Homesteaders are becoming a very large group, not just here on Steemit, but overall and especially on all social media. There are many reasons for it and yes, nostalgia and the value we place on living a self sustaining lifestyle are a big part of it. Or yes, because it's SEXY. I think we all agree that no matter how far you have taken your choice to be more eco-friendly and self sustaining it is for the betterment of everyone.
This is why I get really frustrated when people are chastised for tagging themselves as a homesteader by those who think they are just "playing" or using the title for self glorification. First off, who are you to judge? Secondly, isn't any level of homesteading better for all involved than none at all? Shouldn't we be happy that people are trying at least? Look, we all have to start somewhere, so lets encourage everyone.
In this encouragement we can provide the needed lift that beginners need to keep pushing forward. We know it's not always easy, much harder than a lot of social media would lead you to believe actually. So for the benefit of the earth as a whole, I'm happy to call anyone a homesteader who has the desire to be looked upon as a homesteader.
If you wonder where this pseudo-rant is coming from, well it's a few places actually. First, I saw all the hubub from the Pure living for life couple received when they had a mention about people "playing" at homesteading. But, that wasn't what got me, because I've followed them for a long time. They actually moved to their property and lived in a shed while starting their home at the exact same time we did the same. So, I've followed them a long time and feel like I know them a bit. I don't believe there was any intent to give ill-will toward any homesteader. It was a comment in passing and frustration over those that wanted to constantly tell them that they weren't real homesteaders. This is the group, that drives me crazy.
I've even seen it here on Steemit. It's ridiculous to be judgemental and all high and mighty towards someone because you don't think that they are the same level of "homesteading" you are. Please, disagree with me so we can discuss it civilly below! Unless you received your land from the government and are the first Americans to utilize it and tame it from the wild, then I'm sorry, you don't fit the definition of a true homesteader either.
But, homesteading isn't a term to be defined precisely is it? In our case it's more of a movement. A following of people who want to get closer to nature and be more like our ancestors used to live when they provided for themselves. Should it matter to anyone that you may be on level 99 and they are level 1? It shouldn't if you are smart, because you both have the same goals and heart to make your health and the environment better. Any attention to these goals should be considered better for everyone.
Don't think this is a rant toward specific folks here on Steemit, I've seen it everywhere. In my own little town we have gotten quite famous for having an eclectic mix of old time farmers and "hippies". Let me tell you, it's fun trying to fit right into the middle of these two groups. My family has been here for hundreds of years, but we just moved here a year ago and feel a connection with both groups. But it can be weird because we can at times get looked down on from both groups. We are either just playing at farming or just playing at being lovers of the earth. Not really a full fledged member of either group. It's no problem, we know how to respond and how to deal with it, I just can't understand where they are coming from. I mean, I worked in computers for over 25 years, but I'd never look at a guy who just started and say "holy crap why are you buying that software, your a computer guy, just make your own!" We all have to start somewhere.
I believe one of the main keys to life is to constantly work on self improvement. This takes many forms as we can improve our finances, our health, our relationships, etc, etc. In fact, straight from Wikipedia, here are all the things that we could be working on as part of our personal development:
- improving self-awareness
- improving self-knowledge
- improving skills and/or learning new ones
- building or renewing identity/self-esteem
- developing strengths or talents
- improving a career
- identifying or improving potential
- building employability or (alternatively) human capital
- enhancing lifestyle and/or the quality of life and time-management
- improving health
- improving wealth or social status
- fulfilling aspirations
- initiating a life enterprise
- defining and executing personal development plans (PDPs)
- improving social relations or emotional intelligence
Source
So, that's a lot of stuff to be working on right? I doubt any of us has all of that completely handled. So, let's just work to meet people where they are and encourage them in their efforts to be better. Better for themselves, better for the earth and better for all of us!