[WVPreparedMind]

One project at a time to stay sane. It’s taking me twice as long to establish my off grid farm, but it’s coming along. I only plan what has to be planned. Otherwise, I get up each day and decide what needs to be done and what my body will allow. I put no pressure on my self. As long as I complete one project a day (big or small), I feel accomplished. I have a little help on the weekends with my adult sons coming to work on projects. It’s taken them 8 months to build a 12×12 storage building. None of us have building experience… so it’s one YT university video at a time to figure it out. Lol. We make it fun with not having to pressure ourselves. Yes, it would be nice to move along a bit faster, but it is what it is. Jesus guides my spirit of what my focus should be. Example of a project, I’ve never plumbed my sink. That’s next. I didn’t spend much tome at the property last winter, so I didn’t need a sink. I washed dishes in a galvanized tub. I have a washer spinner for laundry. This winter I am at the farm 90% of the time, so I need the inside of the shed to cabin complete and more functional. I have peace just walking the property and praising God for what I have and am debt free! Well, we all have auto insurance and a cell bill, but that’s it. I don’t consider things that need supplied such as gas, propane, amd butane, chicken feed, and hay as a debt. Those items are just in the budget for functionality. I sought your advice 2 years ago, Wanda, regarding a lease land or owning. I took your advice and purchased the land. I’ve sold all other property that I owned in town and I pay cash for anything that I’ve needed. I save up and don’t make purchases until I have cash in hand. This process has released any stress or pressure. I’ve stepped out of the every day hustle of small city life. I add to my preps monthly. At the moment, wheat berries and beans are the items being stored in a big way. Getting ready to render lard. I find peace in what I’m doing and at a manageable pace. Hope that this helps someone else. Days are fluid and plans can be changed. Lean on Jesus for guidance and safety. I actually find that a more simple lifestyle and self sustainability is my way to be relaxed now.

[LadySnickerdoo]

One day at a time. I have like minded people I can talk to and that helps a lot too. I just keep reminding myself that it will get done eventually and to prioritize.

[KnotYourHoneyBuns]

The sanity comes with serenity, it’s the loneliness you have to look out for. Sometimes just the company of flowers and chickens is not enough, but I don’t leave my house much, so company is hard to come by. Until, the sunshine shall be my friend.

[SimplerTimesHomestead]

What a great topic! It seems like more and more our jobs take the life out of us. I know that’s how it is for me. I work in the ever changing field of IT security and it always seems like we are behind the ball on a lot of things.

To help balance things out and stay sane, I enjoy time reading my Bible. It usually happens right before bed so my mind can totally relax.

During the day, I like to be out in nature whenever I can. We have a small flock of chickens and they can be so relaxing to watch and feed. Have you ever seen a chicken eat spaghetti? It’s pretty funny.

Anyway, whether it’s gardening, walking in the woods, or simply planning for the future, I try to do something everyday, no matter how little, to push me towards my dreams.

Lastly, I focus on the “motto” that we’ve adopted… “It’s the simpler things in life that matter.”

• This reply was modified 1 year, 11 months ago by  SimplerTimesHomestead.

[FourMileCreekFarm]

I have dealt with severe anxiety, successfully and unsuccessfully, for my entire life. One of the main things I do to try and control the attacks is to have a sound and sturdy home foundation in that I know I am safe and in control. I feel that implementing some of the homesteading lifestyle has helped keep me steady in that I do feel safe here. I know what I have, what needs to be done and I have the systems in place to keep things going even when I am not able to function. It is peace of mind because I am prepared.

[JerseyGiantChick]

Sad you have to go true that your whole life, but good to see you made you lifestyle give you a steady home to feel save.

I think homesteading (freesteading) and following God, is one of the best ways to have a blessed life. Now we all know we have to work hard for all that, so keep on freesteading and preparing!

[Scannfamily]

Trying to stay sane here is a chore for sure. We have 5 people in our house. What makes it even more interesting is when my OCD kicks in. The children often hide in their rooms! 😁 I have learned to try not to stress over not getting everything done but often if I lay down for the night I find myself getting back up to complete something I forgot. We’re currently packing to move to our country property so having boxes in all the rooms may drive me insane yet.🙄 I don’t get much down time right now and I am sure I won’t get much down time once we move because there’s going to be plenty to do once we’re moved.

