I have a plan for the future, its not set in stone, but its something that I will be trying my hardest to see become reality. I want to become self reliant!
I think the idea first came from stumbleupon.com where I found some images of houses underground, which led me to looking at eco-villages and communities. I love the idea of eco-communities, living in a natural environment, the sense of community it brings and the fact that you can, if you choose, break away from modern society. I have always felt a little out of place in todays world. I love watching documentaries and TV series on the Victorian and Edwardian era, not as a folk in high society, but one of the servants or person of the more working class. I have always been a hard worker and have always worked in some form of catering, serving others in one way or another, and I think this is why it has always appealed to me. To be honest, I just find it fascinating and intriguing.
This is where my idea for self sufficiency came from, and since thinking upon it for a little why, the idea makes more and more sense to me. To be able to rely on myself to provide certain foods, clothing, furnishings etc. for my home and family is something I find greatly appealing. I’m a mothering person by nature and to be able to care for those I love is all I have ever wanted, but also, to be able to do this in a healthy and save way.
Recently I have stopped shopping at my local supermarkets, except for the odd extras I need throughout the week, and instead find myself at the market in Cardiff, where I buy my fruit, veg, meat, bread, eggs and anything else I need for the week and longer. It costs me a damn sight cheaper, especially as I’m currently only cooking for myself, but the food goes further as well. The meat doesn’t shrink when cooking as it doesn’t lose any water, and had a completely different look, smell and taste, one which I much prefer, and I am able to buy the exact amount of everything I need, at a much friendly cost to my pocket! I am then also helping out small businesses, which I feel is important in the current economic environment!
Becoming self sufficient will be hard, I’m not much of a gardener for starts, in fact, I don’t think I have any knowledge on the subject at all, but my mum has a diploma in horticulture, so I’m sure she can teach me. I highly doubt Ill be providing my own meat or milk, but I can get my own eggs. I love cooking so I can make all my meals from scratch, including things such as pastry and bread … and possibly pasta, I’ve not tried but I could give it a go!
There will always be areas that I may not be able to completely be self reliant for, clothes and furnishings for example will probably always have to be brought, not only for my lack of skill, but also for lack of time, I do plan to have a job after all. The basis of the idea, though, is there!
Why do I want to do this though? Well, I guess its just a dream of not having to rely on anyone else to provide for me. I tend to think of myself as very independent and I guess this is where the idea comes from. In my head its an ideal way of living, its certainly not for everyone, and maybe after I give it a go, Ill have to rethink my ideas behind it, but as I can’t begin to put this action into a few years, due to living in rented student accommodation, we shall have to see what happens!
What are your thoughts on self-sufficiency????
XxxX
Spirit and Sound 