 8. Building Meaningful Support Networks - The importance of having people who understand this journey cannot be overstated.  9. Let Go of Mum Guilt - The weight of mum guilt can be particularly heavy when building a business. Let it go, but also lean in and listen to what it’s saying.  10. Embracing Creative Evolution - Creativity flows differently in different seasons of life.  I'd love to hear about your experiences - what lessons have you learned along the way?  Episodes Mentioned: 11. Karen Brook On Consciously Creating, And Ditching Mum Guilt 39. How to Make Time for Creativity Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    38 min
  2. 49. What I'm Learning Raising Boys

    02/11/2025

    49. What I'm Learning Raising Boys

    I was asked recently what it's like raising four boys. It definitely got me thinking. They’re about to celebrate their birthdays in the next six weeks – the twins will turn nine, our eldest is almost 11, and our youngest will be seven. And while there’s a bit of rough-and-tumble going on that usually comes with the territory, raising sons has been an eye-opening experience and completely different to what I expected.  Today, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learnt, ways I’ve adapted to the unexpected and what I hope to be instilling in my boys as they grow. I'll take you through my experiences of:   - Releasing expectations - Nurturing individuality - Understanding physical play - The power of attention - Awareness of body image - The need for good role models - Fostering emotional language - Challenging gender norms These lessons really just skim the surface. I’m not perfect, and I don’t have all the answers. But I'm continuously learning, and eager to hear from you too. What are your experiences? Please drop me a message or an email – I’d love to discuss the incredible journey of raising boys with you! Facebook Group: Support for Women in Family Farming: Succession & Other Challenges Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    28 min
  3. 48. My Top 5 Lessons from Navigating Big Change and Reinvention

    01/28/2025

    48. My Top 5 Lessons from Navigating Big Change and Reinvention

    As we step into 2025, my life has been swirling with change – not just with a new home, but with a shift in my career as well. Recently, my family and I embarked on a significant move that upended our surroundings and challenged us to settle into a new rhythm. Alongside the chaos of relocating, I’ve also closed a chapter as an accountability coach with the Farm Owners Academy, leaving me with a clean slate to explore new ventures.  As I reflect on this journey of shifting landscapes, I want to share with you the top five lessons I’ve learned about navigating big change, the art of surrender and how reinvention has shaped me. Perhaps these will offer some guidance or comfort if you too find yourself swirling in the waves of life's transitions. We'll explore: 1. Progress Over Perfection 2. Honour and Communicate Your Needs 3. Comparison is the Thief of Joy 4. A Shift in Energy is Growth 5. Honour What You Love Navigating big changes in life can be daunting, but it’s within these shifts that we find opportunities for reinvention and self-discovery. My hope is that you too, will find the courage to step forward, surrender to the flow and embrace change with a reinvigorated spirit.  Remember, the magic lies not in having everything perfectly aligned, but in the beautiful journey of becoming. Facebook Group: Support for Women in Family Farming: Succession & Other Challenges Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    29 min
  4. 47. School Holiday Survival And 2025 Goal Setting

    01/14/2025

    47. School Holiday Survival And 2025 Goal Setting

    I find myself in the thick of school holidays and I imagine many of you, much like myself, are navigating the highs and lows that accompany this somewhat haphazard time of year. Whether you have kids at home from primary school, kindy, daycare, or even boarding school, the change in routine can feel both liberating and overwhelming. Some days, it feels like we’re swimming in flexibility and fun, and other days, it feels as if our nerves are hanging by a thread. It’s perfectly natural to experience a spectrum of feelings during the holidays. Some parents cherish every moment, while others find it a challenge—or perhaps you’re like me, somewhere in the middle. In this episode I take you through a few strategies that have helped me manage the holiday hustle with my sanity intact. I think it’s important to remind yourself during this time that every parent’s journey through the holidays is unique. Allow yourself the grace to navigate these times in a way that best suits you and your family. If you feel like you need additional support to set your goals for 2025, I’ve created a comprehensive workbook available to you—just reach out via social media or email, and I’ll be glad to send it over. Sending you love and wishes for beautiful, joyous holiday moments with your little ones.  Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    22 min
  5. 46. My Goals For 2025

