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- Ever Thought of Homesteading as Rebellion? + Can You Reject Others Without Being Hated? Find Out Now!
Ever Thought of Homesteading as Rebellion? + Can You Reject Others Without Being Hated? Find Out Now!
Wait, do you think seed catalogs promote “trendy” plants to distract from growing tried-and-true crops that are more sustainable?
Cedie Omaña
October 03, 2024
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience."
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
HOMESTEAD TIP OF THE DAY
Clean, sharpen, and store your garden tools for winter – a little TLC now means they’re ready to rock come spring.
Do you think seed catalogs promote “trendy” plants to distract from growing tried-and-true crops that are more sustainable? |
IN TODAY'S EDITION
Homestead Tip 🌱
Poll Results From Last Tuesday 📊
All Things Homestead: Homesteading as a Form of Resistance ✊
Personal Development: How to Say No Without Burning Bridges 🙅
Today's Top Picks 🛍️
Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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POLL RESULTS FROM LAST TUESDAY:
Do you believe the promotion of energy-efficient homes is meant to discourage people from going fully off-grid?
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Yes, they want to keep people tied to the grid.
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ It’s possible, but I’m unsure.
🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ I’m undecided, but it seems possible.
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ No, energy-efficient homes are just a way to save power.
via @beehiiv polls
Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉
ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD
Homesteading as a Form of Resistance ✊
In a world where we’re constantly encouraged to buy more, homesteading offers a refreshing alternative. It’s a lifestyle that pushes back against consumer culture, focusing on minimalism, sustainability, and self-reliance.
1. Less Dependence on Big Companies
Do It Yourself
Homesteading is all about self-reliance. By growing your own food, making household items, or raising livestock, you become less dependent on big corporations. Fewer trips to the store mean more control over what you use and consume.Why It Matters:
You choose what’s truly important and cut down on unnecessary spending. It’s about using what you have rather than constantly seeking more.
2. Living Simply
Minimalism in Action
Homesteading naturally encourages you to live with less. Whether you’re repurposing items, reducing waste, or growing your food, the focus shifts from "more" to "enough."Why It Works:
You don’t need the latest gadgets or trends to live a fulfilling life. By focusing on quality and utility, you’re living more simply but meaningfully.
3. Being Sustainable
Helping the Environment
Homesteading connects you to the earth. Composting, rainwater harvesting, and growing your food help reduce waste and cut down on your environmental impact.Why It Helps:
You’re using fewer resources, and when you do, you’re doing it thoughtfully. Working with nature instead of against it feels good and benefits the planet.
4. Building Useful Skills
Learn to Do for Yourself
Homesteading teaches you practical skills like gardening, canning, or woodworking. These skills not only boost your independence but also save money in the long run.Why It Matters:
Knowing how to make or fix things gives you confidence and frees you from relying on others for everyday needs.
5. Finding Community
Support from Like-Minded People
Homesteading doesn’t have to be done alone. Many homesteaders find community through local barter groups or online forums, sharing tips and trading goods.Why It’s Powerful:
Being part of a supportive community makes homesteading easier and more enjoyable. It’s not about competition but collaboration.
6. Slowing Down
Enjoying a Simpler Pace
Homesteading allows you to slow down and focus on what really matters—caring for your garden, tending to animals, and appreciating nature.Why It’s Needed:
In a fast-paced world, homesteading helps you find balance and peace by focusing on meaningful, hands-on work.
Overall, homesteading isn’t just a lifestyle—it’s a statement that says, “I choose a different path.”
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
How to Say No Without Burning Bridges 🙅
Saying "no" can feel awkward, especially when you don’t want to disappoint someone. But constantly saying "yes" can lead to burnout and stress. The good news is, you can say no without damaging relationships.
Here are some tips from The Power of a Positive No by William Ury to help you decline requests with confidence while keeping things friendly.
1. Start with Gratitude
Acknowledge the Request
Before saying no, let the person know you appreciate them thinking of you. A simple, “Thanks for asking” or “I’m glad you thought of me” goes a long way.Why It Works:
It shows respect and softens the no, making the other person feel valued.
2. Be Clear and Direct
Say No, but Politely
It’s important to be straightforward. Something like, “I can’t help this time, but I appreciate the offer,” gets the message across without being harsh.Why It Helps:
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures your no is understood.
3. Suggest Alternatives
Offer a Plan B
If possible, suggest another way to help, like recommending someone else or offering to assist at a later time.Why It Works:
Offering a solution shows you're still supportive, even if you can’t fully commit.
4. Stand Your Ground
Don’t Backtrack
After saying no, don’t let guilt make you change your mind. Stick to your decision, and remind yourself why it was the right choice.Why It Matters:
Being firm shows you respect your own boundaries and helps others respect them too.
5. Use “I” Statements
Keep the Focus on You
When saying no, use “I” statements like “I’m not able to take this on right now.” This way, you’re explaining your situation, not making it about them.Why It’s Effective:
It feels less like a rejection of the person and more like a statement of your own needs.
6. Practice Saying No
Get Comfortable with No
Start practicing with small, everyday situations. Saying no gets easier the more you do it.Why It Helps:
Building this skill gives you the confidence to protect your time and energy without feeling bad about it.
7. Set Boundaries Early
Be Clear from the Start
Establishing your limits early helps people understand what to expect, so you won’t have to say no as often.Why It Works:
Setting boundaries upfront makes it easier to say no later and keeps your relationships respectful.
Saying no doesn’t mean damaging relationships. When done respectfully and clearly, it can actually strengthen connections.
THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER
Why did the pumpkin sit on the fence?
It couldn't decide whether to be a pie or a jack-o'-lantern.
TODAY'S TOP PICKS
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LET’S KEEP IT REEL!
I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!
When you and your daughter team up to hide the new (and totally unplanned) plants from your husband:
@antisocialplantclub When just “taking a look” at plants turns into nothing to see here! 🪴🪴🪴😳 Who can relate?? 😂😂 And having a plant shopping buddy always make... See more
If you haven't seen a pig having zoomies, check out this clip! It's more adorable than funny, but totally worth a watch:
@ljfarmfam Zoomies #pigtok #funnypets #funnyanimals #farmlife #fy
Just a bunch of cows proving they can keep up with horse racing, lol:
@dumblefarm Highland cow racing!😂 #highlandcow #highlandcows #grasspuppies #hairycoo #fluffycow #highlandcowexperience #highlandcowsponsorship #funnyc... See more
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