The homesteading heart and soul, do you have them? You certainly don’t need acres of land to be a homesteader; though there are days I’d like to have that. The essence of the homesteader is so much more than country living. So what is the homesteading heart and soul? What really makes you a homesteader?
Homesteading Heart and Soul
I think the modern homesteader reflects many of the qualities of the homesteading ancestors but with our own unique spin. The homesteading heart and soul lives in the choices we make to live a differently than the mainstream. Can you see yourself in these?
The homesteading heart and soul appreciates vintage skills.
That could be canning, cheese making, needle crafts or hunting, foraging and cooking from scratch.
The homesteading heart and soul desires a more self-sufficient life.
We have a greater connection to our food through gardening and raising animals. Some will go further to live off-grid, relying on natural medicines and health care. Others will simply hang their clothes on a line. But it comes down to relying less on the modern conveniences.
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The homesteading heart and soul is ok with getting dirty and sweaty.
We have to get dirty, and sweat….a lot. We don’t shy away from hard work and lots of it. What I really should have said is that we aren’t afraid to get our hands in the crap (literally).
The homesteading heart and soul thrives in simplicity.
In our modern world that is full of stuff and business; the modern homesteader covets a life that is simple. This life is no less rich and satisfying!
The homesteading heart and soul knows that real food doesn’t come in boxes and cellophane wrap.
No one likes processing an animal for food but a homesteader doesn’t shy away from it either. We take the negative comments and we educate the curious. We are a lot less apt to toss food out because we know the labor and sacrifice it took to bring it to the table.
The homesteading heart and soul understands the importance of community.
I have found that today’s homesteader still sees the value of being part of a community. This is especially important for learning new skills and sharing your own. The support of those who share your ideals and value your choices isn’t essential but it surely adds to the richness of this lifestyle.
The homesteading heart and soul won’t be kept down by location.
The modern homesteader will find a way to incorporate this life into any situation; from apartment to country living. It isn’t about the location as the principles.
The homesteading heart and soul seeks to do it, make it, re-use it.
We make be the ultimate DIYers! Making soaps, candles, compost bins and animal pens. I’ve never seen anyone who can recycle and re-purpose better than my homesteading friends.
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The homesteading heart and soul is always searching for the next project.
Whether you’re an urban farmer or a homesteader on land; homesteaders love projects. Some of us are better planners than others but the jobs get completed one way or another.
You don’t have to have all these attributes to have the heart and soul of a homesteader; after all the greatest virtue of a homesteader is their independent thinking. Homesteaders strive to live THEIR best life without comparison. And you may find as time goes you’ll develop more of those on the list and a few others to boot.
What do you think lives in the heart and soul of a homesteader? Leave me your thoughts in the comments! 🙂
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