The year my garden saved me

A more personal story today, about my mental health this last year and how the garden helped to get me out of a deep hole. Please be kind in the comments.
Buy our olive oil here: www.hortavelha.com/. Please note that we do not ship outside of the EU due to high shipping costs.
Cooking playlist: • Cooking with homegrown... *
*most videos on this playlist have an ingredient list in the descriptionbox
Want to support us and these videos? Get early access (ad free!) to videos and more on Patreon: / ourportuguesehomestead
Or become a supporting member of our channel: / @ourportuguesehomestead
For one time donations you can use:
Paypal: [e-mail]
Buy us a coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/portugue...
Our PO Box is currently closed.
Get your own Bluetti powerstation here: tinyurl.com/ysz6ct9c *
For 5% off your purchase use the code: BLUETTILea
*this is an affiliate link. Buying a Bluetti product through this link means we get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Music: Epidemic Sound
New here? My name is Lea and I live with my partner Maarten, our daughter Puck and toddler Bo on our land in Central Portugal. We left the rat race in the Netherlands in 2018 and moved south in our old campervan. Two years ago we bought land in Portugal that had been abandoned for several decades. After lots of hard work we now live in a beautiful yurt and keep ourselves busy growing our own vegetables as well as producing olive oil, wine and honey on a small scale. This channel documents all the different jobs we have to do, and sometimes some nice footage of this beautiful country we now call home.
Want to see more updates? Don't forget to subscribe!
Email: [e-mail]
Instagram: / ourportuguesehomestead
Facebook: / ourportuguesehomestead
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @ourportuguesehomestead

[@mathithomson3516]

Your honest introspection is so valuable in a world where a false perfect representation of oneself is the norm. Any mother, any working person, any deep thinker can relate to you. Your family is beautiful and your garden creation is happening as slowly and as steadily as all good gardens do. Thank you for sharing of yourself.

[@jpennturner]

As an elderly person I truly admire your family, I found raising two children on limited means while working absolutely exhausting. Making videos and growing food are extra jobs.

[@elisabethbenders-hyde5286]

Having struggled with depression myself while raising a family and working on our farm I too found that working in my garden got me through the hard times. Our children also give us the fortitude to go on. Keep to the routines, do the things that give you pleasure, and smile. May you stay healthy in body and soul through this winter.

[@ReflectingMe2024]

I've been here almost from the beginning Leah, and am so glad to read and see you are working hard on your well being and mental health. Not that my subscription matters, but I am not going anywhere. And what a wonderful thing to say about Maartyn. Greetings to all of you, from Wales. John

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks John, we're so glad you're here :)

[@sandrawray542]

I am a 76 yr old senior and understand totally what you are saying.. So happy you have a partner that can help and remember to love yourself as well as you do your family. look after your needs as well or if you do not , you will feel drained and over whelmed for fullfilling the needs of others ; always let your family know you need to take a time out for you for them to maintain your own sanity.. try hard to find a little space somewhere outside or inside, and sit with you and talk to the higher power within.. you have to know you are a beautiful lady with a wonderful family and remember family is a team, not solo..stay healthy dear because you matter... just breathe! sending good healthy and loving vibes to you and your family...

[@MrLittlelud4]

My favorite Portuguese vlog with your interesting family. Pleasing to the eye and mind. What can I say, it's hard being human. Wish you well.

[@MaliMaslacak526]

You are doing a fantastic job! Just so you know. You are extraordinary. Having two kids, a husband, a homestead and a yt channel is a LOT.

[@katharinabalzer867]

Dear Lea, I am also a mother of two small children and we renovate a house by ourselves in the mountains. Still we are close to my family and structures like daycare and other families and still I find it so hard! You are doing an amazing job! Please don't push yourself and see how much you are actually doing and that less is still a lot! Don't worry about the content here, ones a month would be more than enough :) Thank you for being so honest and showing also the struggles. I really admire the adventure you and your family took upon you. Take care!

