In my last post, I briefly explained what modern homesteading means to me and gave a few examples of how our family puts homesteading ideas into practice.  For our family,  we try to cook at home as a rule, we raise some adorable hens for fresh eggs, we chose to homeschool, we garden,  and try to reduce exposure to toxic chemical use in and out of our home-  to name a few things that are very important to us.  But why??

To answer that question completely and correctly would take more time than you or I have to compile and/or read.  Suffice it to say,  I have chosen this way for my family because it really, truly matters far more than I can express here.  First of all, I believe its a step in the right direction toward a healthy lifestyle.   It is even more important these days than ever before.   One reason is because of the chemical soup we live in.  According to an article I recently read by Dr. Mercola, we are exposed to over 84,000 chemicals in our food and other products each year, most without any real safety testing.  GMO’s and glyphosate tainted products are everywhere it seems.  In fact, a recent study conducted on pregnant women in central Indiana showed that 93% had detectable levels of glyphosate in their urine, and that those with the most exposure has shortened length of pregnancy and other effects.  Unfortunately,  even the unborn can’t escape these chemicals.  But we can avoid them whenever possible.  I decided a long time ago to eat as organically as possible, avoid GMO’s, and take all necessary precautions to prevent toxic products from entering our home.   I’ve witnessed first-hand the healing changes that these practices have brought about in my family and others.

Besides health benefits, another reason homesteading matters is that I want to teach my children to be self-sufficient,  and to be a good stewards of not only their health but also the environment.  I want them to know how to grow their own food and create wholesome, nutrient dense meals.  I want to teach them the many lessons that come from planting their own food, caring for a garden and reaping what they sow.  I also want them to learn the responsibility of caring for things other than themselves.   I’ve only touched on a few of the reasons why this lifestyle is important to us , but you get the idea.  So many wonderful lessons can be taught and learned in the classroom of the modern homestead.

 

 

 

 

It seems only fitting to first begin with an explanation of what modern homesteading means to me.  The term had its inception in the mid 1800’s with the granting and acquisition of land due to The Homesteading Act of 1862. Since that time, however, the idea has evolved and changed, becoming synonymous with a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.  In our fast paced,  disposable, drive through, easy-button-pushing society, homesteading is a welcome return to a simpler, more traditional, self-sufficent focus.  That’s basically it…  The beauty of this modern homesteading paradigm is that anyone can participate wherever they are.  For our family, homesteading means that most of our meals are homecooked, that we raise chickens for fresh eggs, we grow a garden,  we homeschool,  we support local farmers with our buying dollars, and  we strive to dig deep roots in our community.  We also enjoy creating a beautiful and loving home for our family and friends to enjoy.  Every family’s expression of homesteading  looks different- and that’s ok!  Our journey is definitely a work in progress, but it is well worth the time, work, and energy it requires.  I encourage you to enjoy your journey wherever you are along the way.