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What is Homesteading? That’s quite the loaded question. You could ask 10 different people and get 10 different answers. So, we ask ourselves, what does homesteading mean?
Sometimes, the debate even gets a little heated. Just like everyone else, I have my own opinion on the meaning of homesteading. It has several meanings to me and all of those meanings intertwine together to make a big picture answer.
What is Homesteading
A Movement-
I don’t think anyone can argue that there has been a homesteading movement happening across our country. Perhaps people are realizing that there’s a better way to live. People have also realized that the systems of our country are very broken and changes need to be made.
The homesteading movement is all about that, being more self sufficient, educating others, and sharing in the community of this lifestyle. So many people are making the move “back to the land” and reconnecting with the food they eat and the world they live in.
A Lifestyle-
Homesteading is very much a lifestyle. If you’re not ready to commit to intentional living and doing what you can where you are, you may not be ready to be a homesteader. That being said, I truly believe anyone can homestead anywhere.
In my opinion, homesteading is way more about your heart and mindset than your location. It turns into a true lifestyle of wanting to do better and be more self sufficient. It becomes a part of you, the air you breath and the ground you tread.
A Yearning-
There’s a yearning inside to live a better life, to be healthier, to be more connected, and to live life to the fullest. There’s just something deep inside a human’s heart that calls them to so much more than a 9-5.
Many people feel trapped in a life they don’t love. They move day to day just getting by doing what they have to do to make it. Ditching the ideology of society and connecting to creation is so liberating.
A Connection-
There is such a deep connection to nature when you look for it and choose to find it. Homesteading brings that connection in the best ways. When you homestead, you are so connected with the people in your life, the animals you raise, and the land you farm. The most important connection is with the One who created it all. Making the choice to connect in life frees our hearts to pursue so much more than just existing.
A Community-
The community of people you find when homesteading is amazing. We all need each other to succeed. Within the homesteading community itself, we utilize each other as resources. We buy and trade animals, produce, food, work, and many other things. The fellowship we find with like minded people is what our heart’s need. We also connect with the community of non homesteaders. They are purchasing from us, visiting our farms, and learning about our lifestyle. Connecting with people is something that we need and homesteading provides us a great opportunity to do that.
Romantic-
Some people say that homesteading is romantic and some say that it is not. Personally, I’m in the “it’s romantic” boat. Are there hard times? Absolutely, animals die, crops fail, and sometimes life is just plain hard. None of that sounds very romantic does it? No, certainly not but hear me out. Do you know of any other lifestyle that rewards you day in and day out? One that you can physically see the fruits of your labor over and over again. One that you couldn’t imagine walking away from. One that you feel the most immense gratitude for living. Homesteading is the only lifestyle that I see fulfilling all of that. Isn’t that what the romantic dream is? Just that, to be able to live your dream out daily. It’s a lifestyle to be passionate about.
In Your Blood-
Homesteading is something that’s in your blood, even if you are a first generation homesteader. Homesteading becomes something that you need to do, not just want to do. Truthfully, none of us are actually first generation homesteaders. If we look back just a generation or two, we will find family members that were true homesteaders, living off the land.
My heart is to connect others to this lifestyle, to the food they eat, and to the land that surrounds them. I also want to teach my children a lifestyle that they can be proud of and continue to live as adults. They will grow up with so many skills and the ability to be or do anything they put their minds to.
So tell me, what is homesteading to you? Do you see homesteading as just another fad or as a movement to an entire different lifestyle. I know that for me and my family, homesteading is most definitely not a fad. I can’t imagine many people choosing to homestead and then jumping ship without a good reason.
Here are some other homesteader’s thoughts on it:
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