Homesteading: Embracing a Simpler Life

Have you ever wished you could get away from it all?

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city may sound like a refreshing, simpler way of life, but it’s actually a lot of work.

A few years ago, author Kathi Lipp and her husband, Roger, decided to move to a mountain home they’d bought. It was a tough challenge. Kathi was not “ourdoorsy” or resourceful and did not feel equipped to become a homesteader. Nevertheless, she calls the decision to relocate the “best not-thought-through decision” of her life.

Before their move, Kathi and Roger were in their fifties and comfortable in their professions. After their move, they had to develop a number of new skills. Roger learned woodworking, tilling, forest management, and operating heavy machinery. Kathi learned gardening, taking care of chickens, and techniques for preserving food.

There is value in dreaming big, in setting new goals, and in persevering through difficulty to success. But those challenges will test your character.

Kathi is with us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Homesteading: Embracing a Simpler Life” to share great ideas for anyone curious about homesteading or thinking about making a big change in their life.

Even if you choose to live in a busy city, learning to simplify and use your resources effectively, especially your time and energy, is valuable. Kathi offers a few things to keep in mind when starting any new project:

Learn as much as you can on your own.
Find compassionate experts.
Whatever your timeline is, double it.
Whatever your budget is, triple it.
It’s okay to have high hopes, but keep your expectations low.

Hear my full conversation with Kathi Lipp on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or on our free phone app.

I also encourage you to get Kathi’s book The Accidental Homesteader: What I’ve Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home. It’s full of recipes and tips to guide you if you’re interested in homesteading or even getting more organized and simplifying your life. We’ll send you a copy for a gift of any amount. Click here for details.