[@suzzie5164]

I'm 57, live in the UK but when our children were young we went off to live in Spain off grid and it's a time that my kids look back on with such loving memories even though we're all in the UK now that was a choice made after my eldest decision to join the army at 16 gave us new challenges. Your doing something so very special for you all & doing an amazing job of it too - well done you 👏👏👏 sometimes when your low all it takes is a short trip back to city life & it soon lifts the spirit to be back in the peace of nature you've created in your new home 🙏💜

[@sheridavis261]

I look forward to all of your videos. Thank you so much for sharing your struggles. I love the slower, but beautiful pace of your videos and watching your family grow.

[@johnsonr9]

Great channel. Been following you since the beginning. You deserve a ton of credit; few people could do what you have done.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks Richard, you are too kind ❤️

[@skaraborgcraft]

I need a Martin in my life! KZbin is a double edged sword. People interested will always be here wether it is weekly or monthly videos. I get concerns come late September of impending winter, currently minus 20, knee deep snow and 10 days with no sun. Its a struggle to get out of bed some days. Your health comes first, do what is best for you. Happy new year to the family.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

I'm so lucky to have him! Last year I also learned that the post weekly doctrine is not necessarily true, so I've dropped that mindset. If you have a good story to tell people will find it, and good stories need time to come together :) I can imagine that being hard, wishing you all the best ❤️

[@dozer1642]

You and your husband are amazing. Don’t for one second think that your followers don’t know that you are doing a lot. You guys are raising children the way children are supposed to be raised. If you only post once a year we are still gonna watch with glee. If you’d like for me to tell you stories about my wife and I raising our kids off grid in a yurt, I’d love to make you laugh. You guys are Awesome. ✌️

[@davidj1684]

I admire vloggers who so openly and honestly wear their hearts on their sleeves. I've been watching you since your beginnings and enjoy your content enormously. Perhaps it's because I'm a single dad who's done most of what you're doing and lived through most of what you're living through, alone; perhaps because I share your love for the kitchen and the sheer unadulterated joy of cooking and preparing my own produce. Whatever, you make entertaining and very enjoyable content, for which l thank you. Do not worry about the apparent demands of social media. I have stopped following more channels than I continue with usually BECAUSE they feel the need to concentrate on quantity rather than quality and as an inevitable result fall into the trap of publishing for the sake of publishing. I can trust that any new content you publish will be enjoyable and informative. You are giving yourself and your family a real opportunity to live, learn, grow, love and enjoy life in a world where doing just that is increasingly difficult. Be very proud of what you have achieved. Be happy that you are in a much better place than the one you left. Be excited for the future you are both forging for yourselves and your children. It is often challenging and frequently overwhelming but SO, SO worth it! Un abrazo y ánimo!

[@suepittel426]

Please don't put too much pressure on yourself to produce frequent videos. We are so fond of you and your family that we are always excited to hear from you. You are giving your children a wonderful life that they could never have in a city. Take good care of yourself and your family on YOUR schedule. Everything else will work out. Thank you for your openness.

[@joconnor3567]

My father spent decades creating the garden he dreamed of. In spite of set backs and working eight hours a day in a factory, the garden was his therapy. Cutting down trees, battling insects, mulching, dead heading, etc. nothing deterred him. I believe you are headed in the right direction. Listen to your body. Wishing you nothing but the best!

[@rollandjoeseph]

Im sorry to hear about your personal struggles . Its great that you reassessed your needs and I hope you take some time for yourself to just be.... away from everything and do nothing for like a week if possible . I know it may be difficult but its important. Also, i found that severely limiting my news exposure helps with my depression and anxiety, along with a good workout..i hope things improve soon and you gain some much needed help from whoever it may be. Remember ,asking for help is essential too,...you're doing a wonderful job 😌✌️

[@bodilskumsrud520]

Lovely video…❤️ You are courageous people,and I wish you all the best and the best of health!!😊

[@margaretbacon7874]

Look after yourself and your family first we will be here for you 💚🙏🏼🐶

[@BreakingBarriers2DIY]

I’m grateful that you share the struggles with the obvious joys and peace of this adventure that attracts us to this channel. I live vicariously for now, I have a different path to travel, and your channel allows me to picture this life realistically. Thanks so much for continuing to share.

