Homesteading: A Journey of Connection, Growth, and Resilience

Why is there an Appeal of Self-Reliance?

Having the ability to independently fulfill one's basic needs, especially regarding food production and storage.

Self-reliance is attractive because it can empower individuals, making them feel more independent and in control of their lives. It also fosters resilience and confidence, helping people become more adaptable to changes in our world.

Benefits of self-reliance

• Empowerment

  Self-reliance can help people feel more capable and in control of their lives.

• Resilience

  Self-reliant people can bounce back from setbacks and face challenges with greater adaptability.

• Personal growth

  Self-reliance can encourage people to learn new skills and knowledge.

• Confidence

  Self-reliant people can feel more confident and have a stronger positive self-image.

• Resourcefulness

  Self-reliant people can learn to solve problems creatively and adapt to changing circumstances.

• Reduced stress

  Self-reliant people can reduce stress and anxiety by not relying on others for help.

Self-reliance can also positively impact society overall. When individuals are self-reliant, they can offer more to society and lessen their dependence on others.

The idealized vision of a self-reliant lifestyle (homesteading videos make it seem simple) offers only a brief look into the daily life of a homesteader.

Practical benefits of growing your own food and raising animals

• Food security: You can have a reliable source of fresh food, even in times of crisis 

• Financial benefits: You can save money on groceries and reduce the need for doctor's visits Farmacy VS Pharmacy

• Community connections: You can share your abundance of food and gardening tips with neighbors and friends 

  
  

  

  
  

• Teaching opportunities: You can teach children about where their food comes from understanding this for a child, they will appreciate the hard work that goes into feeding oneself. This also will instill in them financial responsibility. Time vs Money and what that money is spent on.

• Nutritional benefits: Let me count the ways on the Nutritional benefits that come with growing your own food. There is an amazing documentary called Kiss the Ground on Netflix, I highly recommend you watch it if you haven’t already. You can have access to more bioavailable nutrients, like iron, zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin D 

• Fertilizer: You can use animal manure to fertilize your garden It comes full circle the benefits to have animals on your farm.

The appeal of living in harmony with nature

Living in amongst nature can be appealing because it can improve health and well-being, and help people appreciate the natural world. 

Health and well-being 

• Spending time in and around your hard work like tackling your garden, preserving food or enjoying your farm animals you just fed.  Can improve mental and physical health. Having that universal connection centers a persons overall health

• It can improve your health when you source your own food, at least the majority of it.

  
  

Appreciation of nature

• It can help people appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world

Beyond the Basics

- Fostering a deeper connection with the land you work and the animals you raise

- Cultivating mindfulness through hands-on activities. Seeing and being proud that you’ve achieved at feeding yourself and your family.

- Learning to appreciate the simple things like picking a cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce and having that salad on your plate at the end of the day. Remembering the seed you planted as you picked the cucumber. Having a glimpse of a memory of digging a whole as you transplanted a little tiny plant into the ground as your cut up your tomato. That connection is priceless.

Community and Connection

- Building relationships with like-minded individuals is so important. If you don’t want to raise a goat, you have a local person to buy it from. If they don’t want to raise rabbit’s they buy it from you.

- Sharing skills, knowledge, and resources. You tube video’s are a great way to learn a lot of skills, but nothing connects like someone showing you in person at how to do something you need or want to learn. As well as you teaching a young person or someone who is new at Homesteading.

- Creating a sense of belonging and support

Finding Purpose and Meaning

- Rediscovering traditional values and skills, putting ol grandma’s recipes to use, or grampa’s macgyvering skills to the test. Instead of depending on something you have to go buy, trying to solve it without the use of the big store, puts a bit of accomplishment on your heart.

- Reconnecting with the natural world, we are so disconnected with God’s creation. When we connect with animals, nature our food. We are so it’s hard to put it in to words other than being a more well balanced person

Homesteading as a Way of Life

- A journey of personal growth and transformation, Homesteading is a Mindset. It represents not just a way of living, but a profound shift in how individuals perceive their relationship with the land their homes, their community, and themselves. Of course, it’s a lifestyle that encompasses a wide array of practices and philosophies, but there are so many versions of what people think Homesteading is that it can often lead to confusion. Some may envision it as a rustic existence, filled with traditional farming and self-sufficiency, while others might see it as a modern interpretation that incorporates urban gardening, permaculture, and sustainable living practices. The beauty of Homesteading lies in its diversity; there truly isn’t one set of rules to live by that grants the title to a specific way to live. Each individual or family can carve out their unique path, blending elements that resonate with their values and circumstances.

- Embracing a slower, more intentional pace of life is a cornerstone of this mindset. In a world that often prioritizes speed, efficiency, and constant connectivity, choosing to slow down can be a radical act of self-care and mindfulness. This intentional approach encourages individuals to savor the small moments, whether it’s tending to a garden, preparing a meal from scratch, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature. By focusing on the present and cultivating a deeper awareness of their surroundings, homesteaders can foster a sense of gratitude and fulfillment that transcends material pursuits. This shift not only enhances personal well-being but also strengthens connections with family, friends, and the community.

- Creating a sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle is at the heart of the Homesteading philosophy. This involves making conscious choices that prioritize environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and self-reliance. Homesteaders often engage in practices such as growing their own food, raising livestock, foraging, and preserving seasonal harvests, which not only reduces their carbon footprint but also promotes a sense of accomplishment and pride. Additionally, many homesteaders seek to reduce their dependence on commercial goods, opting instead for handmade or repurposed items that reflect their values and creativity. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond personal consumption; it often inspires individuals to advocate for local food systems, support small businesses, and participate in community-building efforts. Ultimately, the journey of Homesteading is about finding harmony with oneself, the environment, and the wider world, leading to a life that is not only sustainable but also rich in meaning and purpose.