What if the secret to thriving in midlife isn’t about chasing more—but about rediscovering what we’ve forgotten? When Elizabeth Bruckner saw grocery store shelves emptying in 2020, it sparked more than anxiety—it ignited a deep transformation. Living in a typical suburban home surrounded by concrete and a backyard pool, she began a journey into modern homesteading—a lifestyle choice that turned uncertainty into empowerment. Modern homesteading doesn’t require a cabin in the woods or going completely off-grid. It’s about reclaiming traditional, sustainable skills—like fermenting vegetables, growing herbs in containers, or making your own pantry staples—that nurture resilience, health, and creativity. These practices are especially powerful for those navigating midlife transitions, when questions about purpose, energy, and identity tend to arise. As a licensed acupuncturist, Elizabeth had long witnessed patients seeking quick health fixes while neglecting true self-care. But through homesteading, she found natural, lasting wellness solutions. Fermented foods helped her rebalance hormones, eliminate symptoms like insomnia and unwanted hair growth, and restore gut health. Just as importantly, crafting with her hands—gardening, preserving, creating—boosted her serotonin and dopamine levels, reducing anxiety and elevating mood. She describes the homesteader mindset as grounded in three simple principles: Choose vibrancy and playLearn for pleasure, not perfectionFind joy in the process, not just the outcomeInstead of defaulting to screen time during moments of boredom or stress, Elizabeth began using what she calls “found time” to reconnect with meaningful, creative work. These small acts of intention created big shifts in her mental and physical wellbeing—and deepened her connections with family, friends, and her wider community. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 70, it’s never too late to start homesteading in your own way. Your version might include fermenting sauerkraut, growing herbs on your balcony, sewing your clothes, or making herbal remedies. The beauty of homesteading is that it's flexible, empowering, and deeply personal. Midlife doesn’t have to be about decline or reinvention—it can be a time to reclaim your power, creativity, and vitality. Your hands remember skills your mind may have forgotten. Maybe now is the perfect time to rediscover them. Social Media and Websites Website Special Gift for V.I.B.E. Listeners We hope you have enjoyed this episode. Please like, comment, subscribe, and share the podcast. To find out more about Lynnis and what is going on in the V.I.B.E. Living World please go to https://link.tr.ee/Lynnis Join the V.I.B.E. Wellness Woman Network, where active participation fuels the collective journey toward health and vitality. Subscribe, engage, and embark on this adventure toward proactive well-being together. Go to https://www.vibewellnesswomannetwork.com to join. We have wonderful events, courses, challenges, guides, blogs and more all designed for the midlife woman who wants to keep her V.I.B.E. and remain Vibrant, Intuitive, Beautiful, and Empowered after 40+. Interested in an AI platform that meets all your needs? Click here
