I’ve thought pretty hard about the “resolutions” I want to share on the blog for this year. I’ve had a hard time thinking of specific goals, and I’m not really into the “lose twenty pounds” type of resolutions. I’ve decided that instead of goals I wanted to focus on some themes that are both personal to me and yet very applicable to the homesteading way of life.
This year, you can expect to see posts (hopefully weekly, realistically a couple of times a month) having to do with one or two of the following themes.
Community – In 2012, I established a monthly potluck to help build community. I made some new friends and built connections. In 2013 I want to do this more. I want more connection, more real relationships. I have realized that no one can live this life alone. We need each other and I want more of it. I have a challenge in mind for this theme this year. I’m excited about it, though it’s going to be a tough one.
Preparedness – Colorado had the worst wild-fire of all time in 2012. There were hurricanes on the East coast. For much of the country, there were record heat waves and drought. Across the country there were poor harvest and food prices are on the rise. I’m not a panicky or prepper or anything like that, but I have started thinking about the benefits of being prepared in a real emergency.
Thrift – Expect to see more DIY posts this year. From homemade to making-do to doing without, I plan to share more thrifty ideas this year.
Food Connections – This is the thing that sent me down the homesteading path all those years ago; being connected to our food. I have plans to share about sustainable food sources, processing your own meat (including wild game and hunting), and of course the garden. This year I am going to explore as many aspects of food connection as I can. I hope to close some of the gaps we’ve had in our own food sources as well.
Grace – This year I plan to go easier on myself. You guys know I love a crazy goal. But I also need a little more balance, and my kids certainly need a sane mommy. So I plan to cut myself a little slack this year. I’ve realized that this journey to being green and crunchy and self-sufficient is just that, a journey. I don’t have to do it all at once. It’s ok to take small steps and find what is feasible for our family. I’m not throwing the baby out with the grey water or anything, but I am going to focus more on things like simplicity, peace, and well, the categories mentioned above. 🙂
I’m really looking forward to 2013 and what it will bring. And I’m excited to share our homestead with you as always.
The Lazy Homesteader 
Happy New Year! I’m exited to hear about your progress– and I’m a big fan of themes vs. resolutions.
We’re into resolutions – they really can be effective. Good luck with yours!
I have to do the same thing… take it easy on myself. With all the prepper sites, homesteading sites, etc., it can get overwhelming feeling when you know you can’t go out and buy 600 lbs of this and 300 lbs of that and 37,000 cans of assorted things.
This year it will be about doing that I can, as well as I can and forgiving myself for the rest. I’m not aiming for the homesteading lifestyle entirely, just to be a little better steward of what I do have and put a little aside for those things we can’t plan on.
The rest… is out of my control and making myself sick over it solves nothing.
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