We can not change the world through effort or by trying. We can change our lives/selves however. It is possible for the world to be changed as a result of us changing (our lives/selves). So the next time I am talking to someone about the state of society or government, the human race, the world, or whatever, and they ask me “So what are you doing about it?” my answer will be “I’m changing my life.”

After all, what if the world/government/society is merely a reflecting pool showing us who we really are on a deeper (and perhaps ignored) subconscious level? That would mean that the government or economy is in the shape they are in as a direct result of the shape society is in; society and societal standards are in the shape they are in as a direct reflection of the shape and standards the people who comprise the society are in. It is ok to accept that accountability because we have the ability to change our lives for the better; and in all honesty everyone should desire to change their life for the better because no one is perfect. It might take a large majority of people to make changes before a result could be seen on a macro level; but even if it would not change society, changing your life can make you more resilient in the society/economy you live in thus changing your world – or at least your corner of it. The reason people don’t or won’t do it is because it is hard, scary, uncomfortable, or they haven’t experienced enough discomfort or pain to be fed up. Some want someone or something to make the change for them, so they don’t have to feel any pain or accept any blame if they fail at the attempt. Some believe the status quo is sustainable and will go on in perpetuity. Many don’t want to face the reality that in this world if you aren’t moving forward you are moving backward, if you aren’t growing you are dying. Never mind what you wish would work, what actually does work? (And) Sometimes questions are more important than answers.

“Indecision is the greatest thief of opportunity.” – Jim Rohn, Facing The Enemies Within.

That statement seems so incredibly applicable to the concept of this blog. How many times did I look at or hear about awesome gardens, bug out locations, stockpiles of preps, AR-15s, and other expensive and/or time consuming stuff and feel completely overwhelmed? Or feel that these things the people in the prepper and survival community are doing and acquiring are hopelessly unrealistic for my situation? I was left with the sense that even when they were beginner preppers they did not have the burden I do of extremely limited resources. I didn’t even know where to begin, and I definitely felt like there was nothing I could do to become more resilient and independent until my circumstances changed.

Since I was determined to become independent from the systems to which most of society is unwittingly enslaved, I knew I must change my situation into one that would allow me to start my prepping. Thankfully I did finally realize that I can start working toward changing my situation in ways that are also steps toward resilience – steps toward living my life envisioned by the founding fathers. They may not seem like much right now, but they are getting me closer to the dream. Don’t wait, do something to get you on your journey now. Today!

“the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” – Emerson.

This country was founded on the concept of individual liberty. It seems we always focus so much more on the liberty part of that statement to the exclusion of the individual part. To achieve true liberty means we must each be an individual; and therefore we must be true to ourselves. To expect the government or corporations to give us jobs pretty much circumvents that concept for many, many people. The jobs they offer provide security, not freedom. I’ve said many times that security and freedom are at opposite ends of the spectrum. The more of one you have, the less of the other you have. “They that can give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” – Benjamin Franklin. So True! In all things, we must not operate from a base of fear. “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” – Joseph Chilton Pearce

I was reading Mark’s Daily Apple and he mentioned a blog he had written last August which peaked my curiosity so I went and checked it out. I have only read the first couple of paragraphs but it has given me an “aha!” moment; it has given me some clarity on something I need in my life – more playing. My current gig does not allow me to play enough. It doesn’t pay me enough money to even do the things the average schmo does for fun, and I want to do more than what the average schmo does. My job also demands too much of my time – specifically my day time – to allow me to play in the ways I want to, like exploring, hiking, etc. “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen, philosophers, and divines. With consistency a great soul has nothing to do.” – Emerson. I love to explore; I love the joy of discovery. “When we embrace play, we claim a better quality of life for ourselves. We decrease stress.” – http://www.marksdailyapple.com/the-lost-art-of-play-reclaiming-a-primal-tradition/ That concept has been gnawing at me for a good part of my adult life, and it is what inspired my intense dislike of working for the man. It is yet one more motivation to break free from the systems upon which we are so dependent.

“The life of white men is slavery. They are prisoners in towns or farms. The life my people want is a life of freedom. I have seen nothing that a white man has, houses or railways or clothing or food that is as good as the right to move in the open country, and live in our own fashion (Sitting Bull).”