I started my journey in my late 50s. I have been doing ‘homesteading’ about 5 years. I have the same experience as you. I’m mostly alone. I’m always overwhelmed and tired. But I am so grateful for this life. I lived in corporate America for 25+years. This is so much more. It isn’t glamorous. It’s wholesome. It’s healthy. It’s living as God intended for us. Take good care. 💕
Hi Sage:) Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your feelings. I don't have a homestead, but I am a single girl living on a large property that I take care of by myself:) I recently stumbled across your channel while looking for other solo homeowners to learn and get motivation from. I understand that desire for a partner to help with things. It's hard doing everything by yourself. Tomorrow I have family stopping by to help with some electrical stuff, and even that was tough to coordinate and leaves me feeling guilty. All this to say that you're not alone. My only advice, as someone a bit older, is to be careful when/if you start dating again, or revisit any past relationships. Sometimes our need/want for companionship can lead us to trust the wrong person or give someone credit they haven't earned yet. You're a smart cookie, and Im sure that you'll make the right decisions for you. Keep following your ❤️
As a former RUclipsr and current video producer, this needs to be called out: I *love* that there are no hard edits here, no quick cuts. The natural pauses, the sighs, they punctuate that this is a real, emotional, HONEST conversation. Thank you for just sitting down, hitting record, and talking. This is a lost art in a world that only seems to have 2-minute attention spans.
This was all beautifully put, Sage. A lot of social media is a "highlight reel" which can paint a far different picture than the actual reality. I think this applies to homesteading content more than other genres because all of the monotonous tasks and daily challenges (both small and large) that come with raising animals and a huge garden (especially by yourself). Hearing you talk about burn out and feeling overwhelmed and having to make hard choices about where to spend your time really resonated with me. I heard other homesteaders talk about that before I got into it, but I thought they were being over dramatic or something because of how much I loved and wanted to live this lifestyle. But now that I am on my second year I am going through the exact same feelings and issues. I know this video must have been a challenge to make, but I for one I am glad you did. We started homesteading around the same time so your channel has been great for me to watch. I didn't grow up gardening or raising animals either, and what you said about homesteading not being an easier life is SO TRUE!! I was just telling someone that my life in a city with a more traditional lifestyle where I bought all of my food was far more simple, easy and less stressful/overwhelming. I find it weird that people name their channel "simple life" and things like that because I have to go through so many hoops and learn so much and spend so much money to just butcher the chickens that I spent over two months raising and tending to daily. How is that more simple than clicking some buttons online and having it delivered to your door. But even with that being said it was no where near as fulfilling and it would be hard to go back after living this way connected to nature and natural rhythms. I heard someone say that challenges and overcoming adversity is the only way to being truly fulfilled in life. And when you look back times you suffered and did things that sucked in the moment, they bring you more joy and satisfaction than the time you rode a roller coaster or did something fun. And like you said, every path in life has its discomforts and challenges, but you get to choose your struggle. What you have been able to accomplish in a short amount of time is nothing short of incredible, especially being by yourself. I hope you aren't too hard on yourself, from an outside perspective you are killing it. I appreciate you really committing to being authentic. This video would be helpful to anyone really considering getting into homesteading.
Sage! You are such a beautiful and unique soul! Thank you for your real-ness and for stating the hard truths. You are an absolute rockstar and inspiration❤
I just found your chanel and I needed to hear this as I have been feeling very overwhelmed. I went down to part time this year. I just couldn't work full time and help my husband with the homestead too. I have been so burnt out and that carries over into your relationship sometimes. So I had to dial it back some and we have made adjustments. I need to learn to let it go when I am too tired to do the dishes, clean the house or clean up the property or weed the garden. I'm learning how to prioritize and I know my marriage and health come first. Without my husband I can't do this on this scale alone. Without my health I am good to no one not even myself. I couldn't even imagine doing this alone your a very brave and determined young lady. Pray God will set your mate aside for you and hide you from everyone else. The love and support I get from my husband keeps me going and doing what I love. He is my biggest cheerleader for sure.
I'm happy to have finally found someone speaking the truth. I'm 4 years in with no previous experience, and everyone makes it look so easy. There's so much heartache, but you have to push on. I'm finally in a place where I truly enjoy my homestead, but I wish I would have found your channel sooner. Thank you for all you do!
All your words hit home. Sometimes when you get overwhelmed is when you miss that company /partner you can lean on but sometimes is just not worth it. God will provide.
