I have noticed a slight, but growing, fundamental shift in the last six months when it comes to being prepared for anything.

More and more people are not only getting their feet wet, stepping into the world of “prepping” but are beginning to show how being prepared for simple things, from power outages to natural disasters is actually a positive thing.

Instead of the connotation that this segment of society has weathered for years of being “a little crazy”, instead more and more folks are beginning to see that many of us are simply following in the footsteps of generations past and being “prepared”.

 “Prepared for what?” is often the question I get from folks new to reading this blog, who see that we practice food storage, and gardening, and raising our own meat (and I really could go on here ad nauseum but have not had enough coffee to really continue adding this morning….)

Wellllllll………I don’t “really” consider myself a prepper. I consider myself frugal, and careful, and prepared.

I am prepared that if we lose power, a serious, and common, situation here in the northern states (especially in winter) that my family can remain at home safe and warm and fed.

I am prepared that in the event something catastrophic happens and our nationwide food chain is broken for a short time, my family will be safe, and warm and fed.

I am prepared that in the event of a national or regional disaster that I will not be wondering what I can beg. borrow, or steal to feed or treat my family or neighbors, because we would all be safe, and warm, and fed.

I am sure you see the theme here.

I think more and more folks, after this last winter, are beginning to come to the realization of a couple of things. First, they are realizing that many of the things we take for granted: full grocery store shelves, full gas tanks, warm houses, the ability to get to a doctor when needed, are all built on a rather fragile, and often erroneous belief that it relies on only our own power to make it there. They are beginning to understand there is a whole chain of events that has to happen to get the food to the store, the gas to the stations, the heat to the houses, and the doors to be open to see a doctor. See, many generations understood that. SO that is a positive and wonderful development because people are responding to being a little more self-sufficient.

Second, folks are coming to the realization that they do not want to be in the middle of a crazy crowd of frantic people when it comes to getting any of those things in an emergency. If there is anything this horribly long, harsh, and bitterly cold winter has taught us across the nation, it is that it is better to be prepared for some such eventuality as discussed, than to be caught in the middle of it, suffering through it, or even having to leave your home vulnerable and go somewhere safe and warm to make it through. In my mind, while I am probably just as or more ready than the next person for Spring to truly get here, I am thankful for a winter that has taught lessons to more folks who listen but don’t take the necessary steps needed to take care of themselves and loved ones.

It remains to be seen if the warm, sweet, and syrupy days of summer lull many of these new, fresh faces back to sleep and out of being prepared. But I am seeing more and more interest, hearing more questions, and being encouraged to see folks stepping out and doing what is needed to take care of their families. Whether that is in food preparedness, or health preparedness (like learning and using essential oils to treat simple things at home without an expiration date like OTC meds), it is a positive, encouraging and welcomed change from the last couple years of teaching and praying for many to respond.

If you are one of those awesome folks just starting out,  I want to shake your hand and encourage you. I am proud of you. Happy to see your face and help you. I want to see you grow and learn and flourish, in taking care of your family. I do not believe, yet, that it is ever too late to start, because that first step puts you one step ahead of everyone else who refuses to think about those things. Please search here on The Welcoming House for any subject you want—I have covered an awful lot in the last three years for you. If you need direction or ideas, comment and I will direct you.

And welcome, not to the world of “prepping” but of being prepared for realistic, unsettling circumstances.

Blessings to you and yours,

~Heather