Now that we have all safely made it over a decade into the new millennium, at least those that are reading this have. It is time to look at what we really mean when we start spouting “Off Grid” in our everyday lives. What qualifies and disqualifies those wishing to live the self-sufficient life.
Unfortunately for everyone it’s a toss up really. It comes down to real intentions more then current actions. As becoming totally self-sufficient in today’s world can take a lifetime to achieve. And that is only if you are lucky enough to live in a place where it is legally possible. Most communities have a fear, some may say justified, of those that do not conform to social norms of depending on the government, corporations, or even their communities to take care of modern day needs. Or if it comes to it not “needing” modern day conveniences to live a self-fulfilling life. These fears are mostly born of misinformation and the real fear of being without what all those ads we see and hear tell us we need.
Luckily for those of us who have chosen to take control of our own needs, be it as simple as a potted tomato plant or as complicated as a homestead completely self-reliant, we have learned that the fruits of our own labors are much sweeter then buying the fruits of others. That is not to say that consumerism is bad, just that it should take second place to anything we can do ourselves. To be able to look at a garden you planted and tended yourself and then to take the produce and eat and share it is an amazing feeling that cannot compare with even a five star restaurant in my eyes. The amazing ingenuity that I have seen and learned from in the the self-sufficient community has awed and humbled me more times then I can count.
“Off Grid” is a convenient term that I like to use for anyone who sees dependence for actual needs something to be weened from. Weened because even those with wills of steel can be broken by completely changing modern day life and re-evaluating what the word “need” means and run back feeling guilty and weak. This is not so, and eventually they come back slower the next time and prouder of what “steps” they have achieved. Each step can take weeks, months or even years to become “normal” and that is great because you truly appreciate them as you incorporate them into your life. My one advice to anyone wishing to take control of not only their needs but their waste is to be prepared for speed bumps, if not actual brick walls, to be placed in front of you and just keep taking it one day at a time. The only finish line is in your head.
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