You don’t need land to be a homesteader. You need skills. In this episode, Wendi gently reframes what homesteading really is and who it’s for. Drawing from her childhood, her mom’s garden, and her own journey learning and practicing skills, she shares why homesteading has never been about a property or a label. It has always been about learning how to feed people, care for a home, and build confidence through doing. Wendi walks through three things she would do differently if she were starting out today, focusing on skill-building as self-care, starting with food, and getting close to mentors sooner. Along the way, she reminds listeners that confidence comes from practice, not perfection, and that homesteading skills travel with you no matter where you live. If you’ve ever wondered whether you “count” as a homesteader, this episode is a warm reminder that you probably already are.
Why homesteading is about skills, not land
How homesteading looked before it had a trendy name
Growing up with a garden, jars on the shelf, and clothes on the line
Why homesteading skills are an investment and a form of self-care
Setting a boundary around learning and practicing skills
Why food is foundational to confidence and self-reliance
Starting with one meal, one recipe, or one jar
The blackberry jam story and learning by doing
Why confidence comes from proximity, not over-researching
Letting systems reveal themselves through repetition
Finding mentors and learning in community
How homesteading skills transfer to apartments, RVs, and everywhere else
Why skills can never be taken away from you
Relearning skills and getting back into rhythm
Homesteading as an adventure and a lifelong practice
A warm welcome into the homesteader identity
Mentioned Resource:
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🗓️ Meal Planning Worksheet: joyfulprep.kartra.com/page/planning
🏠 Joyfully Prepared Realtor: joyfullyprepared.com/realestate
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👩🌾 Facebook Group: joyfulprepgroup.com