There are a number of reasons to start the path to becoming a survivalist. The prepper lifestyle is good for preparing for the future, plus it is a great way to live a less stressful life. Many people get tired of the rat race and long for something more calming. Even those of us who choose to continue to work and not be completely off-grid can have a better life that is less stressful.
While it is true that some give up their suburban lives and head for remote locations that is not what being a prepper is all about. Being a prepper is not about pulling yourself away from society and living like a hermit it is living life in a way that allows you to be prepared for short or long term disasters or other unexpected situations so you don’t need to rely on others. While the prepper lifestyle is great, it is not for everyone and it does take some planning and work. Before you start prepping for survival there are some things to consider which is talked about below. This is a lifestyle and mindset change. Be sure you are ready.
In addition to the tips below you will find links to products I recommend from companies that I have a referral relationship with. I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Where To Start
The first step is deciding if the prepper lifestyle is for you and your family. Living the prepper lifestyle takes a complete commitment. The life is more than likely not for you if you think you want to dabble in it and see how it goes – however it never hurts to give it a try. For more people though, you are either into prepping or you are not. There are many changes that you need to implement including the ability to break free of the capitalistic mentality taught by society. If you aren’t ready to start taking steps towards this, then the lifestyle is not for you. If you know that you’re ready to walk away from being dependent on others for your needs, then by all means I encourage you to start living the prepper lifestyle. You have to believe that what you’re gaining is a better life for yourself and your family and have a commitment to work towards that goal no matter how hard it might get – and believe me, sometimes it is not always easy.
Organize And Stock Up
If you know that you are ready to get organized and are committed to building your short term and long term inventory of goods and supplies then there is no reason to wait any longer. Go ahead, talk to your family and make a commitment. Being totally self-sufficient is a huge life change but it is freeing in so many ways when you let go of your dependency on society. Begin by learning about self protection and first aid. It is important that you know how to take care of yourself and your family through anything. If you intend to raise livestock you need to know how to care for them as well – even in emergency situations.
Being a prepper is not about living to the extreme the way some of the survivalists you see portrayed on television or hear about on the news do. Being a prepper means you accept that there are things outside your control that could impact your life greatly, such as disasters, government collapse, etc. – and you want to be ready for whatever comes. Be aware that not everyone who thinks they are ready actually are. If you’re in a relationship and your partner is dead-set against it, hates it, wants no part of it, you’re not ready if you don’t want to risk ruining the relationship – and take it from someone who knows, the pepper lifestyle can tear a relationship apart if you both are not on the same page. I won’t say you can’t do it alone, but I will say it is hard.
Learn To Stop Relying On Modern Conveniences
You’re not ready if there are certain things in your life that you feel you absolutely can’t give up – such as a daily trip to the local delicatessen or that expensive cup of coffee. You’re not ready and the lifestyle is not for you if you set aside money for supplies but then spend it on going out to eat or shopping for a new pair of shoes or the latest video game. Now I don’t want to imply that you can’t splurge or that giving up these things come easy. Like any lifestyle change, take it one day at a time. Eventually if you keep moving towards your goal you will get there. Those shopping trips eventually change and you find that your favorite places to shop are farm or prepper supply stores!
You’re not ready if you have a deep attachment to the conveniences of life and rely too heavily on technology. If you can’t imagine your life without modern technology is a sign you might not be ready. With that said, I am on my computer for hours on end, daily. Could I live without it? Yes. Do I feel less stress when it is turned off? I sure do. I prefer to spend time outdoors or around animals or plants instead of sitting in front of a computer. I would love to go off grid, however the option to make that change is not possible at this time. I know if the grid collapsed I would be fine without technology because I have used the technology to learn skills and start the journey down the preparedness path. What I am saying is if you have an unwillingness to learn how to prepare for the future or have no interest in sustainable living, then you’re not ready for the prepper lifestyle. However, keep in mind that many people can envision a day when the worst case scenario happens and when that comes ready or not you are going to have to deal with the situation at hand. Isn’t now the time to get over the “I’m not ready” attitude and replace it with the “it’s time to prepare, just in case” attitude?
I highly recommend the following articles:
- 10 Home Food Storage Solutions That Will Inspire You
- Tips For Prepping For Survival On A Budget
- 7 Ways To Start On The Path To A Self Sustaining Homestead
- Survival Grocery List – First Month
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