Welcome back to the homestead, everyone! Today we want to take a few moments to reach out to those who are interested in homesteading, just starting out, or perhaps feeling a bit burned out. When we began our YouTube channel, our goal was to encourage other families to embrace the homesteading lifestyle and experience the freedom of living debt-free. We want to be there for you, to offer encouragement and remind you that this life is truly amazing. So, we've put together a few things to inspire you and demonstrate that even though things won't always be perfect, it's worth persevering.
This article is a synopsis of the video below, be sure to watch for even more advice!
First of all, let's address the fact that people will think you're crazy, and they won't understand why you've chosen this path. Whether you're where you are now, planning to move, or already on your homestead, others may not comprehend your choices. But remember, it doesn't matter what they think. You've made this decision for the well-being of your family, and their opinions shouldn't deter you. Stay strong and stick with it.
There may be times when you start doubting yourself, questioning whether you're capable of everything that homesteading entails. But here's the truth: you're smarter and more capable than you realize. Homesteading opens up a world of opportunities to build skills you may never have known were possible for you. With homesteading, you become a carpenter, a plumber, a farmer, a baker, a cook, a housekeeper, and even a nanny for your children. It's incredible to discover what you can accomplish. You may not do everything perfectly, but along the way, you'll surprise yourself with what you're capable of. Building, fixing, and maintaining become simpler tasks than you initially thought.
Expect the unexpected because challenges will arise—it's just part of the journey. The best thing you can do is roll with it and keep moving forward. We've encountered countless unexpected situations ourselves. After homesteading in the city, we moved to our first Missouri homestead and faced numerous challenges within the first month. We had an animal trapped and died under our house, which damaged ductwork and created a month-long stench. We discovered termites and a lack of plumbing vents which also caused unpleasant odors. It felt like everything was going wrong, but we made it through.
Looking back, we can now laugh and wonder how all of that happened in such a short period. Remember, everyone experiences setbacks and obstacles along the way.
Our first year gardening in Missouri was quite eventful. Despite planting our Brassica crops—cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage—after the expected last frost, a surprise frost hit and wiped out 30 of each. Additionally, we faced a hundred-year flood with unprecedented rainfall. Even with these challenges, we wouldn't trade that first year for anything. The point is, setbacks happen, but they don't define your homesteading journey.
Avoid comparing yourself to others. It's easy to watch YouTube videos or see what other homesteaders are doing and feel like you're falling short. You might think, "If only I could do things as well as they do." But remember, just do the best you can. If you can't afford organic feed for your animals, regular feed is perfectly fine. If homeschooling isn't the right fit for your family, there's nothing wrong with sending your kids to public school. If you prefer having electricity and aren't ready for an off-grid lifestyle, that's okay too. Don't let comparisons and self-imposed standards hold you back. Homesteading is about taking care of your family in the way that works best for you, even if it's not exactly how you envision it down the road. Embrace imperfection and focus on doing your
best.
Let go of the pursuit of perfection. It's alright if your house gets messy or if the dishes pile up in the sink. Don't get caught up in striving for an ideal that doesn't exist. Live your life authentically. We'll let you in on a little secret—we sometimes move things around during our cooking videos, so you don't see the mess behind the scenes. We don't always have time for a spotless house, and that's okay. A few weeds in your garden won't bring the world to an end. With a hundred tasks to handle daily, from caring for animals to tending the land, perfection should take a backseat to simply living and enjoying your homesteading journey.
So, that's our message. We hope it resonates with you and provides a little boost. It's easy to feel beaten down and uncertain at times, questioning whether this life is right for you or if you can keep up with the pursuit of perfection. But know that we've been there too. We started as urban homesteaders, figuring things out while juggling work, kids, and schooling. Now, we've been full-time homesteaders since 2016, and we still face doubts. But we want you to find encouragement and empowerment through our channel and this website. We're here to support you.
Moving forward, we have exciting plans to help you save money, live debt-free, and make this lifestyle more enjoyable and sustainable.
Thanks so much for stopping by our homestead!
Take care and God Bless,
Kevin & Sarah
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