In this episode, my guest is Lauren Van Ewyk, co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, agricultural mental health advocate, social worker, foster parent, sheep farmer, and PhD student on a mission to give farmers better access to ag-informed therapists.
We explore what narcissism has to do with farm family dynamics and why not understanding the truth—that we are fiercely loved and incredibly precious—ultimately blocks us from healthy relationship dynamics and personal growth. This episode is full of practical strategies, insight, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of your life as a farmer.
“When you talk about that piece of identity, we have to understand that as farmers, sometimes we have tattooed across our forehead ‘we’re a farmer’. But that’s not all we are. We’re a spouse, a parent, a community member, or we might be a church contributor. There’s all different pieces of this identity, and we want to grow our sense of identity, not to minimize who we are as farmers, but to understand that we are complex people in a complex world, and we bring so much more to the table.” –Lauren Van Ewyk
Mentioned During This Episode
People
Books
- Emotional Vampires by Albert J. Bernstein
- Words That Change Minds by Shelle Rose Charvet
- The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
- The Gift Of The Blessing by John Trent
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
- Boundaries by Henry Cloud
Podcast
Course
Elaine Froese Resources & Links
- SPEAKING – book Elaine for your next event
- COACHING – find your Farm Transition Coach
- MEMBERSHIP – Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
- RESOURCES – download for FREE
- CONTACT – take the next steps in your transition
- BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches
About Our Guest
Lauren Van Ewyk is an engaging speaker, podcaster, registered social worker, foster mom, and agricultural mental health advocate. She has appeared in numerous radio, television, and print articles concerning the issues of adoption, foster care, mental wellness, and mental health in the agriculture sector.
Lauren works with businesses, individuals, and families all across Canada to find hope and healing. She and her husband raise sheep in southwestern Ontario.
- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance
- Find An Ag-Informed Therapist
- The Rural Well Podcast
Submit a Question
Have a burning question you’d like answered on the show by Elaine or one of her amazing coaches? Ask it HERE.
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Timestamps
[0:00:30] The story of Elaine’s stuffed sheep
[0:02:25] Introduction to Lauren Van Ewyk
[0:03:10] What is a narcissist when it comes to farm family dynamics
[0:05:48] Helpful language for dealing with feeling attacked
[0:07:52] You play an invaluable role in our world and community
[0:09:46] Curiosity is a really valuable tool
[0:11:24] It’s all about identity
[0:14:25] What does ‘dropping a stone’ mean
[0:15:44] The impact of generational trauma
[0:17:02] Unhelpful guilt and people pleasing
[0:19:58] The dark side of resilience and workaholism
[0:22:18] How to begin navigating towards a healthy dynamic on the farm
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