Sage, please be kind to yourself and know that you are an inspiration to me and I am sure so many other people! There is value in what you do and what you offer and I thank you for your courage and attitude and dedication. You are beautiful and a ray of sunshine, even when you cry. 🥰
Sage, You are a beautiful person inside and out. This video shows your strength and vulnerability at the same time. You know what you want in life and you are showing it through your videos. Stay true to who you are and what you want. I started homesteading this year as physical therapy. It has not been easy, especially alone. I have family around, but like you, it's on me to make sure things get done. I wanted to do so much more this year. I have felt like I have failed, because I planted later than I probably should of. My plants are just now starting to produce. You mentioned in one of your videos how the same thing happened to you. That helped me and reassured me that it will be alright. I lost a chicken because it got out of the fencing. I blamed myself. One of your videos helped me understand that those things happen. I watch your videos for the unvarnished truth and you always deliver. Thank you sincerely for being so honest and true to who you are. By the way, that person you mentioned about sharing your lifestyle with is out there. It just not the right time for either of you. It will happen, when the time is right. Keep it up, please. I truly enjoy your Sage advice. Robert
Never seen your videos. What you are saying is an evolution of your womanhood. You are homesteading and because of that, you’re evolving at a deeper and faster rate than if you had stayed in your comfort zone of suburbia. I know the journey all too well. It is natural for you to crave a companion to rely on and share life’s burdens with, among many other things. You are a woman. This is our evolution and homesteading really shows us where we are vulnerable and guarded; where we thrive and flourish; where we need to put more effort in or where we need to pump the breaks. You’re on a beautiful journey, and yea, sometimes it’s VERY hard. Hugs ❤
Hey Sage! Burnout in the summer garden is a real thing: weeds are growing like crazy and the harvest is coming on strong. Remember this season is temporary and you'll think back on the abundance of summer when you're stuck in the winter cold. Also, something that I found helpful with the endless to do list is looking at all of my regular processes to see if there is room to streamline or simplify. You don't have to do everything the way others do it; find a way that works for you and your schedule. For example, we bought a countertop dishwasher, we clean the house once a week, I deep bed the chickens in a static coop so I only have to clean them out once a year. Remember to take time to sit in your garden and just breathe, enjoy the work you've already done instead of focusing on what still needs done.
Look into getting you a woofer or wook into woofing. There's a website called woofing USA I think. Theres People looking to learn organic gardening who come and stay with you while they learn. If your comfortable with meeting new people and having someone stay with you in some capacity. Maybe find a person that van living or living in a skoolie. I'm with you on being overwhelmed with the amount of work on my homestead and I have a spouse ,but my spouse isn't into it so I'm doing it alone. I want to get a woofer but I'm an introvert and I have a hard time meeting new people. I wish the best for you .
Thank you for telling the honest truth. I came across you this weekend after calico acres and you had a Collab. I binge watched your show from beginning to right now, and I could see the sadness starting to appear, but I want to remind you. That when your journey started with you binge watching all those shows from Justin Rhodes to roots and refuge and all those other good shows. How you were inspired by those shows you inspired me and how are you started your journey I would trade everything I have right now to be still in your shoes, you keep doing what you’re doing. You are an inspiration.
Thank you 🤍 I'm incredibly grateful to be where I am. Holding space for the duality of our humanity is challenging, taking the good with the bad and the bad with the good. It's something that I wish we all talked about more openly.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It means so much to me to hear about what you are going through doing this lifestyle alone. I am also a woman soloing this, I bought a small farm in the norwegian mountains. I have been here 1,5 years now, and boy do I question myself and why I did this all the time. So many moments I have cried and wondered how on earth I will do all this alone. At the same time not really wanting a partner some days, and really missing having one on other days. Asking for help from others is always something that is hard to do. I am a new follower on your page, and I have been wathing one video after the other, so thankful to see how this is for you with both the good and the bad days. Take care wonderous you.
Id give anything to leave my life in Florida and do what you do lol. Burn out is very real! Wish i was your age, and not 50, and id feel like i could still do it. Keep your head up. Youre living a life of worth.
You deliver such a beautiful and important message in this video. Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing how you’ve been. Sending you hugs!! ❤
Hi Sage, what I've learned is that having someone else to "rely on" can be great, until they are not there for one reason or another. Having someone to "augment" your life and lifestyle while you remain self-reliant is a world apart from that. I'm the same way, very self-reliant; and it has proven to be exponentially more and more valuable as people come and go, and life brings its changes. It has made me incredibly more resilient and allowed me to be much more adaptable as changes and opportunities are presented to me. Rest if you need to, but remain steadfast in your endeavors. Best wishes. -Dusty
I truly feel you. Im 46 and trying to build a homestead solo...in a foreign country. I understand that it would be so much easier and encouraging with a partner. That man will show up in good time. Keep trucking with what yout soul tells u to do. Homesteading is a process..but until the day where we feel stable and victorious...keep pushing and have gratitude and compassion for yourself.
Trying to live both a modern life and a more land-based life sounds exhausting. I'm an old fart, so my perspective my not count, but I have notice that everything takes longer than I think it would. Do what you can, that's all you can, but when it isn't fun anymore, you may want to reevaluate. I used to say to my 35-year-old perfectionist son that nothing is ever perfect until you accept it as it is. So, hang in there and be nice to yourself.
Oh girl, I feel this in my soul. I am married but I've been doing it mostly alone. I'm tired. My soul is very bi-polar. Growing heals my soul in a very real way, but the solitary time in this amount isn't healthy.
This is why I want to create a community of sorts. For example, having a retired couple who want to live cheaply and put in some time. And a young family maybe living in a Skoolie, homeschooling. Some artists.
