Mapping Out My Ideal Future - Updating my Goals & Journey Towards Personal Development & Growth

After introducing myself on this wonderful platform over 2 months ago, I wrote an article detailing my specific steps towards personal development. Essentially, I created a “map” towards my ideal future with concrete steps of personal development and growth.

I stated my journey would include the cultivation of a minimalistic lifestyle, the incorporation of a Zero Waste* way of life, a vegetarian diet, and eventually a sustainable and eco-friendly homestead.

To do so, I created this map of steps to take including researching and utilizing more natural products through a Product Spotlight Series, researching and implementing compost, cutting out red meat from my diet with the help of a Healthy Recipe Series, and working on specific projects at Wild Rose Acres.

But with either the gradual passing of time, the success of certain steps, or the failure of others, my goals have grown and matured. I’ve started new initiatives and article series that have received an encouraging amount of support (thank you again my dear followers)! So with the continued growth I’ve experienced, I think I should update my map.

“I will begin my diet change by cutting out red meat(mammals) and replacing it with other protein options. I will still eat poultry and fish for the foreseeable future. I plan on starting a recipe series that explores a whole new world of food & cooking so stay tuned!” - Original Map

Though I have failed to cut red meat from my diet at this point, I have written multiple articles in the “What’s for Lunch?” Healthy Recipe Series! I’ve noticed that I have become more aware of the food that I put in my mouth and do make healthier choices occasionally. But I still have a long way to go… so my additional goals will include pursuing better physical health using MyFitnessPal to track my diet and exercise for the foreseeable future.

I will begin my Zero Waste lifestyle by researching the best method(s) for composting. I plan on incorporating this habit into my daily life and writing an article about it as well. - Original Map

Composting was a big success these past two months. I’ve thrown almost every apple core, tea bag, and tissue into the little bucket on my countertop that carries it outside. In fact, my family has composted so much plant matter that we could probably fill a wheelbarrow! I plan to continue this by researching how I can deal with additional sources of food waste (ie. animal products).

I will begin my eco-friendly / minimalistic lifestyle by using healthier products and creating a product spotlight seriesfor sustainable, local, and/or organic alternatives to our materialistic societal norms. Essentially, I want to cut back on my desire for more things and focus on the quality of the items instead. - Original Map

I am slowly surrounding myself with healthier, more natural, and more sustainable products every day with the help of my Product Spotlight Series! I want to continue this by introducing a new series - the Resource Revelation series. This will include additional resources (shops, books, videos, etc) for finding better products and useful information!

I hope to get to the homestead property soon but as the specific date is unclear, I am going to focus on preparing myself. - Original Map

I think this is where we can see the most progress. We have toured Wild Rose Acres, received our first floral donation, and finally begun work on our first project - Grandma’s Perennial Garden. In order to continue with our progress, I want to identify the next project(s) as well. We really need to start from the bottom and work our way up as the land is completely uncultivated. I think the second project will be to set up a compost area and the third project will be to clear a space for our edible garden!

I have no quote from my previous article about educating myself… I don’t know if I assumed that I would learn as time went by without putting conscious effort into my education, but for whatever reason I have failed on that front. So, I’ve also decided to begin a self-education series - for plants and wildlife, I’ve already started the Flora & Fauna Feature. But for my personal ignorance of gardening, planting, hydroponics, and animal care, I will need to step up my game. Therefore, I will be doing a chapter by chapter review of my most recent resource purchase - The Weekend Homesteader: A Twelve-Month Guide to Self-Sufficiency by Anna Hess.

Wish me luck and follow along if you’d like to see my progress!

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