Self-sufficient. A term often used to describe homesteaders and homesteading, yet most people who farm, ranch, or homestead will tell you that it doesn’t make sense to be self-sufficient. Yes, there is a level of independence that we all want and should have, but we also have to recognize that we need each other.
There is a difference between not being dependent on the government and being self-sufficient and isolated. One helps us to find joy again in growing our food and connecting with others around us. The other, well, it can cause burnout, depression, and run you into the ground.
We have to realize what we want self-sufficient to mean and look like in our lives. Am I being self-sufficient from modern food systems, or am I being self-sufficient from the people around me who could help? Personally, I choose being self-sufficient from the modern food system, not my community because I know as well as the next person that I can’t do it alone. That’s why I like to be community driven and have a community mindset.
There is something so nice about knowing you can count on the community around you to help when things go awry. Speaking from experience, it’s a beautiful sight to see your neighbors driving golf carts and ATVs trying to get cows back into their fence. But, that is something you miss out on if you don’t get involved with your community. It’s something I would never want to miss out on.
Another aspect of community mindset is that there are naturally going to be things that you cannot produce yourself. We cannot produce every single need that we have. It’s simply impossible. Different people are going to be more skilled in certain areas. For instance, I love to crochet, but I recognize that I realistically cannot raise my own sheep, shear them, and spin the wool to make yarn. Not only do I not have all the equipment to spin wool, but I am not at a position in life right now where I can raise sheep. However, there might be someone else around me who can.
To me, being a self-sufficient community is a much better picture than a self-sufficient person. Look locally for the products you can’t produce on your own, and if you can’t find them locally, then outsource. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Cultivate relationships with other people. God created us for community and to help each other. None of us look at a herd of cows and think they are weak for banding together. We recognize that they depend on each other for safety, relationships, and overall well-being. God didn’t make humans to stand alone. He made us with community in mind. So get out there, build community, and recognize that you can’t do it all on your own.