    12/31/2024

    46. My Goals For 2025

    As we usher in 2025, I find myself deeply reflective and excited about the year ahead. Whether you celebrated New Year's Eve by turning in early or dancing the night away, I hope your festivities were wonderful. I’m writing this with a sense of fresh beginnings and anticipation, and I wanted to share some of the goals I've set for this year.  Embracing New Beginnings As many of you know from previous episodes, we have embarked on a huge transition. After moving from the border town of Goondiwindi in Queensland to our new home in the Echuca Moama region, we are ready to begin this exciting new chapter.  Personal Growth and Stability This year, I am committed to slowing down and fostering stability within our family. It's been a whirlwind past few years, filled with big decisions and changes, from leaving our family farm to moving towns and schools. My aim in 2025 is to pause, reflect, and appreciate the journey.  Additionally, I am focusing on health and well-being. I've encountered some unexpected health challenges in the past 18 months, which have served as a reminder to care for my body and mind. Slowing down not only feels essential but vital for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.  Work and Play My approach to work is undergoing a transformation in 2025. I've temporarily paused my coaching programs, desiring the headspace to focus on our move and settling in. Yet, I'm thrilled about leaning into my passion for writing in 2025. I plan to make writing my primary focus, while dedicating, I think at this stage, approx. one day a week to coaching and consulting. I'm especially excited about working on my upcoming non-fiction book centred around motherhood, and embarking on a children's book series as well. The Road Ahead While my goals for 2025 might seem loosely defined, they’re driven by an intention to live slower and more intentionally. I’m eager to witness what life unfolds when I maintain a high vibration and clarity in my thoughts and actions. I invite you to join me in reflecting on your own ambitions for the year.  What are your goals for 2025? Is there a word that encapsulates your hopes and intentions? Listen in to find out what mine is! Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    19 min
  6. 45. Living In A Rural Town vs On The Farm

    12/17/2024

    45. Living In A Rural Town vs On The Farm

    This episode is inspired by our family's significant move from our beloved farm near Moonie to the lively border town of Goondiwindi, and my reflections on living in a rural town compared to life on the farm. After spending decades mainly on the land and out of town, this transition brought its share of revelations, and I'm eager to share the highs and lows. When we decided in 2022 to live in town during the school terms of 2023, it meant embracing a new chapter. Goondiwindi became our home base, offering immediate access to amenities that were previously the cause of extensive planning and travel from our farm 130km away. The ease of simply being able to pick up a fresh loaf of bread, grab a coffee, or pick up groceries felt like a luxury. This convenience has been a significant pro of town life—the time saved from driving alone was a game-changer. And then we made the move to living in town full time during 2024. We became "townies!" One of my favourite aspects of residing in town has been the community connection. Living closer to others means there's more opportunity for spontaneous coffee meet-ups and being part of events that enrich our social circle.  However, town living isn’t without its downsides. The bustling environment can sometimes feel constrictive, especially after enjoying the expansive freedom of farm life. Several challenges in our family arose from feeling “caged in” due to smaller living spaces and constant noise. As I reflect on this past year of living in town, I've also acknowledged some lifestyle changes. It’s been challenging to juggle the faster-paced conveniences of town life while longing for the hands-on, active lifestyle that the farm provided.  I hope this reflection resonates with you, especially if you're contemplating a similar transition or just curious about the rural versus town dynamic. Our experiences, though personal, might offer insight or comfort as you navigate your own journey.  Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    24 min
  7. 44. Your Label, Your Role: In Or Out of Family Farming

