For those of you interested in continuing this kind of program for yourself, here are some of the future steps I'd considered posting about (and will probably still take, simply to improve my current health status):
- curbing liquid calories (choosing water over sodas, sweet hot drinks like lattes and cocoa, etc.)
- dealing with food addictions (sugar, caffeine, chocolate, etc.)
- biking instead of driving (again)
- increasing core strength and flexibility
- doing more work by hand or for oneself (instead of power tools or hiring someone)
The point of all of these is to move towards a healthier diet and more active life in preparation for the possibility that food budgets and/or availability may be under strain at some future point due to peak oil, climate change, and economic issues, as well as the need to be physically capable of living with less assistance from fossil fuel-powered tools of all sorts from chainsaws and food processors to motor vehicles.
Remember, any changes you make in your life now to eat healthier and become more fit will have plenty of positive impacts right now as well as in the future.
5 comments:
HA! I was getting worried you might suggest limits on caffeine and chocolate! Whew, that was close.
But I'm enjoying my walks, so I'll carry on with incorporating small improvements. I think if we're more mindful of our present like you suggest, then we're more likely to be ready for the future anyway, if that makes any sense.
Glad you're okay.
Elli :-)
It's pretty hard to live in the present and plan for the future in what we think of as BAU/normal times. so, it's even harder trying to get your head around the inevitable things that are coming.
I've been busy watching major bathroom repairs and painting this week but it's just about all done. Certainly looks bedtter with the new paint, too.
Be well, Peace, shamba
I've gone back and forth on writing this. I came to the same conclusion myself. I don't have enough hours in the day to do it all, no matter how necessary "it" may be.
I'll keep the garden, but not expand it. I'm not spending all Saturday morning at the farmer's market anymore; my husband will go Tuesday afternoon to a similar (closer) one instead. I can't go Tuesday afternoons, but he knows how to shop for the stuff we need.
I want to go exploring on the weekends, stay in touch better with friends and family, and enjoy my life.
I've tried the self-sufficiency. It was good and some of it was even fun. I just don't have enough time to do it all though.
I think learning and maintaining skills that would be helpful should the crap ever hit the fan is a key consideration in "prepping" while still enjoying present life. I need to look at getting fit not for TEOTWAWKI but to better enjoy my life now.
Choosing to focus more on the NOW is not turning a blind eye to the possibility that things are going downhill in the world, but rather recognizing that life is indeed short and is "what happens while you're making plans."
Best wishes to all.
Thanks for the comment back. Interestingly, when I spent 2008 & 2009 learning how to garden, can, dehydrate, etc., my thought at the time was to do it for a year or two and that was all.
Initially that didn't make sense until we started investing in tools to help make it easier (love my food mill and tomato strainer) and had some learning curve problems.
You're right - just minimally keeping those skills intact going forward will be a big help if TSHTF. Thanks for helping my clarify my thoughts on that.
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