[@nadinehedican5677]

Learning from the land,being in rhythm with her....ahhhh that is a peaceful life. You are wise Lea.

[@tenpennyguy]

Thanks for your openness and honesty. Wishing you all well and wellness.

[@vancejones4804]

Happy new year to you and your family... Take your time there's no rush in life and be kind too yourself

[@daphnemays1969]

The garden is definitely good therapy! Many blessings on you!

[@JenShea]

Thank you Leah… for sharing so much. It was a very difficult year. I’m glad you have a loving family and I wish you, Maarten, Puck and Bo, a wonderful year ahead.

[@RunningDuckPetSitters]

The baby bee keeper is ridiculously cute.

[@annregan5330]

Love your videos narrated beautifully life is hard sometimes but you are doing great and all your hard work is paying off looking forward to next chapter take care ❤

[@7311andrew]

A couple of things. If you will remember and think about it when you are over whelmed this will help you a lot. "Never worry about things that you can't do anything about". Make raised beds out of pallets and line with plastic or landscape cloth. Your yield will be greater and you can do away with much of the tilling and digging you do now. Also getting a solar powered timer and valve kit to help with the watering.

[@crochetingknitter4751]

Glad to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel and that you found your needed balance. Lots of good health to you and your family.

[@mechanics4all405]

I am so pleased you are brave enough to address,the difficulties,you both have made monumental progress already,now you recognize no one can do it all,just go at a pace that suits you,and try and enjoy every minuite,you will sucseed prehaps,maybe visit parents and just have break,good luckmyou are a ROCK to the whole family❤

[@sammie44]

Wishing you a New Year of Happiness, Heath and a Flourishing Garden. 🌟 Puck and Bo 🤗 🌷Sam

[@iefkevanschaick1548]

you are doing so good,depression is so difficult and so present.Do not ever be hard on your self,have a rest when you can ,lots of love

[@davidbutler1666]

Hang in there! Life is a constant struggle. I am a teacher and also prone to depression and gardening is my therapy. Sending good thoughts.

[@dweamy1]

Lea thank you for telling us your story of last year. I had a feeling that you were struggling, and no wonder why! Your days are so full with so much to do, that sitting down and just breathing is almost impossible as so many daily tasks are constantly calling on you. I am glad you are over the worst, and what I found has worked for me is to take one hour per day, and let that be mine, and mine alone to do with as I want. If I want to sleep, ready, walk, do nothing and just sit in peace, have a bath, or meditate. That's been a great help for me. Don't worry about posting weekly, we are here and will continue to follow you and your lovely family no matter what. Huge thanks to Martin who has been your rock during this hard time.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

I've been able to carve out enough alone time, that surely helps a lot :)

[@NextStopThailand]

This video… is EVERYTHING! I have been in PT 6 months, single mom of 3, so overwhelmed, i struggle in my solitude, yet my garden and chickens bring me joy! I have been watching you from the building a yurt platform days and i must say that your channel is one of the most honest and encouraging safe places for me. THANK YOU for being vulnerable and sharing honestly!

[@richfiryn]

Sometimes the pace we are supposed to live our lives is just simply to live them as the days pass either quickly or slowly. Each day presents it's challenges, we meet them or bypass them and both are ok. I practice viewing the bigger picture while remaining grateful for everything along the way. Your honesty shared freely is a wonderful part of the person you are and that also will be carried on by your children through the years.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks for your lovely words Rich ❤️

[@margarettt7675]

This video brought back so many memories for me! I raised two daughters on my own, while doing my PhD full time, in an environment that was definitely not family friendly. All that is behind me, and I can honestly say it was not a joyous time for either myself or my children, but it would not have been no matter what my choices had been, and I know I did my best for all of us. Wishing you serenity, and so glad you find joy with your children!