[JerseyGiantChick]

Like looking in a mirror, hold on there you are also moving heads up.

Our house there is no where to hide, only in the garden so you can run but not hide. But most time I am the one going out, for my therapy in the garden. Petting and flowers, the best conversations with God who knows all.

After many years doing sports, meditation works good problem is one time I fell asleep never had that aldo others say I am gone they can not snap me out. I know was very tired, but the meditation part I can remember, the sleeping part I missed.

Anyway the punching bag does good to, bike and running.

Good luck with moving!

[WVPreparedMind]

Hey girl! Your the first person that I have seen that I know. Love ya! Can’t wait until you get moved! Goods Speed in all that you do! I don’t get much tome on this platform, but try to check in at least once or twice a month. I’m just twisted in making a decision about putting WiFi at the farm. Can’t decide what to do. Chat soon! 💙💛🙏

[KenJr]

I’m considering getting tested for ADHD because I’m can go outside to do some work and I have so many things that need my attention I end up getting nowhere. It’s overwhelming. I ended up taking the chainsaw and trimmer to an overgrown part of the property and just went to work. Fewer distractions

[JerseyGiantChick]

Know that feeling, just make your to do list short so you can hang on to that and get all that done.

I always ha a top 10 or longer unrealistic, so now a top 3 and the rest moves to the next day/time. Works for me, have to make me do it but so does others. No way sitting on the couch and giving up right.

[KenJr]

Thanks for the advice

[Atkins2006]

Like you I do what’s important and let the other go. Tomorrow is another day.

[Ss6]

I enjoyed reading everyone’s thoughts/ways to manage. I knew from when my kids were very little I needed quiet morning time in order to face the day (I’m not a morning person by nature). I spend that time reading and meditating on God word and ways. This sets the day off right. I enforced a “not allowed out of their rooms before” with the kids to keep my sanity. I still need that quiet time even though I’m down to homeschooling the last two and they are no longer littles.

When my brain starts to race with all the things, I do a “brain dump” onto my wipe off board. It seems to help to write it all down and then slowly wipe things off as they get done. Seeing clear spaces on the board feels good. Sometimes it feels like more is added faster than the list gets emptied but my brain can relax a little because I don’t have to keep it all on a mental list.

Going outside in the garden is also very calming. Spring is coming and seeing the earth come back to life with little green things pushing up through the earth excites me.

[Sherry-CA4now]

When things get overwhelming for me I go down to the river to spend an hour or so just watching the water go by. The peace and quiet helps me put the world back in perspective.

[Livesoutdoors]

I ride my horse. She’s my gift from God to keep me sane.

[msgal]

I help my husband who is disabled and help my mother with things she can no longer do at 90 years old. It is very stressful especially since I am disabled too. I don’t get any alone time, but I’m an introvert and need time alone to recharge. So to de-stress I listen to music, all different kinds of music from gospel to blues. I don’t care much for modern music, so I listen to the older music. A line from a Rich Mullins song says ” I want to hear music again cause its the finest thing I have ever found” and I agree. God sure knew what he was doing when he gave us music.

[SLINGSHOT]

Actually playing an instrument can help to destress. Whenever i had long days at work i would come home and play for awhile and start to unwind. In the beginning it can be a little frustrating but each little thing you learn is just another building block for a foundation. A good foundation for a good structure.

I’m not sure of your disability but maybe a small organ or a dulcimer. It’s just a suggestion on my part.

Good luck, stay strong.

[msgal]

I am still amazed that as much as I love music, I did not take time to learn to play an instrument. I thought there would be time later. But it seems I went from raising a family to being a caregiver. It’s not a necessity in-the grand scheme of things. Playing music and singing is one thing I am looking forward to when God calls me home. Right now, I will take listening and singing along while I do life.

[Unsweetened-Iced-Tea]

You don’t.

[WVPreparedMind]

Thank you and May you be shown as much Grace and Mercy as I have been shown 💙💛🙏

[WVPreparedMind]

Amen! 💙💛🙏

[JerseyGiantChick]

You are truly a mountain mama, bless you and I say this with all respect as a mother.

[KenJr]

thank you for the advice