Wondering how it's possible to find balance and bloom in your family, community and life?

Bloom in your family, community and life by mastering the art of communication! Val Plagge is the special guest today. She's discussing a topic that many Ruralites struggle with - Including me!  So, listen to her episode and find inspiration! And, check out all the amazing nuggets of inspiration Val has to offer in the show notes while you listen to her episode.

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT VAL

• From rural North Central, Iowa (Latimer). 
• She’s a wife and mom to four kids.
• Val attended Iowa State University, where she met her husband.
• Together, they raise corn, beans, pigs (finishing) and kids. 
• Keeps the books and helps with marketing for the farm as well as seasonal farm work. 

Surprisingly, Val still finds time to volunteer in her rural community: 

• First of all, Church: Christian education, such as Christmas Program and Vacation Bible School. 
• Also, Adalente: A group to help the growing Hispanic population. 
• And Make a Wish. 
• Then, different agriculture groups, such as Farm Bureau and Corn producers
• And, she's a Common Ground Volunteer!
• Finally, 4-H Communications Project Leader

So, Val wears a lot of different hats! Next, let's hear some advice from Val. 

AND A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM VAL

"Bloom Where You Are Planted."  She wants to help make where she lives a better place, both farm and her community. 

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH THE JOURNEY

When Val was in college, her parents got divorced after 25 years of marriage. It was very hard on her.  And she took partial blame on herself. She attended therapy sessions to help her and her family get through the struggle.   

LESSONS LEARNED

• First of all, keep spouse number 1 to bloom in your family.
• Furthermore, communicate with spouse and God and together you'll bloom in your family. 
• And she learned that there's very little informational materials for adult children and divorce.

What Would Val Had Done Differently?

• Probably, she wouldn't have taken everything to hard or too personally. She would have taken a step back and looked at the big picture more. 

THEN, VAL DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”

Her lightbulb moments came in 1st grade! She learned that even in rural Iowa, not everyone knows how food is grown on the farm.   

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT VAL STRUGGLES WITH?

Biggest struggle is keeping the house picked up with four kids. The kids often distract her from what needs to be done around the house. 

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS VAL MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Val is most excited about those little moments with her kids and seeing them grow up. Each of her kids have different personalities and interests. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING VAL BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS?

Val's ultimate goal in life is to help youth to develop their interests. She loves working with youth and helping them develop skills and interests.  But, time is the biggest thing that holds her back from those goals. The farm and family is growing so that takes up a lot of time. 

Tips for Getting Involved & Volunteer

Volunteering is great for meeting new people and understanding everyone in the community. Also, keeping the rural community alive.  How to get involved:

• First of all, go to church
• Or, visit the local chamber of commerce
• Finally, figure out where key leaders & influencers hang out (coffee shop, YMCA, big events, etc)

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

Become involved and volunteer in the community. This has really shaped who she is today.  Also, keeping the relationship first is very important to her.   

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

She uses an app from Proverbs 31 Ministry called First 5. This is a devotion designed to take only the first 5 minutes of your day.   

FAVORITE GO-TO MEAL

Definitely Pork Loin: 

• First of all, Smoked Pork Loin. 
• Also, Pork Roast: Drizzle Soy Sauce, 1/2 bottle of Teriyaki Sauce in a crock pot, then fill with water and slow cook. 

The possibilities are endless for the pulled pork. So, you can use pulled pork in: Tacos, Spaghetti Bakes, etc. 

FAVORITE APP?

First of all, Evernote! It allows you to:

• Set reminders
• Or Upload pictures
• Then, Make Lists
• And so much more. 

Also, Google Calendars to keep everyone in the family on schedule. 

AND, FAVORITE PHYSICAL TOOL

One physical tool is the dry erase board in the kitchen with the family prayer list. It's a way to include the kids into daily prayers.   

BEST BOOK SHE WOULD RECOMMEND

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle.  Also, she wrote: Sparkly Green Earings and Nobody's Cuter than You. Those two books are also very good. 

AND, IF VAL WOKE UP TOMORROW, ACQUIRED 10 ACRES AND $1000, WHAT WOULD SHE DO?

For sure, she will use the money to build a large tree house for the kids! And the extra 10 acres added on and planted to a crop. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

Remember always to put family and time first before anything else and you'll bloom in your family, community and life. 

FINALLY, CONTACT VAL

First of all, Facebook: Val Plagge Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids Blog Twitter: Val Plagge Instagram: Val Plagge Email: vplagge@gmail.com Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

~ MUCH LOVE ~

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS THAT, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I MAY GET A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK THE LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS WAY!  

Do you know how important it is to first get fit in mindset and body after?