[@jeannestott1456]

I wish you all a happy , prosperous and healthy New year. May every thing you wish for come to you Martin ,Puck and Bo. I really enjoyed you latest pod cast. I love watching what you are doing with Puck and Bo helping you. Good luck with the house build.😊

[@melindataljaard2753]

Love your videos. I also watch the newby that live in Portugal. Stay strong, Leah. Greatings from South-Africa 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@coby6417]

Heel veel gezondheid, liefde en geluk in 2024 voor jou en je gezin 🌟👏👍🍀💐

[@JudySnyder-dv5ld]

Everytime I watch your vlog I think how much you look like me in my youth. I used to love gardening, too. I love your vlog and you are so brave to talk about life's ups and downs. Keep gardening and cooking, if that's your happy place, your children are learning skills for life from you even when they just watch.

[@bigworld4089]

The shot with the blue dress looks so beautiful, the movement of the dress in the wind💞 Bless you all🙏🫂 🦋🌹🌾🪻🌿🌻🌱⚘️ 🐛🍁🍃🍂🍃🍁🍃🍂🐌

[@raimbowraimbow]

Very nice of you for sharing such things and I can't wait to see the new projects :) sending a big and warm hug your way to you all!

[@klbennef]

Beautiful family, beautiful life, beautiful soul! Make sure to take enough time for your self my love, for you are worth it!!

[@escapetoruralwales]

I have watched you and your beautiful family since the start and what you have done to get to where you are is inspiring. Having just started a channel myself I can understand the strains and effort to get content out. Sounds like you are listening to your mind and soul and doing what’s best for you. Thank you for sharing your feelings with us. We all love you dearly. from rural wales ❤

[@jennyjohnson9012]

Thanks for sharing Leah. I think we all go through these overwhelming times. Sending you lots of good wishes for the New Year ahead!

[@BMC-hl2uh]

Happy New Year to you and your lovely family. Find that pace which you're happy with.

[@marlenefilicevelasco5333]

You are a very special lady!

[@faithrada]

Sending blessings and gratitude to you, for bringing peace and inspiration into my life through your beautiful videos. There is so much stress & craziness when I focus on the outer world, but when I see you show up on my YT feed I REMEMBER .. there is a better place to set my mind. Nature, even with its challenges holds such healing power. Thank you again & again for your sweet and gentle reminders.

[@scottstephens4587]

I've asked questions before in efforts to see if there's an easier way to achieve your goal of self efficiency. If there's not, don't despair! Doesn't mean you're a failure. Don't let anxiety control your feelings. I lost a son to it in short time so hearing you speak raises my antennas. Plenty ppl around that would love to help swing an ax or shovel. The Bluetti note also caught my eye. Maybe a comment in the next video would help me and others choose wisely. Remember, it's a big farm. Weeds don't care that it's only you and Martin . Olive trees, bees, gardens is a ginormous undertaking. We love you guys! Stay healthy!!

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks Scott, luckily I've never been in that kind of place and I'm sorry to hear about your loss. We're keeping our current tempo and accept help where avaible :)

[@AnneHeyns]

Nice to see you again and looking forward to see the house being built.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

The digger engine is finally coming back on Tuesday, so hopefully we can get it running again 🤞

[@OPS59]

Façam sempre uma pausa após o almoço, de preferência uma soneca para repor as energias. Leve a vida com calma. Parabéns ao casal, os meninos estão fortes e lindos!

[@zakscott7700]

Well done on all accomplishments. It's not easy, but certainly rewarding when things eventually take shape. The best part is that hard times stay in the past when they are done, structures built remain much longer. In my experience, so do the good memories.

