Welcome the waiting
HOMESTEAD REBOOT: Beginning Steps
Homestead Reboot chronicles our move from a cozy, established homestead to a completely undeveloped property—a true blank slate. Join us as we embrace change by leaving behind what we’ve built and plan a regenerative permaculture homestead from the ground up. This series will document creating new gardens, orchards, and spaces for livestock while navigating the challenges of starting fresh.
IT's So Hard to Wait!!
One of my biggest challenges is waiting. As a couple that have been married over 50 years, we’ve learned a lot about how to work together on projects. In fact we are very good at it! However, our individual apporaches couldn’t be more different.
I’m the type who wants to jump in as soon as an idea forms—start doing something, anything, to get rolling. My husband, a seasoned project manager, takes a different route. He maps out timelines, creating the roadmap for a project’s success. Often, these early steps take time to begin, but they’re critical for ensuring everything is done right.
Right now, we’re in that waiting phase of our homestead reboot. As we wait for quotes from contractors and consult with our realtor to prepare our current property for sale, I find myself battling impatience.
There are so many considerations for building a new home and establishing a homestead. I have hundreds of Pinterest pins saved—interior designs, efficiency hacks, tips on homestead layout, permaculture, livestock, greenhouses, and more. I’ve even noted specific details I want in our new home. But according to the timeline, it’s not yet time to make concrete plans.
So how do I handle this season of waiting? I’ve developed a few strategies that help me manage the restlessness and make the most of this time.
tips to Help with the Waiting
1. File Your Thoughts
Don’t try to stop thinking about all the details. Instead, when an idea comes to mind, file it in a reliable location. This habit helps clear your mind and prevents looping thoughts.
For visual inspiration, save pins on Pinterest. For random ideas, use the Notes app on your phone or carry a small notepad. Later, transfer these ideas to a long-term location, such as a spreadsheet or notebook, where they’ll be organized and easy to revisit.
2. Curate and refine ideas
The habit of saving pins on Pinterest has been incredibly helpful for me. By regularly reviewing my saved ideas, I’ve found that some no longer hold the same appeal they initially did. Deleting these allows me to refine my vision over time.
When the time comes to make decisions, I’ll have solid, well-considered options ready to discuss. This preparation not only makes the planning process smoother but also helps with compromise.
3. learn while you wait
Identify the knowledge gaps that could impact your project, and use this waiting period to fill them. For example, while I have some understanding of permaculture and regenerative homesteading, I’ve realized I need deeper knowledge to plan effectively.
To address this, I’m taking a course in permaculture design and following other resources to build my expertise. This proactive approach helps me feel productive and ensures I’ll be ready when it’s time to act.
4. Embrace the power of Rest
While physical rest is vital, I’m talking about rest for your soul. Agitation breeds anxiety, and anxiety can drain you. Learning to gauge the rest level of your mind and body is essential.
For some, this might mean deep breathing exercises or meditation. Spending time outdoors and soaking in the calm of nature can work wonders for others. Personally, I find peace by reminding myself that I am beloved by my Heavenly Father and can trust Him to bring only good things my way. Sometimes I use all these methods.
When your actions come from a place of rest, you’ll notice a sense of positivity and joy in the journey.
5. Keep the vision alive
Waiting is as much a part of the process as doing. To stay motivated, I’ve found it helpful to create a vision board. According to Forbes.com, vision boards play a large part in the success of achieving goals.
Gather pictures of what you envision for your home interior, flower gardens, homestead layout, or any other goals. Pin them or sketches you’ve made of them to a bulletin board. These visuals can fuel your dream and remind you of why you’re waiting.
Reflecting on the journey
I hadn’t planned to write about this part of our journey. Initially, I thought I’d share practical steps, like finding the right contractor or a checklist for breaking ground. But as we move through this season, I’m beginning to see that the internal aspects of this process are just as valuable as the external ones. Surprisingly, I’ve come to enjoy this phase.
I hope these tips help you in your own journey—whether you’re preparing for a move or simply learning to embrace a waiting period. The important thing is to find what brings you joy and peace in the process. After all, the journey itself is part of the adventure!
Related post:
If you’d like to learn more about how homesteaders approach life, check these articles: The Mindset of a Homesteader, Embracing Change in the Homestead Journey