I can plow a field all day long, I can catch catfish from dusk ’til dawn.
We make our own whiskey and our own smoke, too.
Ain’t too many things these ole boys can’t do.
We grow good ole tomatoes and homemade wine, And a country boy can survive.
Country folks can survive.
Hank Williams Jr

Alright, y’all know I’m not a prepper. We’ve discussed that before. But I do believe in common sense preparedness. Last week marked the tenth anniversary of hurricane Katrina, so now seems like as good a time as any to talk about this.

Because, y’know, life happens. It isn’t always predictable. Even small events, like an unexpected layoff, can throw a kink in our plans and make it a little hard to keep on keepin’ on.

But here’s the thing. Stockpiling doesn’t make you prepared.

*ducks the rotten tomatoes*

I don’t mean to discourage planning via putting away necessities in excess of what you need on a daily or weekly basis. (I’m told there are people who really do buy food on a daily basis. I have just two questions for them: how? why?)

But the thing is…stockpiles don’t last forever. They’re an excellent way to be frugal (buying in bulk is usually cheapest!) and they can provide a cushion for hard times. But what happens when your stockpile is almost used up and things are still tight?

You’re back at square one.

The pioneers and original homesteaders didn’t survive during the hard times by stashing extra canned goods under their beds. They didn’t really have that option like we do today. They would preserve food for the winter, but they couldn’t clip coupons and buy 50 cases of toilet paper from the local grocery store.

 

So how did they do it? What makes you truly prepared for hard times?

Here’s a Few Things that Provide True Preparedness:

Skills and knowledge.

That’s right, good old fashioned know-how. This is at the heart of being truly prepared for rough times. You know that old song by Hank Williams Jr? “We can skin a buck, we can run a trout line, and a country boy can survive.” It’s true, folks.  There really isn’t much country folk can’t do.

Knowing how to hunt, fish, navigate, build, forage, garden, preserve food, build a fire…these are the types of things you need to be prepared. Knowing how to make your own wine is a nice bonus.

A Can-Do Attitude. 

Attitude is more important than you think. You can’t do anything that you believe you can’t do. If you’re convinced that getting up and bustin’ your behind everyday isn’t worth it and gets you no where, then you’re not going to get up and do it.

Depression is a real disease and it can be deadly. Sometimes it needs treatment, but sometimes it’s self-induced. Don’t let yourself convince you that working hard doesn’t pay off…in any circumstance.

He who works his land will have abundant food, but the one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. – Proverbs 28:19

Ingenuity and Resourcefulness.

Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. Make this your mantra. It’s a good philosophy.

It’s said that this little saying first surfaced during the Great Depression, but the general principle was practiced long before and it continues to hold value today as a way to be frugal, resourceful, and inventive.

Thee are so many ways to recycle, upcycle, reuse, and repurpose. When things are tight, being able to make what you need with what you have will go a long way.

Renewable, sustainable food sources.

Don’t let the grocery store be the sole source of your food. It’s such an easily disrupted food source. All it takes is a good ice storm and store shelves can empty in a flash. (And as all us southerners know, the milk, eggs, and bread will go first!)

Don’t just stockpile food either. Like I said…those stockpiles will eventually run dry. Instead, produce as much of your own food as possible using livestock and gardens. Learn to preserve the food you harvest. Garden with heirloom plants so you can save seeds. Learn how to properly care for your livestock and selectively breed so they can remain a sustainable source of meat, eggs, fiber, and dairy.

The bacon packages in the grocery store don’t reproduce and create more bacon. Pigs do.

Knowing how to take care of yourself is true self-sufficiency…it’s true freedom.

It doesn’t come from a store and it can’t be stowed away in closets. It has to be cultivated, nurtured, and practiced.

I’m not there yet, but I’m on my way. Baby steps matter.

Cheers