What is Homesteading...Really?

Homesteading…what does it mean? The dictionary defines a homestead as the home and adjoining land occupied by a family.

To us it means a place where our family can call home, a place where we live in harmony with nature, providing for ourselves and the animals that depend upon us. Blessing all that sustains us, while we attempt to live as self-sufficiently as we know how.

But is it even more than that? Does it represent something else as well? For me when I am out with the animals or working in the gardens, it is a time to reflect and moments of stillness just sweep over me. Does it become another form of meditation? As I stroke the neck of my Nubian Buck with intention to convey the love I have for him he stands on the fence laying his head on my shoulder. Is he reciprocating that love? Does he really understand? I believe so and a connection is felt. Then one of the does or kids jump up and the wonderful moment is broken while the rest of the herd demands attention as well. And mayhem breaks lose as each one attempts to get their share. And I laugh.

And then you take on the one chicken in your flock that refuses to go into the hen house at night. You chase her around and around, and in exasperation you threaten her that she is going to become dinner and she runs in. She is so bad we have nicknamed her Ginger, from the movie Chicken Run. Even the grandkids call her Ginger as she can be such a pain. But we talk to the hens and pet them. Yes you can pet chickens. And when I clap my hands and call the ladies to come, they come running and follow me to wherever. My husband tells me it is a hilarious scene to watch. But yet, there is a trust that I am taking them somewhere they want to go, that it is safe and of course there is always a special treat when we get there.

These are the moments that call to me on the homestead and is what I define as homesteading. Yes there are always the chores to do and the shelters to clean. But that is not what makes up homesteading.

Spring is always a blur of activity, cleaning, birthings, building, planting and all that goes to maintaining a homestead/hobby farm. But it is only work if you want to be somewhere else, and I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be. After a long day on the homestead we are weary to the bone, but do we sleep! And we are in better shape now without the expense of a gym membership.

To us homesteading is not about a place but it is about a way of life, living intentionally and with purpose. I do not believe it is the where, how much land, how many animals, how large the garden is. But more about living intentionally and at peace.

The Greenhorn Homesteader