Become More Self-Reliant – Start Here

Self- sufficient – Self-reliant – Homesteading

For the majority of the American population, these terms probably conjure images of ’60′s hippies, rugged mountain men or perhaps Little House on the Prairie.  For me, it’s all about simply taking more personal responsibility and control of caring for my family.  I am tired of big corporations and big government dictating my health and food choices.  I believe we need, as a country, as communities and as individuals to develop our own resources, not be dependent on some foreign power that may pull the plug at any time.

When you can provide for yourself, and become more self-reliant, even in a small way, it gives you a feeling of empowerment, which often transfers to the rest of your life.  You don’t have to rely on experts to make your decisions for you.  You can help your body to heal.  We’re here to help.  Through this website, through our Facebook community, and through our network of resources that we’re continuing to build, we’ll help you get the information you need.

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes, Personal Growth

Ben Franklin made up a list of 13 virtues that he aspired to, and worked on one each day, until they became habit.  The Japanese concept of “kaizen” translates to “continuous improvement”.  It involves taking small steps, every day, to make a process better.  Take these time tested approaches and use them to change your world.

Make a List of Changes You Would Like to Make, Things You Would Like to Do, Skills You Would Like to Learn

Pick one thing off the list – start there.  Don’t go for “all or nothing” – that usually winds up being “nothing”.  Don’t put off starting until this or that happens – there will always be a reason not to get started.  Don’t think you can’t be a homesteader or more self-reliant because you live in the city – urban homesteading options are growing by leaps and bounds.

For instance, if you wanted to improve the quality of food your family eats, you might start with replacing a single prepackaged food item with a homemade version of that item.   Continue until most things you eat are homemade or better quality pre-made.  Eat out less (or not at all).  Source your ingredients closer to home, either via CSA, farmer’s market or growing your own.  Add more veggies to your family’ meals.  Ditch the highly processed snack foods.  Buy in bulk and learn how to store foods. Experiment with fermenting.  Try sprouting.   – As you can see, there are many steps you can take, you just need to choose what’s right for you and try it.

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