What Do You NEED?

My Tween has been reading "Little House in the Big Woods", "Little House on the Prairie" and "Farmer Boy". I had to re-read them in order to write the quiz he'd take. It reminded me that life can be very simple, especially when you concentrate on the absolute basics of life. So... What is absolutely required for you to be self-reliant on your homestead?

1. Food
2. Water
3. Utilities
4. Shelter
5. Clothing

"Luxuries" or extras would include:

1. Medical (including holistic methods)
2. Safety and personal security
3. Financial security
4. Education of your children
5. Entertainment

Other:

• Make sure you get plenty of sleep. Homesteading, when done full-tilt, is not for people who like to sleep in late or who get drunk all the time. Running a tractor when you partied all night isn't safe or smart.
• Social and network and friendship. Humans need belonging and acceptance. Meet your neighbors and get to know them. Find peers that share the same interests.
• Don't ignore the need for intimacy.
• We all need to be respected, which in turn, gives us self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Keep your needs, and those of your family, in the forefront. What do you want? What do you need? How can you reach your potential and self-actualization?

So ... a previous posting on this blog asked you to make your plan. Did you? What about your list of priorities? So... are you ready?

Here we go!