(FREE) November: The Sunny Side
Contributed by Liz Threlkeld / Owner, Sunny Creek Trading Post
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Proactive Homesteading: A New Approach to Old Problems
Hi, Friends!
Well, it’s November already and the air is thick with news about our election, global affairs and whatever else may have transpired since I wrote this article. One of the things I love about homesteading is the simplicity it brings! Regardless of the external chaos, my plants, animals, sourdough and kefir grains still rely on my care. In exchange for my care, they give me sustenance and nourishment for my body and we repeat the cycle all over again. In essence, it’s the circle of life. This mutual dependence fosters a sense of responsibility that is straightforward.
I had a paradigm shift during my journey: the importance of a preparedness mindset. My responsibility extends beyond mere care; it requires an understanding of how to maintain a healthy environment for my living organisms. For example, in the past, when a chicken would get sick, I would ask myself what was wrong with the chicken and try to find a cure to “fix” it. While this approach might be necessary in the moment, I have discovered that, much like our own bodies, the chicken, in a healthy environment, is designed to be well. Being healthy is its natural state of being. Perhaps there was nothing “wrong” with the chicken. Perhaps what was wrong was the environment in which it must live.
Now, when a chicken gets sick, I look at the overall picture. What led to that chicken's inability to naturally be well? Was there a contaminant in the water? Did I give it a heating lamp when I should have let it acclimate itself? Did the chicken have sufficient space to roost at night therefore getting good sleep? Did the chicken get enough exercise and exposure to the sun? Was the food source meeting its needs?
Approaching the problem from a “prevention” mindset instead of a “fix-it” mindset has been incredibly helpful in warding off a whole host of problems BEFORE they start! I no longer run around addressing emergencies or waiting for the next one to strike. Now, it’s a matter of being proactive and thinking ahead to avoid a pitfall down the road. Oftentimes, the reactionary approach simply leads to a downward spiral of repeating illness because the root issue is never truly addressed.
From our plants and animals, vehicles and homes, and even relationships with others and our own bodies, adopting a preparedness mindset is incredibly valuable. The level of attention dedicated to understanding something and maintaining it in its natural and healthy state often impacts the quality of performance of the recipient of that attention.
In this world filled with uncertainties, embracing a preparedness mindset in my homesteading journey, and life, has become essential for us. While we can’t control everything that causes us concern, focusing on what we can influence, and applying this preparedness principle, allows us to enhance the quality of our small corner of the world and the things and people within it. This approach brings simplicity back to our modern lives and helps us move forward with intention.
So, as we all navigate our complex world in the coming days, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what or who you can nurture. Every choice matters in this circle of life. Let’s choose wisely and grow together. 🌱
Liz Threlkeld
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Welcome to “The Sunny Side” where we’ll chat about all things homesteading! My name is Liz Threlkeld and I have been homesteading with my family in small forms or large fashions for most of my life. From growing gardens to DIY projects, to cooking and preserving, to raising and processing our own meat animals, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way. I’m excited to get to share some of this life with you. Ready? Let’s grow!
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