Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Blue Garden Cottage (UK Suburban Homestead)

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I find in my self-reliance journey, if I keep the Saviour as my focus, answers and ideas come, I can see them and the HOW.  
Recognising and voicing gratitude for the the abundance we already have and being grateful for the good things we can find even in the bad times, prepares our minds, hearts and spirits to receive yet more abundance. 
It's The Law of The Harvest. 

There are exciting things in planning at the moment ready for 2025. Just 2 months away! I can't wait to share it with you so keep popping in to check. There are still 2 podcasts I will bring for you and will update you on progress.  

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

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|It's good to find out that we have a distraction or are avoiding something. It helps to tackle roadblocks and redirect to get back on track, take action and find transformation. This is the path to success. 
It can be uncomfortable and so could the path and bridge to the goal but oh, the destination is worth it! 
What's your WHY? is it strong enough to get you out of that rut and propelling you toward your goal? You've got this!

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

What if I told you that navigating the UK's social welfare system is a journey filled with unexpected challenges and invaluable lessons? I don't need to. Most Brits already know. 
This episode takes you inside my recent experience at the Job Centre as I tackle the complexities of migrating to Universal Credit. Despite the limitations imposed by non-disclosure agreements on frontline staff, I share the importance of being prepared and the role online resources play in guiding you through this complicated system. Alongside this, you'll hear about my personal journey from South Africa to the UK, the various jobs I've held, and the significance of self-reliance and hard work.
I'm unpacking my response to listener comments from the last podcast about Preparing to migrate to Universal Credits. I look at the complexities behind the statistics on unemployment in South Africa without a Dole (social welfare system). With a shocking 59-60% of young people aged 15 to 24 out of work, I Look behind the layers of these statistics. 
From the way corruption decides who gets grants in South Africa, grants meant to support the most vulnerable. There are human stories behind these numbers, including the impact of affirmative action policies and the turn to crime for many South Africans.  The struggle for survival without stable income and adequate infrastructure in SA is laid bare. By looking behind the statistics in both SA and the UK's own social welfare numbers, we highlight the importance of understanding that we CANNOT compare the two countries. 
Finally, I explore the intricacies of the UK's social welfare system, discussing the numbers of claimants of various benefits such as Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, and Disability Living Allowance. The numbers don't stack up. I look at where I found the UK Government's statistics and why they aren't comprehensive enough. 
While expressing gratitude for the system, we can't ignore its political and economic challenges, emphasizing the need for responsible budgeting. My conversation also tackles the stigma surrounding benefit claimants, advocating for a broader understanding of the statistics. The people behind the numbers and one size DOESN'T fit all. Labels are undeserved and unhelpful.
I dive into the complexities of PIP assessments for individuals with autism and other disabilities, emphasizing the need for a more empathetic, solution-oriented approach to empower people beyond societal labels. Join me as I advocate for dignity, self-reliance, and a deeper empathy for the real lives behind the statistics.

Support the show by subscribing: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316173/support 
and get a shoutout in the next show. 

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Have you already moved over to Universal Credit? Are you in the middle of waiting for your application to be processed and your money has been stopped? Are you waiting with baited breath for the letter telling you it's your turn? 
In this podcast I share tips and thoughts on how you can minimise the stress and trauma of the process. 
The problem is the solution and there's always a way. It's sometimes difficult to see it when you're up to your eyeballs in it. 
This podcast is meant to lift you enough to see and thrive in the middle of chaos until this temporary situation changes

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

I'm not one for doomsday prepping but Appropriate Prepping is another story.  With politics, global events and domestic economies as chaotic as they are,  we all have to get on with daily life and pay the bills, keep our heads above water and thrive...NOT just survive. Provident living can make that possible.
The UK Government have yet again in May 2024 re-released and updated their Prepare Website and their timing makes everyone jumpy but it's general good sense preparing even though I think we need a bit more urgency at the moment.
I mention this more in the blog so check that out. 

