I think of homesteading as a desire to provide for your own needs at some level – a commitment to self-sufficiently and sustainably. This can include activities such as growing your own food, raising meat and animal products like eggs, weaving your own fabric or making your own clothes. You may want to undertake these activities for you and your family, or you may elect to sell what you do not use yourself for a small income.
Reasons why people elect to homestead can be as diverse as the number of people who do it. Some may desire a cleaner life style…craving a return to the land. Others may have grown disillusioned with the current discord in our society and supply chain issues resulting in inflation. Still others may want to escape the rat race and enjoy a simpler life. Whatever the reason, do not confuse simple with easy. Homesteading does not just happen…it needs to be a commitment.
Start slowly and introduce activities as you become more comfortable. Some activities may come naturally while others will require a learning curve. The important thing is to be prepared and methodical. Ensure you have a working knowledge of the activities that will be necessary, or at least have a game plan to learn. For example, if you wish to use your crops to provide for your family over the winter months, do you know how to preserve food through freezing and/or canning? Then do a little bit every day instead of expecting to get everything done in one or two days.
Be thoughtful about your expectations when making the shift from being a consumer to being a producer. It will be important to have time management and budgeting skills. At the end of the day, homesteading is a state of mind…a choice we make. The most important thing is to embrace your decision and enjoy it to its fullest!
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