In times of stress and disillusionment at the current political situation, I try to counteract feelings of helplessness by asking myself, “What can I do?” This year, I decided to turn back to my roots and see how I could divorce myself from toxic systems and products. I felt like the less they had a hold of me, the more mental space I could make for myself to make change. 

I’m not the only one. The homesteading life is appealing to lots of people. Some are choosing to spend their water and dollars by planting a garden instead of growing a lawn. People are brewing their own beer, raising their own chickens, or putting solar panels on their roof. This has a lot of names like “homesteading” or “organic” or “pioneering.”

There is another side of the same coin, which is “prepping.” There are industries dedicated to stockpiling emergency supplies and defending your home or person with weapons and ammunition. It is about survival against people, groups, and situations. 

So, instead of feeding my fear, I seek out ways to feel empowered. How can I distance myself from people and practices that anger me, and encourage practices that bring light? How could I create connection and support for myself, as well as for my friends and family? How could I start a trend of helping each other, instead of holing up in our caves?

I can’t do everything by myself, and I don’t want to. I’m looking to restore choice in my life. Choice that feels taken away from me by industries that monitor my movement and spending to manipulate me, or by manufacturers that offer decreased quality for increased price. What can I gently step away from on a good day, and frankly give the middle finger to on a bad one? Where can I regain control in my life?

Take a moment to analyze your own nostalgia. When you think of Amish communities, does your brain jump to a barn-raising? Maybe you are wishing for community support. Perhaps you enjoy county or state fairs. Which exhibitions are on the top of your list? Raising poultry? Quilt-making? I love the nutty table-setting competitions. My mom gravitated to the food competitions, especially the canning and pickling displays. You may be wishing for more control over your food supply. Personally, I grow herbs because I can’t stand the price and the endless plastic packing for a sprig of something at the grocery store.  

Try to choose action over fear and give yourself permission to start small. Every action that lifts you up will empower you and in turn, you can become a neighbor rather than an enemy.