Do you know if you will still be above ground tomorrow? I don’t. Since I don’t know how long I have left to write blogs, I want to share some homestead wisdom that applies to all walks of life. Here are a few homesteading/simple life tips that will hopefully help you as you journey on.
Never quit. A rancher from Colorado came to a one on the homesteading classes that I taught at a local college more for fellowship than learning, since he could have taught the class! When I asked each member of the course for their best advice on homesteading and life, he looked at me intensely and quietly said, “Don’t quit. Whatever comes at you, you can win if you just don’t quit.” It was the voice of both hard times and success from a lifetime spent on a farm that spoke at that moment. I will never forget the determination on his wind-worn face as he sincerely spoke.
Don’t take on more than one new animal per year. I have heard of modern homesteaders, who are so excited to finally be on their farmstead that they jump into everything the first year. There is a lot to learn, and most of that is done by hands-on experience when you are trying to run a homestead so don’t chunk off more than you can chew. Set yourself up for success and start slow. I am proudest of taking this piece of advice from an old homesteader as it helped me the most to not be overwhelmed when we came to our first homestead. Each year, I take on a new animal and research it all winter. It helps to build your skill sets one upon the other rather than trying to take on too much at one time. Cool your jets, the goats and pigs will wait until next year after you conquer the basics of chickens and ducks. If you are not on the homestead yet, you can apply this to learning many practical skill sets like canning or container gardening.
While I can’t control the birds flying over my head, I don’t have to let them build a nest in my hair – Proverb.Give yourself the gift of not being around negative people, even if they are family. You can love someone without spending time with them. If you must enter into their realm, see yourself in a force-field of God’s grace where the unhealthy words just run off you like water off a duck’s back. This works. It takes practice, but you can get to the place where you can live in peace no matter what’s going on around you. It’s worth the effort.
Forgive. When you stay upset with people, it’s like you’re drinking the poison and expecting them to die. I have been ripped to shreds and betrayed by someone who I loved more than my sisters. I discovered a wonderful life lesson when I was finally able to not only forgive her and to sincerely be able to pray for her to prosper. Not forgiving only hurts you. Most of the time, the person you are upset with doesn’t even realize or doesn’t care so only you are damaged by not forgiving. What has this to do with homesteading? The “Simpler Life” is one with fewer complications and more freedom to be yourself, does that include allowing bitterness and anxiety to rule your actions? As I get older, I choose to live in less strife and drama. Life is good, period. On our worst day, we are still loved and cared for by our Creator. My intention with this post was to share lessons that cost me a great deal to learn. Hope this was helpful.
Sincerely, Anne May