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

In this new series exploring Provident Living, I share with you how self-Reliance and Self-Sufficiency are merely cousins and only 2 topics in the umbrella of Provident Living. I share thoughts on
It's the new buzz word for 2024. We love to label and hype up 'new ideas' which in fact have been around for thousands of years in the form of life skills.
It might be old news and NOT in fact 'new' but for many people, even young people, Provident Living IS new.
Modern life skills may take a new form but the basic ones are still the same, whatever the generation.    Here I am still learning and implementing many principles even now.
In the last 5 years there has been an upsurge of young people looking for a more natural, calm, traditional life as far as slow living and the rural lifestyle goes. Provident Living is the way to do that. 
I look forward to hearing from you as to your own ideas about provident living and life skills as well as your questions. 
Are there any provident living, homesteading, life skills, self-reliance podcasters, authors and so on out there that you would love to have me interview/chat with in future podcasts?
What specific topics would you like to see more of?
Do help me make this podcast helpful and enjoyable for you by letting me know.
Until Next time...Provident living topics. 

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I'm 'connecting the dots' of how  my faith helps me to balance all the aspects of my life in my efforts to put first things first and still reach self-reliance goals. I share how The Rules of The Mind as taught by Marisa Pier has also helped me to make connections. 
Tackling things holistically means trying to do the best I can with what I have to meet all needs without burnout or neglecting  one thing in favour of another.  It also means improving my mindset about those things. Especially since if we neglect one aspect, another suffers somewhere along the line.
My faith being my standard and guide, helps too and trusting my gut. 

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media platforms.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you in the hope that you could be inspired, empowered and find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom from being 'indebted or slave to' the system.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens with faith but I hope you will find something of value to you even if you are not in any way religious. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

Here is my book:

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

And my Patreon;

https://www.patreon.com/user

My Blog;

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8471886172121789979/5276294579297813134

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

What does your daily routine look like and how is it helping you to achieve your goals?

Continuing the 1st things 1st theme, I have been deliberately working on my personal routines in how I start my day. As the saying goes...Start as you mean to go on".

I intend to use the time I have wisely and do all I can to be productive in it. I intend to be successful in health, faith, business, home and relationships. Where better to start than with myself.

So as energy flows both ways, I receive all the best energy I can from around me, choosing to reject anything that will halt, interfere or slow progress unless it is part of a learning experience that will help me grow. After all, we can't know the sweet without tasting the bitter. I won't invite it but when it comes, I will learn from it.

I DO invite the sweet and good energy deliberately though. I get selective of what I expose myself to and choose my routines...Spiritual/mental and emotional first, physical health next and then work.  In my personal opinion, most important is my own mental and physical health so that I am able to take care of the most important aspects of my life; Family, home, faith and then work, Church callings and ministering (checking up on folk and fellowshipping with those I have been given spiritual stewardship over).

For practicality's sake, I have to put mental/spiritual and physical health first then work in my daily routine for 4 days of the week but my motivation and my WHY is as mentioned above in importance.

I do believe that when we put first things first, life tends to be a little easier to navigate and we are more likely to succeed in our goals. Trials will become opportunities. We will grow.

That’s my hope for you.

I welcome your feedback and questions on self-reliance in all it's aspects. I look forward to hearing from you.

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/

Send us Fan Mail

In this podcast I'm sharing how I'm figuring out the priorities of getting my business and home in order which would be different for everyone.  How do YOU prioritise?

For show notes (which I have turned into a blog) see the link below. 
Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you in the hope that you could be inspired, empowered and find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and with faith but I hope you will find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;
Podcast Subscription;
 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2316173/support

But for one place link, here is my book too...

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

And my Patreon;

https://www.patreon.com/user

My Blog;

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8471886172121789979/5276294579297813134

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

https://www.instagram.com/sindywakeham/#

Support the show

Find more about my journey, projects, lifestyle and interests on all my social media accounts.

I’m on a self-reliance journey and sharing it with you to inspired, empower and help you find a way to realise your own dreams and ambitions by gaining financial and mental freedom.

I approach self-reliance through a holistic lens and faith but you may find something of value to you. 

Your feedback and conversations always welcome (keeping it family friendly).

Other links are as follows;

https://books2read.com/u/4DD2Mr

Escaping the Dole YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXmibYTKIRLZBzg5Ckecwtw

My other YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDmVZPaIC2WFMe9wzALgbYg

Blogs:
https://escapingthedolewithsindy.blogspot.com/
https://bluegardencottage.blogspot.com/