Modern Homesteading –
Why we want the Chickens and the Doctor too
Forbes says,
“Dear Homesteaders, Self-Reliance Is A Delusion”
The author is definitely not happy with the homesteader’s partial exit from society, yet their desire of its modern conveniences.
SIDE NOTE: I do see his point of view when it comes to the need for society to contribute as well as benefit from our government and systems.
In his article, he criticizes many homesteading/ off-grid families who have stated their un-need for society and desire to live independently, yet they still lean on the modern conveniences.
Can we have both?
As a homesteader I want to raise my own livestock, vegetables, herbal medicines AND I want to take my child to the doctor if he breaks his arm.
I want to cook my meals from scratch and eat out at a restaurant on Friday night.
Most of us are never going to be 100% self-sufficient.
This doesn’t mean becoming more independent isn’t worthy.
It is.
Let’s face it, no matter how self-sufficient I become, I’m still gonna buy shoes, saws, underwear, and pots from somewhere.
And that is OK.
Most homesteaders begin the voyage with a “can do” attitude toward something and desire to become MORE independent.
Being a Homesteader is not an Exit from the Modern World.
Homesteading is an Entrance into Knowledge, Life Skills and Freedom
Homesteading is a phenomenal way of life that aims to live more sustainably. A homesteader desires to take control and produce [some or all] of their own. A homesteader craves to be more self-reliant and less dependent.
The modern homesteader is one who begins to look around and wonder which of the basic necessities he or she can meet themselves.
Homesteading can involve sewing, building, farming or any production of needed resources.
If you make your own laundry detergent or carpet cleaner you are homesteading. Anytime you DIY you are like a homesteader. Fixing, repairing or “working with what you got” instead of running to the local store embraces the spirit of homesteading.
You can not put homesteading in a box
I took my kids to a skating party last week. Across the roller drome, I spotted a small child wearing a plaid button-down, bluejeans and the biggest belt buckle you’ve ever seen.
I immediately skated across the rink to meet this adorable, country fellow.
Turns out we share a country spirit. Like us, this family lived on a farm and are proud owners of a menagerie of animals.
As I questioned my new friends I discovered that they raise beef cattle, are in love with 4H and adore living in the country.
Then my world was rocked.
It is not about food.
Like, not at all.
Did you know you can live in the country, have hundreds of acres, raise cattle and still eat processed junk for a living?
Mind Blown.
Farmers are not necessarily homesteaders.
And homesteaders are not necessarily farmers.
A homesteader is (usually) not trying to make a living at farming. Although there are lots of ways to earn an income with a homestead.
We homesteaders are doing it for the life – not the money.
We like knowing how to do things.
We like being able to do things.
We like having the freedom to live the way we want.
I think this is where 189% of our homesteads start. We see something and think:
“I could do that”
And off we go.
To milk cows, churn butter, make maple syrup, mill wheat, hunt, fish, forage, use wood stoves to heat our homes, and so on and so forth.
THE FOOD
Perhaps the easiest and most impactful way many folks begin homesteading is to focus on their plate.
We all must eat every day.
It is essential to life and has a huge footprint on the earth.
Growing or sourcing food from reputable producers will have an immediate impact, but it isn’t the end or the only way to homestead.
Being a homesteader is not defined by where you live. Homesteading is a desire for more independence. It is a “can do” attitude.
You can join the ranks of dedicated homesteaders today.
To learn more about taking responsibility for your existence and your health go HERE.
XO,
Candi