[@metamud8686]

Veel succes dit jaar met alles! Kalm aan, dan breekt het lijntje niet / Geen haast. 🙏

[@QuintaLimaPortugal]

I can totally imagine your struggles and that it became too much! People often think that an "easier" way of life means there's less to do, less hard work. But if your homesteading like we are, the amount of tasks can be completly overwhelming. We threw our planning overboard and now do what we want to do and mostly look at the weather. If its raining, we do inside jobs, if it's dry, we do outside jobs and just take it day by day. And if certain jobs aren't done, so be it 🤷 Take care!❤

[@lieuwina]

Gelukkig Nieuw Jaar Martijn ,Leah en familie. Leah film when you want to and take it easy. It is not easy to run a homestead and raise two children. Just doing the land is a lot. It is good to take a nap and what I learnt is put your alarm on for a hour nap in the afternoon even if your alarm goes off do not be tempted to turn it off and carry on sleeping. I had a break down in 2001 and was on medication which I have since managed to stop in 2016 and one must listen to ones mind and body. I am glad your light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and know that I appreciate your films and I look forward to your journey this year 2024. Do not feel pressurized by social media and do take your time and film and post when you want we your fans understand. Wishing you, Maartijn and children the very best, blessed, healthy, prosperous new year for 2024.

[@marionsmith1464]

I have been with you a long time. I miss seeing you more often, but I really appreciate the courage it takes to do fewer videos with the high quality content. Taking care of your family and yourself are the most valuable thing you do. Getting to share your journey in 🇵🇹 is so interesting and combining that with the joy of watching your adorable children is enough for me.❤

[@skyekennett243]

I feel for you Leah. You are right that we should not be doing all of these things individually. It takes a family, friends and community to pull together but in this day and age, this often seems like a pipe dream! Depression is so incredibly overwhelming and scary at times and as you say, you have chosen a harder path, living as you do but most definitely a more satisfying one in the end - the road less trodden always is! I love your videos and always look forward to them but I don't blame you for doing less. I am always in awe of how you manage all that you do plus make your videos!! Best of luck to you and your family for 2024.

[@artycles]

Thank you for your honesty. So many things resonate with where I have been. I am in my late 60s now but I think I could have made it easier on myself in the past by stopping and listening to my body. Enjoy your darling children while they are still yours to hold. They grow so fast, and independence we strive to instill in them takes over. Have a great year

[@ooo9283]

Peaceful and beautiful life....

[@beeheart6324]

Well done for realising you need to take naps. I am a grandma now and I only came to understand that I had to deal with life time burn out!! It was something truly deep and serious and it takes a lot of time. What I see is, that the more I do take it seriously listening to my body and my emotions the better I feel. This does not mean I don't need much rest: I do! It is something many people go through these days: burnout! We all did too much and the times of 2020 on have helped many of us to slow down a bit more and to follow our dreams. I so happy to hear you know for sure it's your dream and it's no surprise that even with more breaks and naps something good comes out of your daily life: we can't afford to overstretch ourselves again, we need to acknowledge that we have limits. Blessings to you and your family! Your videos are so lovely!

[@jeanettefrancis6473]

You are doing the right thing by slowing down and not putting so much pressure on yourself. I have also suffered from depression and anxiety and after a breakdown at work and going to the doctor I now have a life that I can live. I cut out all pressure from unwanted sources and only take on what I can manage. Gardening and animals and baking are calming activities. I avoid any people or situations that I don't feel comfortable with. Taking naps is very important for the brain to have some down time and regenerate. Kids cause stress, but you can manage that however you feel is beneficial and with the help of husband/partner. Do what you enjoy doing at the pace you enjoy and you will create a more calming environment for yourself and family. Lovely garden you have created.

[@AlongThePathsOfNature]

I do understand what you're transmitting in this video. I hope you can find your perfect balance. ❤ @AlongThePathsOfNature

[@adbc8213]

Your honesty is admirable....you, your family and many of the people watching these videos are benefiting from it. Thank You!!

[@junco477]

Thanks for taking care of and paying attention to your self.