    12/03/2024

    44. Your Label, Your Role: In Or Out of Family Farming

    In this episode I’m talking about a topic that I know many of my rural and regional listeners who are involved in farming businesses will resonate with. That said, I think there's a good message in here for everyone as we discuss the labels we put on ourselves and finding our place in the stage of life we’re in.  In this conversation, I’ll explore taking a stand for what we want for our lives and making conscious choices that see it come to pass. I encourage each of you to pause and reflect on the labels you assimilate. Whether it's "farmer", "farmer's wife", "stay-at-home mum", or any number of titles we've been given or have taken on ourselves, these labels shape perceptions. They affect how we view ourselves, how others perceive us, and ultimately, how we show up in various facets of our lives. You may find yourself in roles traditionally defined by others, but remember, you do have a choice. It’s entirely okay to express a desire to pivot away from roles that do not align with your interests or strengths. In all this, the most crucial thing is to own your role or position. If you're content with being a "farmer's wife," embrace it. If you prefer to forge an identity beyond, say, "just a mum", then proudly step into what resonates with the essence of who you are. Be deliberate and conscious in how you define and represent yourself. If the environment you are in doesn’t support your vision or make you feel valued, consider whether it is the right one for you. I'd love to hear your thoughts, experiences, and welcome you into my Facebook community for women navigating these very issues. Let's support each other in becoming the authors of our own stories, with love, compassion and a shared determination to live authentically. Facebook Group: Support for Women in Family Farming: Succession & Other Challenges Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    19 min
  8. 43. Knowing Your Mental Health Red Flags

    11/19/2024

    43. Knowing Your Mental Health Red Flags

    We talk a lot about mental health these days which I’m so grateful for. It’s brilliant that we as a society are more aware of this topic and it’s no longer taboo to talk openly about things like anxiety and depression. While I believe these conversations are extremely valuable, we often place the focus on mental illness as opposed to mental health itself. I’d like to open the discussion on how to recognise the mental health red flags so we can catch ourselves and take action before we spiral downward. I recently had a conversation with my dear friend Mandy and we brainstormed the idea of implementing a traffic light system to identify our mental states. The green light represents everything going well, orange indicates that things are beginning to slip, and the red light signifies waving flags, urging immediate action. One resource I've turned to repeatedly is the Beyond Blue website. One page in particular offers a fantastic description of the mental health continuum, showing that mental health isn't black and white. Picture it as a timeline with stages ranging from healthy to crisis, allowing for a personalised understanding of your mental health journey. Green Light - Healthy:  In this stage, we operate smoothly. We think clearly, feel capable, and maintain positive connections and routines. Orange Light - Unsettled: We might feel irritable or have trouble concentrating in this stage. The key is to acknowledge these feelings early, especially as we approach high-stress periods like the busy holiday season. Red Light - Struggling: When you’re in the red zone, emotions might include distress, hopelessness or brain fog. At this point, you might feel like you need professional support from a counsellor, psychologist, coach or trusted friend. Because we’re all different, your green, orange and red lights will look different to someone else. For me, being overly stressed or losing touch with my intuition is a sign that I’m in the orange zone. Spiraling negative thoughts, not wanting to take calls or go out at all indicate more severe struggles in the red zone. Creating lists of what helps during each phase is a proactive step you can take. Maybe going for a walk, calling a friend or taking a long bath are things that help draw you back to feeling yourself. Remember, there's no shame in asking for help. Vulnerability not only liberates you but also grants others permission to share their struggles too. You are worthy of feeling good and are a valuable part of our world. Beyond Blue Website  Find free printable affirmations and affirmation phone wallpaper graphics from RESOURCES at www.benitabensch.com Let’s meet: Book a discovery call with me Subscribe: Join my mailing list Website: http://www.benitabensch.com Freebie: Affirmation Email Series Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/benitabensch Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/benitabensch This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benitabensch.substack.com

    21 min
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Stories and meaning-making from motherhood, rural life, midlife unravelling, writing, healing, entrepreneurship and evolving from feeling invisible to seen again - by yourself first. benitabensch.substack.com

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