When I started making conscious decisions towards self-reliance I got some raised eyebrows and even eye-rolls from some well-meaning friends and family.
"Why do you have to be so different?"
"Why do you want to work so hard?"
To be honest, they were fair questions. I could see how it would appear that way. Going out each morning to feed the livestock, milk the goats and collect eggs could be seen as more work than just driving to the grocery store. Unless of course you add in the 3 young children that would accompany me on said excursion and the tantrums that would ensue because a toddler with multiple food allergies and sensitivities does not belong in any check out lane. (Seriously, most check out lanes are just junk food anyway but giving artificial colors, flavors and HFCS to my kid?? Watch OUT!)
But even on the cold rainy, muddy days, we enjoyed our morning routine at the old farm and have missed having our own fresh milk since the move. Now that the house is finally done (well, baseboards and doors aren't really necessities, right?) we are looking forward to soon adding goats or possibly even a Dexter cow to our new growing homestead. We're pretty excited about that. The money spent on Kerrygold butter alone would probably justify the cost of the cow and feed.
Anyway, in our struggle with food allergies, we met this phenomenal nutritionist who has been helping us on our gut healing journey and just happened to recently speak at a Tedx event. The whole talk is full of insightful information and great humor, but one line is burned in my brain because it describes so beautifully what I hadn't been able to put my finger on all this time.
"...talking about self-reliance does not suggest isolation, but rather empowerment."
Yes! Empowerment! It's such a noble feeling to really know where your food is coming from. To know what you've put into your flock, your herd, your garden... To know that your animals have had a beautiful life and when they do become dinner for the family, there is a sense of gratitude for the opportunities we have to become more than just consumers, but to be a part of the cycle of producing nutrient dense and ethically sourced food.
Seriously, if you're thinking about making changes, Ammi presents it in a totally non-threatening and entertaining way.
Peace, love and fresh basil!