In this blog post, Tina shares the joys, challenges, and truth behind homesteading. Homesteading offers many benefits, from self-sufficiency to a deeper connection with nature, but it's not always the romanticized lifestyle portrayed by influencers. Tina reflects on her family's experiences, emphasizing the hard work involved and the importance of realistic expectations, while also celebrating the rewards of sustainable living. Join her in embracing a more mindful, fulfilling lifestyle and share your own journey towards self-sufficiency and connection to the land.
May this inspire you to embark on a journey of learning, growth, and teaching, nurturing the skills and knowledge needed to cultivate sustainable lives for generations to come. Let the wisdom of homesteading guide your path, fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and a deep connection to the earth. By sharing these values and practices with future generations, we can collectively build a more sustainable and harmonious world, where each individual has the tools to thrive and flourish for many lifetimes.
In today's fast-paced world filled with technology and conveniences, the allure of homesteading, or going back to basics, is gaining momentum. Homesteading embodies a lifestyle centered around self-sufficiency, simplicity, and a deeper connection to nature. In this blog post, we'll explore the numerous benefits of embracing homesteading in our modern lives.
1. Self-Sufficiency: One of the primary benefits of homesteading is the ability to provide for oneself. By growing your own food, raising livestock, and harnessing natural resources like solar power and rainwater, homesteaders reduce their reliance on external systems and become more self-sufficient.
2. Healthier Living: Homesteading often involves producing and consuming organic, locally-grown food. By avoiding the chemicals and preservatives found in many store-bought products, homesteaders can enjoy a healthier diet and lifestyle. Additionally, the physical activity required for tasks like gardening and animal care contributes to overall fitness and well-being.
3. Financial Savings: Homesteading can lead to significant cost savings over time. By producing your own food, energy, and household goods, you can reduce your grocery bills and utility expenses. Additionally, the skills learned through homesteading, such as gardening, food preservation, and DIY repairs, can help you avoid costly professional services.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Homesteading promotes sustainable living practices that minimize environmental impact. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, minimizing waste, and preserving natural resources, homesteaders play a vital role in protecting the planet for future generations.
5. Connection to Nature: Homesteading fosters a deeper connection to the natural world. Spending time outdoors, working the land, and observing the rhythms of the seasons can bring a sense of peace, fulfillment, and appreciation for the beauty of the earth.
6. Resilience and Preparedness: In an uncertain world, homesteading provides a sense of security and resilience. By cultivating skills and resources to meet basic needs, homesteaders are better equipped to weather economic downturns, natural disasters, and other challenges.
7. Community Building: Homesteading often involves collaboration and cooperation with neighbors and fellow homesteaders. Whether through sharing surplus produce, exchanging knowledge and resources, or participating in local farmers' markets and community events, homesteaders contribute to the strength and resilience of their communities.
Raised with the wisdom of homesteading, I've cultivated a passion for canning, cooking, and preserving food, honing my gardening skills over the years with varied outcomes. Despite occasional setbacks, I've embraced the ethos of self-sufficiency and resilience, sharing my expertise with my children and aspiring to pass it on to future generations, including my grandchildren. This knowledge empowers me to be resourceful and independent, distancing myself from the grip of big food corporations whose priorities may not align with our well-being. Homesteading isn't just a lifestyle; it's a legacy of sustainability, community, and connection to the land, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment in living closer to nature's rhythms.
Let me fill you in on the truth that some will not tell you!
Homesteading is a lot of work—don’t let influencers, celebrities, or seasoned homesteaders convince you it’s an easy solution to your food dilemmas. My family and I homesteaded for several years, and it’s not all flowers and rainbows.
In the beginning, it was exciting. My husband and I built the chicken coop together, and the kids loved helping care for the baby chicks and ducks, tending the garden, and canning with me. But that initial thrill fades, and what’s left is hard work. You’ll be out there morning and evening, feeding, watering, collecting eggs, and ensuring the animals are healthy. If you end up with a troublesome rooster, you might have to take matters into your own hands—literally. Not every chicken is as charming as social media makes them seem.
Maintaining a large garden is also a ton of work, especially when everything peaks at once. You’ll be watering morning and night, weeding constantly, and then suddenly you’ll have more tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini than you know what to do with. That means weeks of canning during late summer, trying to preserve all that food before it spoils.
And while it may sound satisfying, it’s not cheap. You’ll need jars, lids, rings, a water bath canner, a pressure pot, and countless tools for cutting, smashing, pouring, and stirring. I’m still traumatized from hand-juicing tomatoes every fall with my grandma and mom as a kid—something I refuse to do in my own home.
Now, I still garden but on a smaller scale, just enough to get some fresh produce throughout the season. I can a little, but it no longer lasts us through winter, and that’s okay. It helps cut down the grocery bill, especially when packing school lunches. We no longer raise chickens and gave our remaining hens to a neighbor who still does. I also give her some of our food scraps to reduce waste and provide her chickens with a more diverse diet.
Homesteading can be rewarding, but it’s not the simple fix it’s often made out to be.
Having a full-blown homestead may not be in the stars for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reap the benefits of incorporating some homesteading practices into your life—especially the ones you enjoy. Whether it’s growing a small garden, canning your harvest, or reducing food waste, there are plenty of ways to embrace this lifestyle without going all-in. The key is to find balance and focus on the aspects that bring you joy and fulfillment.
In conclusion, homesteading offers a myriad of benefits that resonate deeply with those seeking a simpler, more sustainable way of life. By embracing the principles of self-sufficiency, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, you can create a more fulfilling and resilient existence for yourself and future generations. Whether you're dreaming of a small backyard garden or a sprawling rural homestead, the journey back to basics awaits, offering rich rewards for those willing to take the leap.
I would love to hear from you! Your experiences and stories mean so much to me. Please feel free to connect with me by leaving a comment, joining my Facebook community for heartfelt discussions, finding me on Instagram for inspiration, or sending me an email to share your journey. I cherish every opportunity to connect deeply with my community. Your thoughts, feelings, and insights are a gift - don't hesitate to reach out. Together we can support each other on this path of growth and self-discovery.
Talk to you later,
~ Tina