Hey, mama. Let me tell you something right off the bat—I did not want to be a homesteader. When people find out about gardening, helping with chickens, homeschooling, and running a house, the first thing they ask is, “How do you do it all?” And honestly? I don’t. Not even close.
When we first started this journey, I felt like I was drowning. I had four little ones, a house to clean, meals to make, and a mountain of laundry that never seemed to shrink. The thought of adding gardening or livestock into that chaos? No, thank you.
But then I watched Homestead Rescue. I saw how manageable—and even beautiful—this lifestyle could be. It lit a spark in me to learn more, and here I am, a few years later, wondering how I ever lived without it. If you’re where I was—overwhelmed, unsure, and a little skeptical—I hope my story encourages you to take that first step.
My Early Reluctance—Doubts, Failures, and Fears
I’ll be honest—I was scared of failing. I didn’t know anything about gardening or taking care of animals. I was already stretched thin, so how could I possibly add more to my plate?
Fear of Commitment – I worried about the time and effort it would take. What if I messed up? What if I killed everything?
Feeling Overwhelmed – Managing four small garden beds felt like trying to climb Mount Everest some days. I spent money on seeds and soil and then panicked when pests showed up.
Comparison and Perfectionism – Every time I scrolled social media, I saw picture-perfect homesteads and felt like I’d never measure up. My weeds had weeds!
But here’s the thing—every homesteader I admired had their own failures and struggles. I was only seeing the highlight reel, not the messy middle. And once I let go of perfection, I started to grow.
The Turning Point—What Shifted My Perspective
What changed everything for me? Seeing small wins. The first time my tomatoes actually ripened? I felt like a superhero. The day my kids dug up potatoes and squealed with excitement? I was hooked.
Learning Through Failure – I stopped seeing mistakes as disasters and started treating them like lessons. (Ant infestation? Okay, time to figure out companion planting.)
Faith in God’s Provision – Gardening reminded me that I’m not in control. God sends the rain (or doesn’t), but He also gives us tools and wisdom to steward what He’s given us. Trusting Him to provide taught me patience and peace.
Family Bonding Moments – Watching my kids get their hands dirty, haul wheelbarrows, and learn about where food comes from has been one of the greatest joys of this journey.
Practical Advice for Hesitant Homesteaders
If you’re just starting out, here’s what I’d tell you over hot chocolate or coffee:
- Start Small and Simple – Four garden beds were plenty for me. You don’t need acres of land to get started—try container gardening or a few chickens.
- Focus on One Skill at a Time – I learned to can before I learned to garden, so I could handle the harvest once it came in. Pick one skill and build from there.
- Budget-Friendly Hacks – Repurpose materials, swap seeds with friends, and buy secondhand tools. You don’t need fancy stuff—just a willingness to learn.
- Create a Support Network – Find other moms who are learning too. Having people to swap tips (and maybe swap veggies!) makes a huge difference.
- Track Progress and Celebrate – Write down what worked and what didn’t. Celebrate the wins, even the small ones, like your first cucumber or surviving a pest attack.
How Homesteading Changed My Heart and Home
I didn’t expect this lifestyle to teach me so much about faith. Seeing a tiny seed turn into something that feeds my family has made me more aware of God’s provision. It’s a daily reminder that growth takes time and care—both in the garden and in my heart.
I’ve learned patience when things don’t go as planned. I’ve learned contentment in simplicity, finding joy in the little things like fresh eggs and dirty hands. And I’ve learned perseverance because, let’s be real, some days are hard. But the rewards? They’re worth it.
Homesteading has also brought us closer as a family. Sharing chores, celebrating harvests, and laughing at the occasional disaster (deer eating the tops of the beets… again) has given us memories we’ll never forget.
Words of Encouragement for Reluctant Beginners
So, mama, if you’re on the fence about this whole homesteading thing, let me leave you with this:
Let Go of Perfection – Your garden doesn’t have to look like Pinterest to feed your family. Embrace the mess.
Take Small Steps and Keep Going – Tiny changes add up. Start with one tomato plant or one raised bed. You don’t have to do it all at once.
Trust God with the Process – Pray through the frustrations. Ask Him for wisdom and patience. He’ll meet you there.
You’re Not Alone – Connect with other beginners. Share your struggles, celebrate your wins, and ask for help when you need it.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re feeling inspired (or even just curious), check out my gardening guide to help you take that first step. Or dive into my home management tips to keep everything running smoothly.
And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for daily updates, tips, and encouragement. Let’s grow together!