Thank you for making this video. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. I’m about to embark on this lifestyle pretty much by myself very soon. Although I’m very excited I’m scared too. Everything you said makes complete sense. I’m cheering for you!! 😊
I absolutely love how open you are. Just a girl going through some S_it and dealing with it the best you can. I am not a girl but I relate so much. I was married for 8 years and years ago when we divorced I convinced myself that living alone was the best way to live. Now, living alone is my biggest enemy, it now seems to be the source of everything I can no longer enjoy. Loneliness can be so overwhelming and it can take us to the point where there is nothing that brings us pleasure anymore if we allow it to. Judging from your videos, you are nowhere near that and your newest videos in particular, you seem to be in a pretty happy place, I hope that is the case. I know the struggles of living the life you live. Thankfully, I can see that you are strong enough to push through the hardships and enjoy the rewards of your labor. When the s_it gets too deep, buy taller boots..
Your Young & healthy , but You can only do so much in a day! Decide whats priority, & work that direction. In time you will find ways to make things easier. Speaking of highs & lows, I heard a preacher say "If your in a valley, just remember there's a hill on both sides!" I hope you find someone to share this lifestyle with! Its a blessing to have someone like minded! I can somewhat understand how your feeling. I take care of most everything on our stead. My wife is disabled, & no longer able to help . I raise most all of our vegetables, all the canning, & cooking/food prep. I Was also raised in this kind of lifestyle. But I still have struggles. But It will all work out one way or the other!
Hi Sage, your channel & journey is refreshing & real life. Give yourself some space & grace. We've seen a few videos. Sorry for your loss. Also, sometimes being alone, we find out who we are and what we want in our life. You seem very determined & detailed. You've done a lot in a short time. It is always good to reflect on goals, mananment of time & efficiency of things so life can become easier. Our lists are long, never enough time and always something to do find where your joy is & do a little more of that & let go of over expectations of yourself, that what you love to do & get done is enough. On finding a mate, i suggest looking uo your natal chart sun moon ising venus & mars. Then look up who your best compatable with astrologically, hopefully you'll find the person who aligns with how you want to live life. ❤
Thank you 🤍 This was a snapshot of where I was emotionally while starting my first busy season doing it alone. I no longer carry those same sentiments and am quite happy doing it by myself ☺️
Thanks for sharing. Life isn't perfect. You need a sounding board. Someone who completely understands the deeper thoughts and processes you go through. I can help you with that. I get you. Get in touch if this resonates with you. 😊
I resonate with this quite a bit. My wife is unable to help much and my daughter is pretty young still but helps a little. We had chickens but I had to get rid of them because nobody else would help. I have ADHD and if I have to take care of other living things, I'm in trouble. Just taking care of the garden this year has been so overwhelming and I had a lot of things die off that I had to re-germinate a second time. I'm very behind. Huge pile of mulch in the driveway from February, a huge tree that's fallen, a broken septic (bucket life...again), weeding, yard work, oh and the day job. It's a lot but it does make me happy. I just also wish I could have more help but I am a very to myself kind of person and hate asking for help. The wood chips I got this year have more logs and sticks than chips. It's pretty awful to mess with and try to move. Once you put them down you have to go remove all of the sticks out of the garden pathways or they will stab you constantly lol.... Luckily I'm starting another 2 week vacation from the day job to HOPEFULLY get caught up some. Take care and thanks for being vulnerable in this video for us. That takes a LOT. I hope you find somebody or someone who can help you out on a consistent basis. I think people need to work together more and offer help to the neighbor and vice versa. I think just having that trust and bond with neighbors (at least) can open up the doors for more success for everyone.
My last garden was overwhelming and got overgrown with weeds... Next time silage tarp or landscape matting = no tilling no weeding! Seedlings started in advance in a greenhouse. I don't watch videos like this but I did this one cause I like you. I admire you for doing things on your own, I can relate. I'm 61 @ 65 with a pension I plan to move back to Nova Scotia buy an overgrown farm or woodland and build a cabin in the woods, grow & raise my own food. I'll be doing it by myself but friends will help and I will likely build a few tiny houses where people of similar interests can come help, learn, grow, and live pretty cheap and who could also do their own thing on the part of the land, if they wanted. That may give you some ideas. You talk about relationships and I understand but for me, that ship has sailed but it doesn't mean I can't recruit help without giving up my freedom. I'm looking forward to growing and raising my own food as I've wanted to return to farming since I was a teenager. Save relationships for love and someone with similar interests. Offer a chance for people to join you for a week/weekend and experience your life / a course on homesteading or a chance for them to help you tackle a project, you can use You Tube to create interest. Somebody's gotta be from your area with an interest in learning or at least a kind bone in their body.
First time viewer, nosing in. Thanks for being real with the world. This is why you don't read stories of women living on the frontier or traveling the Oregon trail alone. Self sufficiency actually requires more than self. It literally requires a team at our place and chickens are our only animals. Homesteading is a full time job all by itself. I know what I am able to do around our place will shrink as the kids move out. Of course, we will be providing for less people then as well. But it's rewarding for mental, physical, and spiritual health. What other full time job offers that? But
Dang, you gonna die alone with that lifestyle. Find someone while you are still young and grow with someone. Money and goats come and go, someone to share memories and help you in hard and dark times is priceless and timeless!
