Sustenance

The Real Line Between Self-Reliance and Burnout

There’s an important line to walk when it comes to self-reliance—somewhere between doing absolutely everything yourself and feeling like a failure because you don’t. I'm here to say plainly: in this country, you cannot do it all yourself.

Can you manufacture steel? Build solar panels? Make tires? Are you a cobbler, blacksmith, and electrical engineer all in one?

No? Me neither.

Sure, some folks have mastered one or two of those skills. A rare few can do more. But for most of us, full-scale independence isn't practical—or even possible. And that’s okay.

The Pressure to Be "All In"

Where this pressure hits hardest for homesteaders, I think, is the kitchen. You’re raising your own food, so suddenly a bag of flour or a box of cereal in your pantry feels like cheating. Heaven forbid someone catches sight of a Pop-Tart.

But here's the truth: having convenience foods in your kitchen does not make you an impostor.

Let me repeat that louder for the people in the back: You are not a failure because you don’t grow every bite you eat.

My Guiding Rule for What to Grow

Here’s how I make peace with it: I grow or raise what I love, what I can’t find, or what has become too expensive to buy. That’s it. That’s the list.

For me, almost all my home-raised proteins fall into those categories—especially the ones that aren’t chicken. And when it comes to vegetables, I grow what I know tastes way better fresh.

But no one, unless truly forced, needs to avoid the grocery store. We’re not here to martyr ourselves—we’re here to nourish our families the best we can.

What You’ll Find on This Page

On this Sustenance page, you’ll find meals that combine homegrown ingredients with items from the store. This isn’t about guilt—it’s about inspiration.

I’ll share:

  • Meals featuring ingredients raised on my land

  • Honest combinations of homestead staples and convenience foods

  • Modern methods using the appliances I’m fortunate to have

  • Mouthwatering photos—because we eat with our eyes first

My family’s diet wouldn’t be nearly as diverse without our little homestead, and for me, that’s the goal. Could I survive without the rest of society? Maybe. But I sure hope I never have to find out. I'm really not built for fighting zombies.

So come along, friends. Let’s eat well, live simply, and leave guilt at the door.

Bien vivre,

This Sustained Life


Busy Night Basketti

Bacon Wrapped Rabbit

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