[@rosbeaton637]

It is good to see you, Martin, and the children . I have so much admiration for you and your family and all you have achieved. Material achievements are one thing, but the way you have dealt with your burnout and troublesome emotions is really remarkable, accepting what is possible and making your health, your family and your garden your priority. Best wishes for the comng year and may you have a much happier and soulfulfilling journey in 2024❤❤❤

[@Rick-hz9cw]

I am truly thankful that you are able to talk about what I call my funks. I’m 76 and over the years had a lot of them, thank you for sharing

[@deborahbasel184]

Wow. The things you have achieved while battling Depression. Very impressive. I understand personally how hard Depression can hit. You are doing everything right in your recovery. I wish you well.

[@francescatappi3241]

Hi Lea, what a moving video. I hope this year will be better for you and I wish you and your family lots of health.

[@D.I.sgusted]

Maybe your best video as to yet……a close runner-up was the day Marten had his rant about Amazon and people who rely on other ex-pats for help, this stuck with me and he has it weighed up. Don’t burn yourself out doing loads of videos it is great to see these pop up now and again and to see how you and your family are getting on, you bring a bit of positivity to the end of a monotonously dull day with the ever growing threats of lunacy in the world. The chortling children look as happy as children can be, the garden looks magnificent, you are an inspiration.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thank you for your kind words 😊

[@momomba]

i cant express enough how dearly i love your channel. i talk about your family and what you guys are doing all of the time. you guys are living my dream. id like to thank you for sharing the good times and the difficult times though i know how hard those difficult times can be. it doesn’t matter how often you post content, i along with many other fellow followers appreciate whatever you grace us with. life’s a garden, just dig it!😎 all the love -a small town alaska girl

[@afrlala3593]

Wishing your family always the very best. Will also pray for you Leah. You are exactly where you should be. Hand in the ground is such a blessing. Wishing you a terrific 2024. Martin is a great man. Love your children.

[@rachelfrees1268]

You are doing such a great job in your gardens and taking care of family. Thank goodness you and Marratyn decided to take control of your lives and give each member a chance to thrive. I love your eating habits and taking naps. My late mother survived doing just that with 7 children, teaching school etc. we children did cooking thru the week and mom cooked on weekends. Please take care of your precious self.

[@viviennebradshaw5465]

Congratulations on taking care of your health ahead of the other stuff that wasn't atm, healthy for you. ❤ your gardening skills have definitely developed over time, you're amazing. Love your cooking skills as well..well done you. Beautiful ❤️

[@tamijohnston8401]

God bless and happy growing ❤

[@juanitakauffman6336]

Your videos are always well done. Take time for yourself and your family. Your children are growing and it is great to see them helping you. Your new home will be great.

[@ralphsullender2474]

I enjoy the videos of the garden and family. Looking forward to seeing more as you build and grow.

[@jacquelinesmyth3167]

Your doing a amazing job, I admire you a lot

[@pagegreer5081]

I'm glad you found what works for you.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks Page, I'm happy to feel a lot better compared to last year❤️

[@graniteonion6799]

Happy New Year OPH, i got excited to buy some of your olive oil and then oh, no UK or US ..damn that red tape!!..@@ourportuguesehomestead

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Sorry, I wish it was different!@@graniteonion6799

[@Frank18750]

Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful 24. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Your Videos are a lesson for everyone. Thank You

[@robertlemoine3500]

You have come so far , thank you for the excellent work .

[@brentinsenekal4005]

Love your channel and enjoy learning about this way of life your family are living.Tot ziens uit Zuid Afrika.

[@bethcollier3789]

Your inner strength is so admirable. Plus, the way you intervene on yourself with personal healthy options is, I believe to be, an excellent role-play for the youngsters to follow. Listen to how Puck sings to herself as she goes on with her very important role. I too have had to admit to the rules of aging as a human being and Nana-Naps are an addition to my life. You and your family have become an important addition to my life, and I am just so proud of you and your choices. Thank you for taking the time to make the videos and wishing you continued strength.

