Challenge yourself; it’s the only path that leads to growth.
- Morgan Freeman
I am a person who loves a challenge, especially if at the end I get a token. I completed an obstacle course race for a medal. I have completed countless classes and workshops in pursuit of a certificate. So when I saw a video where I could as an adult try new things, conquer new skills, and get badges for doing that I was sold. On top of that, the community that offers the merit badges is geared toward many of the skills that I need to master on my journey to my forever homestead: baking, canning, gardening, sustainability, and more.
Farmgirl Sisterhood is an online community of women who share a common interest in rural living, homesteading, and self-sufficiency. It was started in 2009 by MaryJane Butters, an author, and farmer who wanted to create a space where women could connect, learn, and support each other in their journey towards a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.
Me being who I am, of course, dedicated time to put all the merit badges into a Google sheet (link here) I was able to see that the the merit badges fell into 7 catergories:
Cleaning Up- looking at making your house and habits more sustainable
Each Other- building community and helping others
Farm Kitchen- learning about the basics of cooking and baking
Garden Gate- exploring gardening and where food comes from
Make it Easy- exploring doing projects yourself
Outpost- getting outdoors and enjoying nature
Stitching and Crafting- exploring making handmade items.
Each of the 135 merit badges have a beginner, intermediate, and expert level. I really appreciate how they baby stepped you through the different topics and experiences. One of the first ones I plan to tackle is the Shopping Green one. The beginner level is all about committing to using totes. Also, they have some cooking ones like Bread Making of Cheese Making. I definitely want to try those! If you will I am excited to put my merit badge where my mouth is.
There were a few that caused me to pause. Disconnect to Reconnect’s beginning level is about not using technology for an entire weekend. As a happily addicted technology user that would be a tough one. A couple of the others will take time. Some specifically require ‘x’ number of hours. Others I don’t have the resources, space, knowledge, or even the desire.
I simultaneously want to start them all and want to focus on one at a time. A lot like the process of getting to my forever homestead. I want to have it all done and ready. I want to already be in my renovated farmhouse, with healthy farm critters roaming about and an established garden. I need to remember that these days, the build-up is going to be precious times and I should focus on the here and now. Appreciate the journey.
Existential thoughts aside, I think the small checkpoints, the plethora of knowledge, and tokens of achievement will go a long way to helping me achieve my forever homestead.
