6 months
It was pointed out to me that it has been 6 months since I started this journey. I can't believe that it has been that long and that it has only been that long. It feels as if this journey has been overnight, yet it also feels that I have been moving toward this transition for my entire life. I may have not been ready to make changes when the impacts of my consumersitic lifestyle was pointed out to me in the past, however, I did hear it and pack it away for later.
It amazes me that this entire lifelong journey really become a reality when I made a choice to make one change. It wasn't even really a "choice" it was more a less a joking challenge that I couldn't "not shop" for a year. I really have to thank my husband for that wake-up call. I know that he didn't think that I would ever follow-up or that this "challenge" would have such a profound effect on me or on our fmaily.
There have been numerous changes and accomplishments due to the choice (most are listed on the side of this blog). As I develop more skills I will post them. I think the most important skill I have learned thus far is that of sustainability. I know that I can grow and store my own foods. In the event of any major life event, I will not have to venture to a store or look for foods. I have enough on hand! I have also learned that I can always learn new skills. The phrase "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" simply is not true. Okay, I am not *old*, but I think you know what I mean.
An email group that I belong to just emailed a list of good things to do to prepare for Peak Oil (I also say preparations for ANYTHING: climate change, pandemic, war, life changes, job loss, illness, or just to be a member of society).
- Grow a garden
- Weatherize your house
- Join or start a re-localization group (local shopping, etc)
- Preserve and store food
- Make and eat meals with your neighbors regularly
- Get healthy
- Learn wild edible plants
- Volunteer in your community
- Learn self-reliant skills
- Learn about permaculture
- Promote and use renewable energy
- Support local farmers
- Get rid of your fossil fuel addiction
- Pay back your debts and get rid of your credit cards
- Think independently
- Start a skill library
- Take a firefighting, EMT, or first aid course
I also want to take a moment to thank each person who visits and reads my ramblings. It amazes me that there are so many people who visit and read. It is encouraging to know that my thoughts and actions have had an impact. Thanks!
oh, and no baby yet.... ;)
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8 comments:
I like Carla Emery's list better. It can be found at http://carlaemery.com/newsletter23.htm
I like your posts because I don't feel so alone, not that I do, but sometimes it seems like it. I applaud your efforts so far and look forward to additional posts from you.
Sam
piconap.com/sso
Teri,
Wonderful list! I want to print off this page and determine what skills I need to build. Thank you for sharing!
Sam,
Thank you! I like to know that people are actually interested, because then I too don't feel quite alone in this journey. Thanks for posting. :)
I'm just starting on my journey (and I'm not necessarily doing the "no buy" thing, but I applaud you for doing it!).
We're all so "comfortable" these days. It's not a bad thing per se, but people will scoff at Depression survivors who still horde rubber bands and bacon grease. They say "it'll never happen again", but in truth if it happened once, it'll happen again. And as a whole we'll be less prepared for it because we're so far removed from the basic skills to run a home.
I enjoy reading other people's experiences - it makes me feel both reasonable and outrageous all at once!
Just came across your blog today, and it defintitely makes for some interesting reading. Look forward to reading more of your posts.
This afternoon one of the partners sauntered into my office and spent the better part of 10 minutes telling me how stupid and judgmental I was for doing the Compact.
Initially, I started to defend myself, but at some point, I realized the tirade was really about him and his consumption. Serenity now.
We started compacting because of an adoption. When I tried to explain that, I totally fell apart and burst into tears.
I hope he feels bad.
That's a great list!
I'm glad you emphasize starting small. I have been working on lifestyle changes for years and I feel I have come a long way. I heard of people who take on too many ideals at once and felt hopeless. If we all make some sort of effort, we will make a difference.
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