Get fit in mindset and body with Anna Woods! Anna stresses the important in becoming fit in your mind first and foremost. Her passion is helping rural women to put themselves first and help them to realize that they are amazing.  Anna is awesome and so inspiring. I can honestly tell you that after chatting with her, my mindset did a complete 180. But, don't just take my word for it. Listen to her episode and find inspiration! Check out all the amazing nuggets of inspiration Anna has to offer in the show notes while you listen to her episode.

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT ANNA

• From rural Reno County, Kansas. 
• She's a wife and mom to three kids.
• Anna grew up on a farm with horses. Then, went to college at Northwestern Oklahoma State. 
• And she obtained a degree in Exercise Science. 

She enjoys working with people of all ages, especially adults with special needs and age. She wants people to understand that fitness is:

• First of all Mental
• Then, Emotional
• Finally, Physical with the release of stress from our life. 

So, Anna created the SheStrength program and has a lot to offer women who want to get fit in mindset and body. 

AND A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM ANNA

The concept of "I am enough." What you do each day is enough. 

• First of all, start first thing in the morning when you wake up. 
• You have to give some time to yourself each day. 
• Finally, prioritize what you do or don't get done. And don't be afraid to say no. 

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH THE JOURNEY

So, the concept of "I am enough" came out of this low point in Anna's journey. She and her husband was trying unsuccessfully to have their second child.  Because of this low point, Anna was living a very bitter and angry life. She was frustrated that she didn't have control over this situation. But then, in the middle of trying to adopt their son, Anna became pregnant! 

LESSONS LEARNED

• First of all, her faith strengthened. Always know God is in control.  HE will come through.
• Furthermore, everything happens for a reason. 

And if Anna could do it over again, she would be a lot less bitter and a lot more understanding. 

THEN, ANNA DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”

After her second baby was born, she had trouble dropping the baby weight. She became obsessed with losing the weight. Furthermore, she became a slave to the scale.  And she was hating the person she was becoming and knew that something had to change.  So, she learned the concept of having one goal and achieving it. Maybe just focus on one pull up. Or three pushups. This is the mindset shift. Because, fitness is defined by YOUR goals - Not anyone else's. 

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT ANNA STRUGGLES WITH?

1. First of all, watching women depending on "quick fixes" with weight loss. And comparing themselves to others. 
2. Taking time off for yourself. It's hard not to work all the time when you have a passion for something but so important. 

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS ANNA MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Mostly, she's excited for the future her SheStrength program.  Also, the opportunity to make an impact on her daughters (and other peoples' daughters!) 

HER RESPONSE TO "I DON'T NEED FITNESS BECAUSE I GET FIT IN MINDSET AND BODY WITH FARM WORK"

• First of all, scientifically, your body isn't going to change if you aren't changing what it's doing each day. 
• Secondly, it's important to take time for yourself away from work. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING ANNA BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS?

First of all, slowing down and enjoying the ride. Then, being patient and waiting for the right timing of things.

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED

Just being enough. Do what you can and understand that it's enough.  And you have to learn what your boundaries are and what you can do. 

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

First of all, taking time in the morning for herself. It can be just a few minutes:

• Maybe doing a quick workout
• Or sitting and planning the day
• Praying

Hence, she makes her mindset right first and then starts the day. 

FAVORITE GO-TO MEAL

• Zucchini Pizza Boats

Pink Himalayan Salt Zuccini Favorite Pizza Toppings

• Frozen Bananas dipped in Greek Yogurt

FAVORITE APP?

Probably an app called Wonderlist

• Because it sends you reminders three different ways!

AND, FAVORITE PHYSICAL TOOL

Probably her barn with her home gym. Kids have a place for an outlet:

• Skating
• Trampoline
• Jump Rope
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Pool Games

It's a nice change of scenery for them. 

BEST BOOK SHE WOULD RECOMMEND

Probably the book 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit - What we give ourselves permission to do...either quit or keep on pushing. 

AND, IF ANNA WOKE UP TOMORROW, ACQUIRED 10 ACRES AND $1000, WHAT WOULD SHE DO?

Anna would love to build a fitness training facility that is handicap accessible for people with disabilities to feel comfortable in and to get fit in mindset and body.  Also, she would offer her SheStrength program for all women looking for an outlet from their day. And to get fit in mindset and body, too. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

Start telling yourself that you're enough. Figure out what your goals are. Furthermore, establish boundaries for yourself around those goals in preparation to get fit in mindset and body.  Then, start following through! And give yourself permission to say no. 

FINALLY, CONTACT ANNA

First of all, Facebook: Anna Woods And the beautiful SheStrength Website Then, SnapChat: home.gym Email: anna@shestrength.com And watch for the APP coming soon! An awesome way to get fit in mindset and body.   Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

~ MUCH LOVE ~

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS THAT, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I MAY GET A COMMISSION IF YOU CLICK THE LINK AND MAKE A PURCHASE. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT IN THIS WAY!  