If I come across someone who is capable and willing to match me in skill, effort, and care, I will gladly grow with them. Being with someone for the sake of not being alone is a disservice to everyone involved and is not a relationship I care to have.
@@terranovaacres perhaps look at it as if you can grow each other skills with someone and join the efforts. good luck to you, although goats are a great company lol
Kudos for being brave to share your feelings and struggles. If I may give you some advice from the person who has been through relationships and being single and relying on myself, first, ask yourself a question: are you feeling lonely and alone because you don't have a relationship, or because you want someone who will share your responsibilities of homestead? These are two different things. Are you craving a relationship or is it your tiredness and loneliness talking? It easy to confuse these two. I hope you have figured it out by now, since I am watching this video from 7 months ago 😊. And give yourself a break. We all feel the same way at times. Good luck!
All very important distinctions. At that time, (I am in a different place now) it was grief and frustration of sorting through some difficult hyper-independent coping mechanisms, healing to the point that I actually WANT someone to genuinely build with, and not having that. It's ok to want things from life and it's ok to be sad you don't have them. Wanting a partner doesn't necessarily mean you're codependent or don't know how to be alone, it can just mean you want a human to share life with. And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm now in a place where I'm ok if that never happens for me but also open to it. I can be fulfilled no matter what life has in store for me.
Sage, I just found your sweet vlog. Creating, and maintaining a homestead is hard, more so if you're doing it on your own. Sometimes you can get help by using a student through the local colleges for school credit to help (like being a mentor/ intern) in your gardens, or with canning, feeding animals, ect..... It doesn't cost you money, and the students are looking to learn hands down. Sometimes, reevaluating your projects, and work can make things a bit easier. Prime example, I find myself doing no dig gardens instead of killing myself digging, weeding, and tilling. At the end of the grow season, I just throw a tarp over the old garden beds (place some brick on the tarp to keep it in place) to kill off weeds. This way come time to plant, I just rake a little, amend the soil, and plant seeds. I've had to learn to pick my battles witj projects/work on our property.. I'm older than you, have some medical issues, and my husband is a disabled Veteran. A good chunk of keeping my homestead going is totally on ME. My main battle is keeping the grass cut in the summer. We have 20 acres, thank goodness we maintain only 4 to 5 acres. The rest is natural woods. Granted, I still need to maintain pathways on the wooded areas. I used to cut, and weed whack those 4 to 5 acres weekly all in 1 day.. Not any more, it takes me 2 days. I push a mower, drive a yard tractor, and a large farm tractor to cut grass, and I weed whack. This usually kicks my butt because of the heat 100 degrees. Be proud of yourself!!! You have a beautiful place. You can't be every where doing everything by youself. Make a list of all your projects, prioritize that list, and then take one project at a time. Also remember to give yourself time, and grace to just be YOU. I pick, 1 night a week where I give myself 3 hours to do for me, what ever I want to do. A hot bath, read a book, enjoy ice tea on the porch ect... You are human, if everything/animal is safe, fed, watered, and locked up. Let it be!
My young darling, you simply lack balance in your life. Seems like you might be a bit impulsive and extreme. Perhaps, you just need to scale down your pursuits so you can have a little bit of everything... time for friends and boyfriend, time to work your homestead, time to work a regular job, time for yourself to learn new things. Also, we all go through lonely periods in our lives from time to time, even when in a relationship or having children. Just "slow your roll" and craft the components together so you can have a little of everything in your life. ❤️✌️
I am definitely impulsive. And I definitely tend to operate within extremes. And I love these things about myself. I spent a long time trying to fit into boxes other people thought were better for me, and I was miserable. To be uncomfortable is to be human. Those moments are real and are valid, but they pass. And those moments are balanced with deep gratitude and appreciation for this life, exactly as it is. Despite the overwhelm, I would choose this a thousand times over. I just say the parts a lot of us don't out loud 🤍
Cynical angle: You're essentially working much harder at "old time" chores vs. the "boring" modern work grind (which leaves agricultural work to corporations these days for economies of scale). And if TSHTF, bad guys would probably invade remote homesteads, negating their survival value outside of cities.
I started my journey in my late 50s. I have been doing ‘homesteading’ about 5 years. I have the same experience as you. I’m mostly alone. I’m always overwhelmed and tired. But I am so grateful for this life. I lived in corporate America for 25+years. This is so much more. It isn’t glamorous. It’s wholesome. It’s healthy. It’s living as God intended for us.
Take good care. 💕
I'm happy to hear about others who have done what I want to do later in life. It inspires me to continue to pursue it.
Hi Sage:) Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your feelings. I don't have a homestead, but I am a single girl living on a large property that I take care of by myself:) I recently stumbled across your channel while looking for other solo homeowners to learn and get motivation from. I understand that desire for a partner to help with things. It's hard doing everything by yourself. Tomorrow I have family stopping by to help with some electrical stuff, and even that was tough to coordinate and leaves me feeling guilty. All this to say that you're not alone. My only advice, as someone a bit older, is to be careful when/if you start dating again, or revisit any past relationships. Sometimes our need/want for companionship can lead us to trust the wrong person or give someone credit they haven't earned yet. You're a smart cookie, and Im sure that you'll make the right decisions for you. Keep following your ❤️
As a former RUclipsr and current video producer, this needs to be called out: I *love* that there are no hard edits here, no quick cuts. The natural pauses, the sighs, they punctuate that this is a real, emotional, HONEST conversation. Thank you for just sitting down, hitting record, and talking. This is a lost art in a world that only seems to have 2-minute attention spans.
