BY MIKE MCCOURT
Getting away from the bustle of today’s traffic and transportation hassles, the constant interaction with people, especially when it’s uninvited, and the oversight and aggravation that comes with the connectivity of the Information Age are goals we can relate to. For many, whether they’re preppers or survivalists, or not, the vision of living in a cozy cabin in the woods, above a meadow bordering a pristine lake, far offthe beaten path is a very attractive dream. Frankly, I call this my happy place, but, sadly, the grass on the other side of the daydream isn’t as green and stress-free as we imagine.
Homesteading is a pretty serious undertaking, and it’s not for the weak or faint of heart. One of my favorite sayings is, “If it is to be, it is up to me”, and there are few purer examples of what this quote means than living in a completely self-sufficient situation. The fact is, living offthe land requires knowledge, skills, strength, organization, good health and unflinching dedication to strict short-, medium- and long-term goals that have to be met, or serious consequences will result. And don’t forget the wherewithal to acquire the property, tools and supplies to make this happen. This is not something one can decide to do on a whim or because their motivation is just to get away from an unsatisfying or unsafe situation. The best inspiration for making this transition is because you want to become the type of person who thrives in such an environment, not the longing to escape the dissatisfying status quo.
That said, there is real hope that you can make your way to your utopia with a lot less aggravation than I outlined above. Start where you are by making incremental changes. Referring to the articles in this issue, take heart from lessons our writers have learned and execute your first steps accordingly.
For most people, digging the first furrrow in a new home garden is a satisfying and cathartic event. Whether it’s in a window box overlooking a busy boulevard or a small plot where the swing set used to be, it’s one of the first steps to becoming more reliant on yourself. Ultimately, this will provide you with more benefits than just the fresh and nutritious food that will soon be springing forth from the soil.