Getting distracted by the rat race

Many of you have noticed that I have been delinquent in posting to the blog for a while now.  It has been a very busy month and I also have to admit that I have allowed myself to get trapped in keeping up with the rat race more than preparing to escape it.

I love writing about becoming more self-sufficient and doing whatever I can toward that goal, whether it is growing food, working at starting a cottage industry, finding more ways to save money, or preparing to live without a job.  Like most people, though, I sometimes get distracted with the needs of today, which is what happened over the last month.

I’m not gone, though.  In fact, I have gotten busy again on the self-sufficiency priorities.  As you will see in the next few blog posts, I have planted gardens now in two different states (one for me and one for my parents).  By way of further preview, I can also tell you that in the next few weeks I will be posting about owner-building, starting a cottage industry, money making efforts by teenagers, and a book review or two.  Of course, given the time of year, there will be much more on gardening.  Most readers have probably figured out by now that growing your own food is one of my favorite topics.

While it is easy to get overcome by the daily obligations of life and just keeping up with the rat race and forget about working toward self-sufficiency, it is also easy to miss the beauty of nature all around us.  I was really reminded of this a couple of days ago when I went out for a run.  Here is one of the deer that I encountered along the way.  This is on a government facility where hunting is not allowed so the deer have become quite comfortable around humans.  You can get pretty close to them before they run off.

I also saw some beautiful birds that I have never seen before.  They were black with hints of irridescent purple and green overtones.  The edges of the feathers were trimmed in gold.  Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get my phone out and get a picture before they flew away.  I’m not sure what they were so if anyone has any clues, let me know.

We all get caught up in what we are doing from time to time and get distracted from our goals.  That’s ok as long as you don’t stay away too long.  Just try not to get too busy to see the beauty around you too.

Be sure to leave a comment.  What has been keeping you from your goals?  Do you have any tips to avoid those distractions?

This post is linked to the Homestead Barn Hop.