Letter Re: Thoughts on Shedding Bad Habits, and Developing Good Ones

Hello Mr Rawles,
In response to Jane L.’s letter on shedding bad habits posted on September 3rd, it is admirable she has identified things in her life she can move away from for a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

I would like to caution her, as well as others, that preparedness and survivalism is not an activity one does for a few weeks, and “is ready”. It is a lifestyle changing activity that probably reaches every facet of life, changing many things all at once.

Don’t burn out on it.

Things like the glass of wine, some breath mints or chewing gum are all small things that add up. Remember, you should be in this for the long haul, and a perpetual cycle of denial of these little things can add up, building a resentment to the lifestyle you’re trying to adjust to. I know when I’m going backpacking for a long time, I miss my bed. If I was suddenly out of the house and this was my only means of warmth at night, I would begin to resent requiring the tent and backpack, and long for the days of my warm house and bed. Finally, when I get my nice warm bed back, I’m likely to never want to camp or backpack again.If you deny yourself a lot of creature comforts all at once, then start “caving” on a few of them, you may find yourself in a backwards slide where you resent the whole preparedness mindset.

Even if that sacrifice of these little treats is acceptable to you, what of those in your family, who may not feel the sense of importance about what you’re doing? Suddenly being denied soda pop and television may cause an instant animosity to the lifestyle you’re hoping they embrace. Even a gradual denial of these things may cause it, albeit less severely all at once.

If candies or wine are important to you, find ways to store or re-supply what you have. Preparedness should be about sustainability, not denying ones self of what they feel is important.

As for television, it is a tool. You can cut it out altogether, or look at it as another medium of information. Yes, you can turn off Spongebob, but maybe you should be watching shows about deer hunting or food prep? Even the occasional movie is important, as your family all watches it with you. Some households, this is the only “together time” there is, sadly. Look at what that television means to your family. If gathering to watch a movie every other night is some family quality time, then don’t deny that. These are the people you care most about in the world, and the ones that will have your back in the situations you’re prepping for.Just having that quality time to reinforce family relations is important. – DA in Michigan