[@urskakuplenik2578]

I just found your channel and I'm so happy🥰 love this video and am looking forward to see more❤

[@daveb7095]

Well done the pair of you, wanting the the best for your family is what it’s all about . Your stars!!!!!!!!! Please keep trying . Dave

[@andiet8629]

Beautiful Leah, big love & healing from Down Under where I've been watching your journey for years xxx

[@ciprianoneves7246]

CALMA…MUITA CALMA. You have a beautiful family and a beautiful place and peace of mind. You have everything.

[@DanielSkinnerDETTPKS]

Thanks for sharing your life, with all its ups & downs included. Knowing when to listen to your body, striving to do better next year, & growing with your children is a dream come true for many couples; which you 4 seem have done, thanks for giving us your wisdom knowledge, love of life,& the growing products of the land where you now live. I am happy for you, Happy new year! Peace, Long Life, & Health to All.

[@ourportuguesehomestead]

Thanks Daniel, I hope you have a great year!

[@northerndreamcanada]

Thanks for your openness and honesty. I can relate to your feelings (last year was our first homesteading season and of course I want it all in the first year). I have come to the same conclusion that I am not helping anyone by overworking myself and thus not enjoying the process anymore. I really enjoy watching your videos and learning so much of your journey. Although in a completely different part of the world, in a very different climate (northern Canada), in essence we lead very similar lives with similar values. It comforts me to see others gravitating to this this beautiful and fulfilling alternative to the empty madness of 'the regular way of western life'. I also want to add my voice to what some others have already expressed, please don't feel pressure to post videos often. I strongly doubt you will loose any followers if your videos are less frequent. I believe that quality over quantity will always pay off in the end. Anyway, I wish you much joy, love, light and abundance in 2024 and although you do now know me, I want you to know that you have a friend in Northern Canada who is cheering you on and is thankful for all that you choose to share.

[@biancullofamily8263]

Hello Lea, I'm enjoying very much watching you and your family working so hard all together & growing with your little children and the garden, in this video your garden look beautiful. Congratulations!!! I like that you are putting attention to your body and needs❤ God bless and keep you and your family

[@jeanelliott7491]

Take care of yourself...and your darling children. I'll be here for any video you post ..anytime. I must admit though, I do check every day to see if there's a new video! Stay strong.

[@robynclarke5274]

I really enjoyed this video. I loved to see the rythym of your days. Its so worth it.

[@gardeningwithkirk]

Good morning 🙏, keep up the good work from Gardening and kirk. Have a creative day ✨

[@KristaLinford]

I support your choice 100%. These are the choices we have to make as mothers and women. We cannot do everything at the quality level we expect of ourselves. I love your videos and priorities.

[@sheilanichols3647]

Growing a garden and having chickens was very important when I grew up. My mother cooked all our meals. I gardened when my children were young and I cooked all our meals. You grow so many more things than we attempted. You inspire me. 😊 I want more seeds.

[@lewih7135]

Happy New Year! I saw a change in your content and I love it! Working in my flower garden is therapy for me as well. You are a wonderful mommy to your beautiful babies, and focusing on your mental health makes you an even better parent. I will always support your channel whenever you feel up to posting. Blessings to you and Maarten. ✌🏽 Keep making yummy food content! I love it!

[@katiadp2145]

Happy new year, wishing you all health,happiness and tranquility. Take care guys!!!!❤❤❤🇬🇷 🇬🇷

[@elkegear4983]

Thank you for sharing. I really resonate with what you're experiencing. Slowing down can be a hard thing, but brings us back to true meaning. Thank you for the gentle reminder :) Much love

[@conniechurches5831]

A heart felt vlog. Sending love and light and will visit your store. Blessing for the new year!

[@richardteychenne3950]

You show great strength of character Lea and have to be commended for how you are bringing up your family. It takes true strength to be honest and inward looking. It takes double the strength to be open to the world about ones own challenges. It says so much positively about you and you Rock of a partner. Wishing you all the best this year, we will be watching and learning as we are on a similar journey in central Portugal.