This was all beautifully put, Sage. A lot of social media is a "highlight reel" which can paint a far different picture than the actual reality. I think this applies to homesteading content more than other genres because all of the monotonous tasks and daily challenges (both small and large) that come with raising animals and a huge garden (especially by yourself). Hearing you talk about burn out and feeling overwhelmed and having to make hard choices about where to spend your time really resonated with me. I heard other homesteaders talk about that before I got into it, but I thought they were being over dramatic or something because of how much I loved and wanted to live this lifestyle. But now that I am on my second year I am going through the exact same feelings and issues. I know this video must have been a challenge to make, but I for one I am glad you did. We started homesteading around the same time so your channel has been great for me to watch.
I didn't grow up gardening or raising animals either, and what you said about homesteading not being an easier life is SO TRUE!! I was just telling someone that my life in a city with a more traditional lifestyle where I bought all of my food was far more simple, easy and less stressful/overwhelming. I find it weird that people name their channel "simple life" and things like that because I have to go through so many hoops and learn so much and spend so much money to just butcher the chickens that I spent over two months raising and tending to daily. How is that more simple than clicking some buttons online and having it delivered to your door. But even with that being said it was no where near as fulfilling and it would be hard to go back after living this way connected to nature and natural rhythms. I heard someone say that challenges and overcoming adversity is the only way to being truly fulfilled in life. And when you look back times you suffered and did things that sucked in the moment, they bring you more joy and satisfaction than the time you rode a roller coaster or did something fun. And like you said, every path in life has its discomforts and challenges, but you get to choose your struggle.
What you have been able to accomplish in a short amount of time is nothing short of incredible, especially being by yourself. I hope you aren't too hard on yourself, from an outside perspective you are killing it. I appreciate you really committing to being authentic. This video would be helpful to anyone really considering getting into homesteading.
I’m so grateful I found your channel. Thank you for posting authentically! It’s rare on social, and I really appreciate your honesty and reflections!
Sage! You are such a beautiful and unique soul! Thank you for your real-ness and for stating the hard truths. You are an absolute rockstar and inspiration❤
I just found your chanel and I needed to hear this as I have been feeling very overwhelmed. I went down to part time this year. I just couldn't work full time and help my husband with the homestead too. I have been so burnt out and that carries over into your relationship sometimes. So I had to dial it back some and we have made adjustments. I need to learn to let it go when I am too tired to do the dishes, clean the house or clean up the property or weed the garden. I'm learning how to prioritize and I know my marriage and health come first. Without my husband I can't do this on this scale alone. Without my health I am good to no one not even myself. I couldn't even imagine doing this alone your a very brave and determined young lady. Pray God will set your mate aside for you and hide you from everyone else. The love and support I get from my husband keeps me going and doing what I love. He is my biggest cheerleader for sure.
I'm happy to have finally found someone speaking the truth. I'm 4 years in with no previous experience, and everyone makes it look so easy. There's so much heartache, but you have to push on. I'm finally in a place where I truly enjoy my homestead, but I wish I would have found your channel sooner. Thank you for all you do!
Keep the faith, Sage. You’re a young, beautiful, hard-working woman. You can only do so much.
All your words hit home. Sometimes when you get overwhelmed is when you miss that company /partner you can lean on but sometimes is just not worth it. God will provide.
I like that you're being real and vulnerable here and honest about how hard it can be to live the homestead life.
Sage, please be kind to yourself and know that you are an inspiration to me and I am sure so many other people!
There is value in what you do and what you offer and I thank you for your courage and attitude and dedication.
You are beautiful and a ray of sunshine, even when you cry. 🥰
Sage,
You are a beautiful person inside and out. This video shows your strength and vulnerability at the same time. You know what you want in life and you are showing it through your videos. Stay true to who you are and what you want. I started homesteading this year as physical therapy. It has not been easy, especially alone. I have family around, but like you, it's on me to make sure things get done. I wanted to do so much more this year. I have felt like I have failed, because I planted later than I probably should of. My plants are just now starting to produce. You mentioned in one of your videos how the same thing happened to you. That helped me and reassured me that it will be alright. I lost a chicken because it got out of the fencing. I blamed myself. One of your videos helped me understand that those things happen. I watch your videos for the unvarnished truth and you always deliver. Thank you sincerely for being so honest and true to who you are. By the way, that person you mentioned about sharing your lifestyle with is out there. It just not the right time for either of you. It will happen, when the time is right. Keep it up, please. I truly enjoy your Sage advice.
