7 Tips Homesteading In Chaotic Times A Message Of Hope
Whether you’re years into your homesteading journey or just beginning to build your homestead dream, navigating uncertain times can leave you questioning whether or not this is all worth it. First of all, it absolutely is. Secondly, you can do this. Third, there is nothing new under the sun. Let that sink in. It’s tempting to think when faced with challenges of the modern world that you are among the first people to deal with these kinds of obstacles. History is filled with the words, stories, and relics of people just like you who faced seemingly insurmountable odds and thrived anyway. Take heart, you are not alone. I’ve lived through several apocalypses myself already. The word apocalypse is derived from an ancient Greek word that means an uncovering, a disclosure, or an awakening. I’ve lived through: Y2K computer scare, 9-11, the financial collapse of 2008, the recession that came after the collapse, Zika virus, West Nile virus, every version of bird flu since I was born, the end of the Mayan calendar in 2012, bath salt zombies in Florida, a global pandemic, and other interesting times. The constant world ending doom narrative can weigh on your spirit if you let it. I’m guilty of it myself. Here are tips that have helped me maintain hope and functionality on my homestead in dark and challenging times.
Surround yourself with good people. Challenging times can tempt you to sequester and isolate. Our connection and our family is our strength and this includes chosen family. No matter what is happening in the outside world, nurturing, loving, and truly positive connections will always be a buffer in the chaos. Additionally, stop pouring precious energy into relationships and connections that are no longer treating you in a healthy way. Pay attention to how the people in your life make you feel. If you find yourself anxious, uncertain, or feeling stressed instead of supported, it’s worth looking into further.
Watch your appetites carefully. The late Thich Nhat Hanh taught me to examine my appetites, and this doesn’t mean just what food and drink you give your body. It means everything you feed to yourself including what you feed your mind. Are you watching hours of doom and gloom media? Are you engaging with things that leave you feeling sad and angry? Like attracts like and a doom scroll tends to keep dooming. You have the conscious power to tune in and tune out of what is not benefiting you. It’s important to be aware and informed. It’s counterproductive to be constantly scared, frightened, and frustrated.
Control what you can control. Mother Teresa once said, “If each of us would only sweep our own doorstep, the whole world would be clean.” This isn’t just about tidiness. This is about bringing about positive change by beginning with your own world first starting in your own home. Imagine what a world this would be if people turned their energy and efforts inward and truly cared for their own families and close circles. If you’re an individual navigating this world, show yourself deep and sincere nurture. Check in with and care for the people closest to you to what extent you can in a healthy balanced way. Taking care of your space with simple decluttering and organizing even if it is just one room, closet, and even a drawer can bring peace to your mind and your home. It can feel very disempowering to be faced with the endless need of the great wide world, but you can make things better right in your own home by showing the people and the space around you thoughtfulness.
Take action. Anxiety struggles to stick to you if you’re moving in the direction of your dreams. Every small step to bring what you want to life brings relief and a sense of satisfaction. Begin wherever you are and take whatever step you can however small to feed the things that truly bring you joy. If you can’t garden yet start planning your dream garden and browse seeds. If you can’t own chickens yet begin researching what breeds are best for your goals or what breeds you want to add to your flock next season. Participate in your own promises to yourself.
Log off. Hustle culture is a toxic lie. Human beings were never meant to be connected, working, and producing 24/7. Your body and your mind deserve rest and peace. You have the power within the time you can control to choose the peace that is right for you. For some that’s curling up with a book. For others it might be coloring, painting, cooking, walking the dog, watching the chickens, weeding the garden, walking on a nature trail. Whatever peace looks like for you, give yourself permission to find it. Set healthy boundaries around screens that make sense for your life.
Decide what your essentials are. This will look different for every homestead and every homesteader. For some this is a full pantry shelf. For others this is a barn of hay before winter. For others it is full bookshelf, cozy blankets, extra livestock feed, or a big stack of firewood. What is essential to you and your homestead for this season and the season ahead? Put heart to task and fill your home with what you need and what you love.
Protect your peace. This is advice from my husband, but I think the whole world can benefit from it. Make choices that protect your inner peace and the peace of your world. Pay attention to the interactions, spaces, company, and situations you’re choosing for yourself. Is what you’re choosing leaving you feeling drained or frantic? Move in the direction of what peace looks like for you one choice at a time. Don’t make apologies for leaving behind people, places, situations, or things that have proven to be more chaos than they’re worth. That doesn’t mean giving up on any and everything and everyone that gets challenging. Good friends and family can have bad moments, even great new hobbies or jobs can be overwhelming when you’re new. It means consciously choosing what mountains are worth climbing.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post about the practices and thoughts that bring me peace while homesteading in uncertain times. If you would like to enjoy even more information all about backyard chickens and homesteading that is easy to understand and beginner friendly, check out Chuck’s other social media linked below.
