Why do you homestead? Many people say when asked, that they want to go back to when things were simpler. That is why most say they want to be more self sufficient and homestead, to live the simple life. Well we have been gradually moving to a self sufficient lifestyle and building our own homestead. We have chickens, goats, bees, turkeys, a garden, a greenhouse. We have cut down drastically the processed things we buy, we don't go out to eat as much and have really made a good homestead that is ever growing and we absolutely love.... but the simple life?? I don't think so.
Life is much better back to basics, but never simple. Simple would be getting hungry and going to McDonald's, instant gratification. Or even simpler, popping a TV dinner in the microwave. But now we don't even have a microwave. Simple would be hanging out inside watching TV surfing the web on a rainy lazy afternoon. At a homestead there is no such thing as a lazy afternoon. We have to take care of the animals, all of them, and in any weather, rain or shine. There is always a fence to put up or repair or something to fix or make. Simple would be buying your veggies at the grocery store. At a homestead you have to plant the seeds, water, weed them everyday(skip this even for a few days and you suddenly have a forest), and then when they are ripe pick them. Then you can cook them. Or preserve them so you can have those fresh veggies in the winter months instead of doing the simple thing and going to the grocery store when they are out of season.
Let me explain however that this is not complaining about this lifestyle. Like I have said before, There is nothing more satisfying than having a deliciously prepared meal that you grew, raised, processed, harvested and cooked completely on your plot of land with your own hands. I, however do not want people to underestimate exactly how much work this can be. But all the hard work makes the benefits that you reap all the more rewarding.
You know exactly what is going in your food so you don't have to worry about the next recall in the supermarket. You know how the animals were treated, their environment they lived in, the food they ate. You know what seeds you used and what, if anything, went on the vegetables and that no pesticides or herbicides were used. There is also nothing more delicious than eating food you grew and raised. Eating this type of food also gives you more energy and makes you feel better. You get to experience the outdoors more and the bond you make with the animals is so rewarding.
So the next time someone asks if you would like to live the simple life, think about it before you answer.
I live a busy life, between work,family,and the farm, it seems as though something is always going on. I have a "to-do list" at all times, and it never seems to end, it just keeps growing! If I get 10 things done, I remember 10 more things I need to add. My friends and family joke that I cannot sit still, and that I am not happy unless I am doing something, and sometimes I think there is a lot of truth in that!If I spend too much time, relaxing, watching TV or reading, and forgo the list, I feel as if I have wasted the day. I get frustrated with myself, even when I am sitting down and resting a bit I have that list going through my head, thinking of things I should be doing. Don't get me wrong, there are activities and chores on that list I do enjoy, tending to the animals,canning etc, but it's not the same thing, Why can't I just relax and not feel guilty about wasting my time?Does anyone else feel like that? I know that my list will never get done, there will always be something more to add,something that comes up, I guess I just need to figure out how to take a day off...from chores as well as work!A task easier said than done, I do not think it is in my DNA! So, I guess I need to try to figure it out! The nearest I get to unwinding, I think is when I go camping, there is just something about being out in nature,sitting by a campfire,in the cool night air,that just seems to soothe my soul! Unfortunately I do not get to go like I use to,too many responsibilities, but maybe I need to plan a trip soon to recharge my batteries!Life in this world is so fast paced,we all get caught up in it,but take a moment to relax with something you enjoy.. I think if we all did this a little more, we would all be better off, Sometimes I lose sight of this, but it is something I plan to work on! Happy relaxing!!