Robert
Never seen your videos. What you are saying is an evolution of your womanhood. You are homesteading and because of that, you’re evolving at a deeper and faster rate than if you had stayed in your comfort zone of suburbia. I know the journey all too well. It is natural for you to crave a companion to rely on and share life’s burdens with, among many other things. You are a woman. This is our evolution and homesteading really shows us where we are vulnerable and guarded; where we thrive and flourish; where we need to put more effort in or where we need to pump the breaks. You’re on a beautiful journey, and yea, sometimes it’s VERY hard. Hugs ❤
Hey Sage! Burnout in the summer garden is a real thing: weeds are growing like crazy and the harvest is coming on strong. Remember this season is temporary and you'll think back on the abundance of summer when you're stuck in the winter cold. Also, something that I found helpful with the endless to do list is looking at all of my regular processes to see if there is room to streamline or simplify. You don't have to do everything the way others do it; find a way that works for you and your schedule. For example, we bought a countertop dishwasher, we clean the house once a week, I deep bed the chickens in a static coop so I only have to clean them out once a year. Remember to take time to sit in your garden and just breathe, enjoy the work you've already done instead of focusing on what still needs done.
I homestead on 5 acers alone in Hendersonville nc, I do enjoy your videos . If you ever need help I'm thirty minutes away . 😊
You are so much like me (only much younger). I wish I would have done this when I was your age but I'm inspired to pursue it now.
I feel like I'm watching myself....I feel you girl!
Omg yep. It’s like we are a living a similar experience. Hugs
Look into getting you a woofer or wook into woofing. There's a website called woofing USA I think. Theres People looking to learn organic gardening who come and stay with you while they learn. If your comfortable with meeting new people and having someone stay with you in some capacity. Maybe find a person that van living or living in a skoolie. I'm with you on being overwhelmed with the amount of work on my homestead and I have a spouse ,but my spouse isn't into it so I'm doing it alone. I want to get a woofer but I'm an introvert and I have a hard time meeting new people. I wish the best for you .
❤Lot of love and support. Homesteading ain´t easy and these strugles are something we have faced from time to time. Greetings from Finland🇫🇮
Thank you for telling the honest truth. I came across you this weekend after calico acres and you had a Collab. I binge watched your show from beginning to right now, and I could see the sadness starting to appear, but I want to remind you. That when your journey started with you binge watching all those shows from Justin Rhodes to roots and refuge and all those other good shows. How you were inspired by those shows you inspired me and how are you started your journey I would trade everything I have right now to be still in your shoes, you keep doing what you’re doing. You are an inspiration.
Thank you 🤍 I'm incredibly grateful to be where I am. Holding space for the duality of our humanity is challenging, taking the good with the bad and the bad with the good. It's something that I wish we all talked about more openly.
Thank you so much for sharing this. It means so much to me to hear about what you are going through doing this lifestyle alone. I am also a woman soloing this, I bought a small farm in the norwegian mountains. I have been here 1,5 years now, and boy do I question myself and why I did this all the time. So many moments I have cried and wondered how on earth I will do all this alone. At the same time not really wanting a partner some days, and really missing having one on other days. Asking for help from others is always something that is hard to do. I am a new follower on your page, and I have been wathing one video after the other, so thankful to see how this is for you with both the good and the bad days. Take care wonderous you.
Id give anything to leave my life in Florida and do what you do lol. Burn out is very real! Wish i was your age, and not 50, and id feel like i could still do it. Keep your head up. Youre living a life of worth.
I feel your pain, it’s hard out doing everything alone but the lifestyle is so worth it. I can’t wait to get to my homestead
You deliver such a beautiful and important message in this video. Thank you for your vulnerability and for sharing how you’ve been. Sending you hugs!! ❤
Hi Sage, what I've learned is that having someone else to "rely on" can be great, until they are not there for one reason or another. Having someone to "augment" your life and lifestyle while you remain self-reliant is a world apart from that. I'm the same way, very self-reliant; and it has proven to be exponentially more and more valuable as people come and go, and life brings its changes. It has made me incredibly more resilient and allowed me to be much more adaptable as changes and opportunities are presented to me. Rest if you need to, but remain steadfast in your endeavors. Best wishes. -Dusty
I truly feel you. Im 46 and trying to build a homestead solo...in a foreign country. I understand that it would be so much easier and encouraging with a partner. That man will show up in good time. Keep trucking with what yout soul tells u to do. Homesteading is a process..but until the day where we feel stable and victorious...keep pushing and have gratitude and compassion for yourself.
Trying to live both a modern life and a more land-based life sounds exhausting. I'm an old fart, so my perspective my not count, but I have notice that everything takes longer than I think it would. Do what you can, that's all you can, but when it isn't fun anymore, you may want to reevaluate. I used to say to my 35-year-old perfectionist son that nothing is ever perfect until you accept it as it is. So, hang in there and be nice to yourself.
Sage, I really appreciate the sheer honesty of your video. ☺️ Keep your eyes on the prize! You will find everything that you want. ❤
Oh girl, I feel this in my soul. I am married but I've been doing it mostly alone. I'm tired. My soul is very bi-polar. Growing heals my soul in a very real way, but the solitary time in this amount isn't healthy.
This is why I want to create a community of sorts. For example, having a retired couple who want to live cheaply and put in some time. And a young family maybe living in a Skoolie, homeschooling. Some artists.
