container garden, raised bed garden, and large farm

The Mindset of a Homesteader

There are so many aspects to the homesteading life it can be difficult to create a definition that covers all of them.   For those who are just discovering this community, the massive amount of information can be overwhelming. Rather than attempt to define “What is Homesteading” or “Who is a Homesteader”, I’d like to share my observations regarding the Homesteading Mindset. Perhaps we can dispel some of the overwhelm for those who are considering or in the beginning steps of the homestead journey.

An independent spirit

Originally, homesteaders were people who were given land by the government to develop as farms for production of crops and livestock.  Once the land was improved to a certain level, they were given the title to the land.  They left their families, friends, and communities in order to establish personal independence from the industrialized systems of the cities. They desired to create the best possible life for their families on their own terms.

Today, many people are embracing the complete picture of moving to land and developing a sustainable farmstead. There are many more who embrace the independent spirit by disengaging from the industrialized systems right where they live.

stepping away

This independent mindset enables us to evaluate our sources and make needed changes to become less dependent upon outside systems.    For example, you can begin to disengage from the grocery system by beginning to grow some of your own food.  It’s amazing how much can be grown in a very small plot of ground or even on a balcony.   Food can be sourced through food cooperatives in order to buy healthier food at better prices.  Start to  preserve food for future use by canning and dehydrating.

You don’t have to go off-grid. You can move in the homestead mindset of independence  by  storing up alternate energy provisions for future power outages. These can include generators, solar chargers, solar lamps, oil lamps, and camp stoves with gas cylinders.  Additionally, don’t forget to store water and easy-to-prepare food for those times, as well.   You don’t want to be dependent on a supply source that can fail you.

people shopping at farmers' markets edirectly

independence brings freedom

The beauty of freedom is everyone does not have to fall into a mold.   And the beauty of homesteading is there are different pathways that can be taken, all from that independent spirit.   Some may be only focused on growing their own food or finding healthy food sources.  Some may be focused on zero waste living.  Others may be focused on establishing  only home made cleaning supplies.  Some may have a small garden, chickens, and bees.   And some may be on a journey towards a complete regenerative, sustainable farm system.  

resilience

While it may not be the conscious motivation, the overarching concept of a homesteading life –the vision – is resilience. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.”   

How do we develop resilience?   I believe it starts with understanding that there will always be seasons that are difficult. We can  identify what we can do to not only survive those times, but to thrive through them.   

Second, we must acknowledge the dependency we have on external sources for all that we consume. As Americans we have an abundant supply of every type of necessity and luxury item we can imagine.  Many, if not most, of us have lost the skills former generations practiced out of the necessity to produce for themselves what they needed.  

Then we can begin to work on the questions of “What am I supposed to do with this understanding?” and “How should I proceed?”  There are an abundance of resources available that can be researched on the internet.  Locate like minded people in facebook groups and you tube channels.    

lighthouse surrounded with crashing waves symbolizes the resilience that the homesteading mindset brings

it's a beautiful life

The beauty of the homesteading community is the variety of ways each is pursuing the journey.   There is no pressure on anyone to conform.  All are applauded in the steps they choose to take.  There is no limit to the amount of encouragement you can receive from those who have walked the path before you.   You just need to take the first step.

 

joy of homesteading logo

To learn about ways you can engage with the homesteading community in learning opportunities, check out our Resource page.

"start where you are, use what you have, do what you can"

arthur ashe