Take Some Time For You

The world has gone crazy and it will take you down with it if you’re not careful. Is there reason for concern, you better believe it, but losing sleep won’t help. I have friends who are so scared of what’s going on in the world that they rarely if ever tune it out. Yes, it’s important to stay informed and to understand what’s going on, but to also realize you can do very little about it. Staying glued to cable news or social media will hardly increase your odds of surviving a disaster. Awareness should drive action, but are your actions really reflective of the real dangers of the world?

Food, water, shelter, security. Control what you can control.

Though the view from my helicopter ride to the hospital was quite scenic, it was anything but calming and through the chaos my mind filled with regrets. Things I should have done or should have done differently, people I should have talked to and an overall sense that my priorities had been off base. Life has to have balance, and so should your prepping. The fact that I didn’t finish building those new raised beds this spring made almost no difference at all. So many of those projects that I considered crucial simply were not. Guess what, I can build those next spring. Prepping is important, and really made my recovery a great deal easier, and we will continue to prepare, but hopefully with better balance.

Today it begins in earnest. We have been restocking a few things here and there, but I’m officially through with medical testing and cleared by the cardiologist for 4 months; time to get back to it. Armed with 3 pretty long shopping lists, we’re heading out for our 1st big stock up run in almost 7 months. We will hit 2 grocery stores, a dollar store and Home Depot, but we will also take time to have a meal with my elderly dad. We will load up on food and water, but also a couple packs of guitar strings as getting away from music was a big regret.  I’ve gone back to work, but have kept my schedule light enough that I have time for family and friends and have planned a trip north in the spring to see some old friends. We’ve tried to eliminate unnecessary expenses, and prioritize what’s really important. Try to take a step back and see that big picture, what if it all ended today; what would you have missed, what would you change if you had another chance?

Food, water, shelter, security. Control what you can control. Prepping is important, but don’t forget to take some time for you while you still can.