Thank you for making this video. I’m sure it wasn’t easy. I’m about to embark on this lifestyle pretty much by myself very soon. Although I’m very excited I’m scared too. Everything you said makes complete sense. I’m cheering for you!! 😊
I absolutely love how open you are. Just a girl going through some S_it and dealing with it the best you can. I am not a girl but I relate so much. I was married for 8 years and years ago when we divorced I convinced myself that living alone was the best way to live. Now, living alone is my biggest enemy, it now seems to be the source of everything I can no longer enjoy. Loneliness can be so overwhelming and it can take us to the point where there is nothing that brings us pleasure anymore if we allow it to. Judging from your videos, you are nowhere near that and your newest videos in particular, you seem to be in a pretty happy place, I hope that is the case. I know the struggles of living the life you live. Thankfully, I can see that you are strong enough to push through the hardships and enjoy the rewards of your labor. When the s_it gets too deep, buy taller boots..
Your Young & healthy , but You can only do so much in a day! Decide whats priority, & work that direction. In time you will find ways to make things easier. Speaking of highs & lows, I heard a preacher say "If your in a valley, just remember there's a hill on both sides!" I hope you find someone to share this lifestyle with! Its a blessing to have someone like minded! I can somewhat understand how your feeling. I take care of most everything on our stead. My wife is disabled, & no longer able to help . I raise most all of our vegetables, all the canning, & cooking/food prep. I Was also raised in this kind of lifestyle. But I still have struggles. But It will all work out one way or the other!
Hi Sage, your channel & journey is refreshing & real life. Give yourself some space & grace. We've seen a few videos. Sorry for your loss. Also, sometimes being alone, we find out who we are and what we want in our life. You seem very determined & detailed. You've done a lot in a short time. It is always good to reflect on goals, mananment of time & efficiency of things so life can become easier. Our lists are long, never enough time and always something to do find where your joy is & do a little more of that & let go of over expectations of yourself, that what you love to do & get done is enough. On finding a mate, i suggest looking uo your natal chart sun moon ising venus & mars. Then look up who your best compatable with astrologically, hopefully you'll find the person who aligns with how you want to live life. ❤
Thank you 🤍 This was a snapshot of where I was emotionally while starting my first busy season doing it alone. I no longer carry those same sentiments and am quite happy doing it by myself ☺️
Don't change your amazing ✨ 😉
this is so important
This is a year late but You need a hug !!
Thanks for sharing. Life isn't perfect.
You need a sounding board. Someone who completely understands the deeper thoughts and processes you go through.
I can help you with that. I get you. Get in touch if this resonates with you. 😊
Love your heart ❤ 💙 you are so strong...beautiful ❤ woman 👩 ❤
I resonate with this quite a bit. My wife is unable to help much and my daughter is pretty young still but helps a little. We had chickens but I had to get rid of them because nobody else would help. I have ADHD and if I have to take care of other living things, I'm in trouble. Just taking care of the garden this year has been so overwhelming and I had a lot of things die off that I had to re-germinate a second time. I'm very behind. Huge pile of mulch in the driveway from February, a huge tree that's fallen, a broken septic (bucket life...again), weeding, yard work, oh and the day job. It's a lot but it does make me happy. I just also wish I could have more help but I am a very to myself kind of person and hate asking for help. The wood chips I got this year have more logs and sticks than chips. It's pretty awful to mess with and try to move. Once you put them down you have to go remove all of the sticks out of the garden pathways or they will stab you constantly lol....
Luckily I'm starting another 2 week vacation from the day job to HOPEFULLY get caught up some. Take care and thanks for being vulnerable in this video for us. That takes a LOT. I hope you find somebody or someone who can help you out on a consistent basis. I think people need to work together more and offer help to the neighbor and vice versa. I think just having that trust and bond with neighbors (at least) can open up the doors for more success for everyone.
When your not looking for something it will find you if it is meant to be. Always be loyal to yourself.
My last garden was overwhelming and got overgrown with weeds... Next time silage tarp or landscape matting = no tilling no weeding! Seedlings started in advance in a greenhouse. I don't watch videos like this but I did this one cause I like you. I admire you for doing things on your own, I can relate. I'm 61 @ 65 with a pension I plan to move back to Nova Scotia buy an overgrown farm or woodland and build a cabin in the woods, grow & raise my own food. I'll be doing it by myself but friends will help and I will likely build a few tiny houses where people of similar interests can come help, learn, grow, and live pretty cheap and who could also do their own thing on the part of the land, if they wanted. That may give you some ideas. You talk about relationships and I understand but for me, that ship has sailed but it doesn't mean I can't recruit help without giving up my freedom. I'm looking forward to growing and raising my own food as I've wanted to return to farming since I was a teenager. Save relationships for love and someone with similar interests. Offer a chance for people to join you for a week/weekend and experience your life / a course on homesteading or a chance for them to help you tackle a project, you can use You Tube to create interest. Somebody's gotta be from your area with an interest in learning or at least a kind bone in their body.
PUSH ON, you'll be glad when trouble hits the country. Believe me I've felt the same way, more times than I can count. BEST OF LUCK, YOUNG LADY 🗽🇺🇸🇺🇲🦅
❤
15:15, 15:36 says it all...
You need to have these moments to ground yourself.
