In this episode of the Joyfully Prepared Podcast, Wendi shares what the first six weeks of 2026 have looked like on her Florida homestead. From clearing space to become a quilter, to raising and processing 42 meat chickens, to navigating a damaging cold snap and the loss of a beloved rooster, this episode is a real-life look at how homesteading builds confidence one skill at a time. Wendi reflects on how practicing small, foundational skills creates long-term strength and why she believes self-reliance is a powerful form of self-care. She also shares the joy of bringing home two bottle-fed baby goats and what trying something new is teaching her about growth, resilience, and identity. If you’ve ever wondered whether homesteading really changes you, this episode will remind you that the quiet work of learning and doing builds strength you can’t buy.
In This Episode:
Why Wendi is identifying as a quilter before making her first quilt
The power of practicing simple foundational skills like sewing straight seams
Raising and processing 42 meat chickens and what that teaches about confidence
How tweaking systems makes homesteading smoother over time
A Florida cold snap that damaged the food forest and what resilience looks like
Losing a rooster and making the next right decision for the homestead
Combining flocks and preparing for a new generation of laying hens
Bringing home two bottle-fed baby goats and trying a new approach
Why self-reliance is a form of self-care
How skills compound and build lasting confidence
Referenced Episodes:
Episode 203: Raising Meat Chickens
Connect with Wendi:
🏡 Website: joyfullyprepared.com
Email: wendi@joyfulprep.com
📚 Joyfully Prepared Library: joyfullypreparedlibrary.com
🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning
🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate
📸 Instagram: @joyfulprepper
👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com