I think it's something that I'm "meant to" do, being interested in various ways since a child. Not that there was much call in my childhood environment for self-sufficiency, as we were in the city and definitely were of adequate means. I got my financially conservative outlook from both my parents, who were kids during the Depression. But my Mom's memories of the Depression, poverty, and hard necessity were/are quite unpleasant, and she is quite fond of her modern conveniences, thank you very much. Not that I hold that against her. But in my life, the story is about simplifying and becoming ever more self-reliant: not just with physical things, but emotionally and intellectually as well. Mom is horrified about the run-down place I got CHEAP, with its busted plumbing. I'm delighted that I was able to replumb it myself. She was aghast that the roof leaked. I was thrilled that I was able to re-roof it all by myself. She offered funds for a furnace, not grasping that there's a wood furnace in the basement that works fine since my friend made a door for it, and I amazed myself by learning to run a chainsaw. She raised her eyebrow at my keeping chickens, saying that's what people did in the Depression...yeah? and I'm surprised at how undemanding and amusing they are. Etc.
But the "self"-sufficient term is a little misleading. I probably wouldn't be where I am today without the encouragement of friends, both in casting off an "if only", "I wish", "I can't" mentality by saying "let me help", "let me teach you", and "dream a little!".
ETA: I've always been interested in lots of practical things, and never could settle one any one "career path" as meaningful and fulfilling. But I've dabbled at lots of things, and learned. So here I am, only intermittently working for other people, but for someone who "doesn't work", I'm awfully busy! The tax department considers me low income, but the welfare and unemployment insurance departments have never heard of me and I plan to keep it that way. I have a house that's paid for, a vehicle that's paid for that I insure and maintain, good food in the pantry, good health, good air, good water, good friends, thousands of interests, and enough money left over in my "below poverty line" existence to keep two dogs for pleasure, and chickens for eggs, feeding all of the animals well; I also foster a child overseas. And own a laptop and pay for internet service, which fuels my imagination and puts me in contact with more like-minded people...very buoying and inspiring. If I say so myself, I think I have a far more fulfilling life being "poor" than those "rich" people I see who look bored, unhappy, and filling their lives with things that even they don't seem to find important. Go figure....
I feel exactly the same way!
Until then I will ride my broom in my front yard whenever I please!
Er...um...I meant "wave" my broom.....
Yes! Must have farm truck smeared with poo and have an established account at the feed store.....check!
millie!
