Debunking 7 Myths about Living a Self-Sufficient Lifestyle

Living a self-sufficient lifestyle means different things to each person. Some people desire to produce everything they need, but others narrow down their goals. Their goals might be to grow all of their fruits and vegetables required for their family each year. Everyone’s lifestyle looks different.

If you desire to live a self-sufficient lifestyle, you will encounter some myths that aren’t true. You might be afraid to take the leap because of things you are told about the lifestyle. Let’s take a look and debunk a few of these myths!

1- You Must Live Entirely Off Grid

Your goal can be to live self-sufficiently and have electricity from the local company. No homesteading police will arrest you because you didn’t install solar panels and generate your own electricity yet. That might be your long-term goals, but those goals take time. Until then, it doesn’t mean you aren’t living that lifestyle.

Living completely off the grid is a wonderful goal, but that takes years to accomplish. Some homesteads are partially powered. Solar and wind technologies have increased over the past years, giving more options for homeowners. Of course, some opt to live without electricity altogether. What you want to do is your decision.

2- You Have to Produce ALL of Your Food

If you take a look at centuries ago, most families didn’t produce all of their food. We think back to the pioneers, blazing their way west towards the coast. Those families traded with other families and even the Native Americans. Producing all of your food is a difficult task to attempt.

Most of us are unable to produce salt on our homestead, which can be vital. However, unlike other people, homesteaders and those living a self-sufficient lifestyle are more aware of our food sources. We carefully consider what we can produce on our land. When we outsource our food, we tend to find local farms.

For example, you might not have room for beef cattle. Instead, you find a local farm where you can purchase meat or trade with the goods you create. Bartering is part of the self-sufficient lifestyle as well.

Living a self-sufficient lifestyle also doesn’t mean you can’t head to a restaurant. If you want to celebrate your birthday chowing down on wings and a beer at a local pub, do it!

3- “I Want to Be 100% Self-Sufficient.”

Let’s get serious folks, being 100% self-sufficient is nearly impossible. Humanity is intertwined, and no one can provide all of their needs for themselves. Do you have the ability to grow cotton and weave your fabric for clothing? Don’t forget you have to sew them as well. Making your shoes might be tricky.

Isolation from other humans isn’t normal either. Humans are meant to live in groups, sharing the workload to meet goals. Isolation is used in prison as disciplinary tactics for a reason. Embrace others, and realize your goal of 100% self-sufficient probably won’t happen. Make smaller, obtainable goals; you are still living the lifestyle.