Self-reliance and preparedness are concepts that we should all be working to improve on. I use the word “work” intentionally. Although there is great satisfaction in becoming more self-reliant, it is not always fun. It is better to view it as “work” and then be pleasantly surprised when it is also fun. There is no one that cannot benefit from working on these skills. It is not dependent on race, religion, political affiliation, age, gender, or economic status.
Today is April 16, 2020. We are in week 6 of the COVID-19 global pandemic. It is important to frame what is happening in the US today. I am going to give a few details as to the state we are in. Not because everyone reading this in real time needs any education on the state we are in, but because we have very short memories. After each crisis we face, and vow to change our ways, we slip back to our norm in a very short amount of time. On September 12, 2001 the entire country was in favor of stricter security and profiling. The Patriot Act was passed by an overwhelming majority in both the house and the senate. We united as a country against terrorismAnd today many are open to the idea of changing their lifestyle and priorities due the virus and the economic impact our country is facing. My goal is to try a capture a little bit if that sentiment and use it to help others become more self reliant and prepared.
I have been seeking to be more self reliant my entire life. My wife calls me a “knowledge seeker”. I know sometimes that is a complimentary way to get me to find the answer on. But I have used that desire to fulfill my role in life to be a servant. To help others that are in need. And in normal times, that is enough. But this last 5 weeks has reinforced the need for all to have a basic level of self reliance and preparedness.
The amazing secret is that our self confidence is greatly boosted by accomplishing new tasks. Most of us live in a very predictible, monotonous environment. We go to our job or school, come home and make or order dinner, watch some TV, and on the weekends spend time with our friends or family. Any curve that life throws us, there is a phone number or an app to get it done. A flat tire and there is AAA. Don’t feel like cooking Uber Eats. Toilet plugged call a Plumber.
The amazing secret is that our self confidence is greatly boosted by accomplishing new tasks. Most of us live in a very predictible, monotonous environment. We go to our job or school, come home and make or order dinner, watch some TV, and on the weekends spend time with our friends or family. Any curve that life throws us, there is a phone number or an app to get it done. A flat tire and there is AAA. Don’t feel like cooking Uber Eats. Toilet plugged call a Plumber.
What is self-reliance? Let’s look at the expected skills that an adult should have today. Operate a motor vehicle, send an email. Not that long ago in the early 1900’s the expected skills were cooking, sewing, build a fire, chop wood, hunting, caring for a horse, carpentry, gardening. In just over 100 years our society as whole has lost all skills that were considered basic. Certainly, we have many conveniences and luxuries that just a few generations ago were thought to be unachievable. But are our lives better? There is great satisfaction in creating something. Grow your own food, build a fire, replace a dead battery. These and so many more tasks can not only build confidence that transfers into the rest of our lives, but can provide bonding and teaching moments for our children not to mention save some money along the way.