First time viewer, nosing in. Thanks for being real with the world.
This is why you don't read stories of women living on the frontier or traveling the Oregon trail alone. Self sufficiency actually requires more than self. It literally requires a team at our place and chickens are our only animals.
Homesteading is a full time job all by itself. I know what I am able to do around our place will shrink as the kids move out. Of course, we will be providing for less people then as well.
But it's rewarding for mental, physical, and spiritual health. What other full time job offers that?
But
Listening makes me want to pick up the phone and chat with you. 😊
Dang, you gonna die alone with that lifestyle. Find someone while you are still young and grow with someone. Money and goats come and go, someone to share memories and help you in hard and dark times is priceless and timeless!
If I come across someone who is capable and willing to match me in skill, effort, and care, I will gladly grow with them. Being with someone for the sake of not being alone is a disservice to everyone involved and is not a relationship I care to have.
@@terranovaacres perhaps look at it as if you can grow each other skills with someone and join the efforts. good luck to you, although goats are a great company lol
Do you have WWOOF? I would gladly help.
Kudos for being brave to share your feelings and struggles. If I may give you some advice from the person who has been through relationships and being single and relying on myself, first, ask yourself a question: are you feeling lonely and alone because you don't have a relationship, or because you want someone who will share your responsibilities of homestead? These are two different things. Are you craving a relationship or is it your tiredness and loneliness talking? It easy to confuse these two. I hope you have figured it out by now, since I am watching this video from 7 months ago 😊. And give yourself a break. We all feel the same way at times. Good luck!
All very important distinctions. At that time, (I am in a different place now) it was grief and frustration of sorting through some difficult hyper-independent coping mechanisms, healing to the point that I actually WANT someone to genuinely build with, and not having that. It's ok to want things from life and it's ok to be sad you don't have them. Wanting a partner doesn't necessarily mean you're codependent or don't know how to be alone, it can just mean you want a human to share life with. And there's nothing wrong with that. I'm now in a place where I'm ok if that never happens for me but also open to it. I can be fulfilled no matter what life has in store for me.
Sage, I just found your sweet vlog. Creating, and maintaining a homestead is hard, more so if you're doing it on your own.
Sometimes you can get help by using a student through the local colleges for school credit to help (like being a mentor/ intern) in your gardens, or with canning, feeding animals, ect..... It doesn't cost you money, and the students are looking to learn hands down.
Sometimes, reevaluating your projects, and work can make things a bit easier. Prime example, I find myself doing no dig gardens instead of killing myself digging, weeding, and tilling. At the end of the grow season, I just throw a tarp over the old garden beds (place some brick on the tarp to keep it in place) to kill off weeds. This way come time to plant, I just rake a little, amend the soil, and plant seeds.
I've had to learn to pick my battles witj projects/work on our property.. I'm older than you, have some medical issues, and my husband is a disabled Veteran. A good chunk of keeping my homestead going is totally on ME. My main battle is keeping the grass cut in the summer. We have 20 acres, thank goodness we maintain only 4 to 5 acres. The rest is natural woods. Granted, I still need to maintain pathways on the wooded areas. I used to cut, and weed whack those 4 to 5 acres weekly all in 1 day.. Not any more, it takes me 2 days. I push a mower, drive a yard tractor, and a large farm tractor to cut grass, and I weed whack. This usually kicks my butt because of the heat 100 degrees.
Be proud of yourself!!! You have a beautiful place. You can't be every where doing everything by youself. Make a list of all your projects, prioritize that list, and then take one project at a time. Also remember to give yourself time, and grace to just be YOU. I pick, 1 night a week where I give myself 3 hours to do for me, what ever I want to do. A hot bath, read a book, enjoy ice tea on the porch ect... You are human, if everything/animal is safe, fed, watered, and locked up. Let it be!
By far the most beautiful woman 👩 😍 ❤
Sounds like motherhood.
Your beautiful and amazing...wish I could ♥ give you a hug 🫂 🤗 love your video 📹 💖 💕 so sweet
Have a super fantastic day..so amazing 👏 ❤
❤
My young darling, you simply lack balance in your life. Seems like you might be a bit impulsive and extreme. Perhaps, you just need to scale down your pursuits so you can have a little bit of everything... time for friends and boyfriend, time to work your homestead, time to work a regular job, time for yourself to learn new things. Also, we all go through lonely periods in our lives from time to time, even when in a relationship or having children. Just "slow your roll" and craft the components together so you can have a little of everything in your life. ❤️✌️
I am definitely impulsive. And I definitely tend to operate within extremes. And I love these things about myself. I spent a long time trying to fit into boxes other people thought were better for me, and I was miserable. To be uncomfortable is to be human. Those moments are real and are valid, but they pass. And those moments are balanced with deep gratitude and appreciation for this life, exactly as it is. Despite the overwhelm, I would choose this a thousand times over. I just say the parts a lot of us don't out loud 🤍
Cynical angle: You're essentially working much harder at "old time" chores vs. the "boring" modern work grind (which leaves agricultural work to corporations these days for economies of scale). And if TSHTF, bad guys would probably invade remote homesteads, negating their survival value outside of cities.