What does Self Sustainability look like for you?

Take away social medias and AI definitions, what does it look like for you? There is so much noise in today’s world that it can be hard to stay focused on what drives us.

For me, it is knowing where my food comes from. I will admit that I have branched off to new interests because of social, but as I re-evaluate what is important, I am making some changes.

I ditched the sourdough. At first, I told myself that I wouldn’t have to buy yeast anymore, but I still have to buy flour and salt, so what’s the point? I do not want to be a baker, I just want fresh bread for my sandwiches.

My garden is another change. I do have a freeze dryer and last year I put up more okra and eggplant than we will eat in 4 years, so I didn’t plant any this year! We do eat alot of green beans, and I planted a whole bed of those and I am putting them up. We eat a ton of tomato based items throughout the year and I am not set up to grow that many tomatos, therefore I am buying them from the Amish nearby. I am growing potatoes because we eat alot of those. I do not need a giant garden, I need a more thoughtful garden.

Eggs. I do not sell alot of eating eggs because we use alot. Chickens need alot of upkeep, feed, housing, etc. I am keeping the eggs for us, my kids house, and any friends who may want some now and again. I never wanted to be a grocery store, I will teach how to grow your own and help you start that journey, but I am not selling eating eggs (chicken).

I do not sell processed meat. If I am doing all the work, it goes in my freezer. I will teach you how, I am happy to do so, but again I am not a grocery store.

Self sufficiency to me starts with the word itself-SELF. It has to start with each one of us and we have to know our boundaries. We only have so much time in the day to do things and we need priorities. Many people do not know but I have a physical limitation with my left foot. You will typically see me in pics or videos sitting. That is why the quail are such a draw to me, I can care for them more easily on a concrete, level surface than out in the field like chickens. I have stools on wheels that allow me to do things inside the barn. I do not tell you this for sympathy, I don’t need it, I tell you because there is always something you can do to provide for yourself, grow a potato in a dirt bag on your porch. Do ONE thing, just one. Do it with purpose to learn and see if it is for you. Then share your knowledge freely to help others instead of being the next big influencer or charging giant speaking fees.

I do this for me, my family and then to help you on your journey, but I won’t do it for you. There is a difference.