Have you ever wondered what it's like to travel to All 50 States in just one year?

Travel to all 50 States by following the journey of Natalina Sents. Natalina is telling the story of farmers state by state all year long through the Why I Farm Road Trip.  Furthermore, she was a joy to talk to and I hope you all enjoy learning about her journey as much as I do. 

FIRST OF ALL, ABOUT NATALINA

So, Natalina is a country girl from Iowa who loves to: 

• travel
• thrift
• cheer on Iowa State Cyclones

Her blog is the Roots Journey, where she shares her travels to rural communities and farms.  Currently, she's on a year long 50-State Why I Farm Road Trip where she's sharing the story of farmers through interviews and photography.  So, she gets to travel to all 50 states to meet with amazing farmers.  And these stories can be found on the Why I farm Blog and social media pages as well as Natalina's blog The Roots Journey. 

AND A PIECE OF ADVICE FROM NATALINA

Always wake up with fresh mindset and be ready to take on today's challenges. Put yesterday's struggles behind you.  And be thankful for what you have in this rural lifestyle!

NEXT, LOW POINTS THROUGH THE JOURNEY

Back in high school, her high school best friend began to struggle with drugs. Seeing him make poor choices was very difficult.  She had to make the choice to not follow his path but to support him.  This experience made her feel more independent in the way she began to make decisions and choices. Which especially comes in handy with this opportunity to travel to all 50 states. 

FURTHERMORE, HOW DID SHE OVERCOME THE LOW POINT

It's certainly shaped who she has become. She kept a lot of the struggle to herself at the time. She doesn't think this is a good idea.  Then, graduation happened and they went their separate ways.  Consequently, looking back she's grateful for the opportunity to go to college. 

THEN, NATALINA DESCRIBES THE “AHA MOMENT”

In college at Iowa State, Beck's Hybrids visited her classroom and introduced the art of telling the farmer's stories. She knew right away she wanted to help with this cause.  So, the videos she saw that day was her aha moment for the next step in her path. 

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT NATALINA STRUGGLES WITH?

First of all, the struggle on the road trip:

• Looking for something new every day in a brand new place. 
• Learning how to find everything on your own. 

And, the struggle in her personal life: 

• Prioritization everything she has to balance with this project. 
• She wants to spend more time at the farms and with the farmers. But, the post production work is calling.

CONSEQUENTLY, WHAT IS NATALINA MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

• To meet different farmers every day. 
• She's also excited for people disconnected from farms to be reconnected with local farms nearby. 

These featured stories will be available online for many years to come. 

SO, WHAT IS HOLDING NATALINA BACK FROM REACHING HER GOALS?

 There's not enough hours in the day!  And not enough caffeine. 

BEST ADVICE SHE’S EVER RECEIVED

"A Man is not a Failure until he begins to Blame Someone Else.  So, take control and responsibility for your own actions. 

FURTHERMORE, HER BEST PERSONAL HABIT

She receives a bible verse texted to her each morning to start her day.

FAVORITE GO-TO MEAL

While traveling, it's local cuisine. And she turns to caffeine In the south, she loves the Waffle House Pecan Waffles and a hash brown.  Perk: The Waffle Houses are open all day and night. As a result, she can have this meal whenever she wants while she can find a Waffle House!

FAVORITE APP?

Probably Air B&B. Rented space in homes, shops, etc. Here is the link for you to check out Air B&B on a discount.

AND, FAVORITE PHYSICAL TOOL

Her camera is her best tool. She uses the Canon Rebel T2i.  And I use the Canon Rebel T5i. Any of the Canon Rebels are great cameras.

BEST AUDIO BOOK

Natalina loves autobiographies. She's recently listened to Ben Franklin's autobiography. 

AND, IF NATALINA WOKE UP TOMORROW, ACQUIRED 10 ACRES AND $1000, WHAT WOULD SHE DO?

She would start a hands-on agrotourism farm. This is where her love of ag began and she wants to give back someday. 

IN CONCLUSION, SOME PARTING WORDS OF WISDOM

Take the time to slow down and listen to a back ground story. Because, practicing this has made her a more thankful and intentional person. 

FINALLY, CONTACT NATALINA

Facebook: Roots Journey  Twitter: Roots Journey Also, Roots Journey Instagram And her Blog Web Site: Roots Journey Then, Why I Farm Facebook Also, Why I Farm Twitter And Why I Farm Instagram Why I Farm YouTube Channel Email: Why I Farm: whyifarm@gmail.com Email: Natalina Sents: natalinasents@gmail.com Finally, catch all the past episodes of Rural Women Inspired!

RURALITES, HONE YOUR DREAMS, OWN YOUR LIFE AND I’LL SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD.

~ Much Love ~