Self-Reliance - what does it mean? Do you know?

In my introduction post I mentioned that I want to be more self-reliant in my life. But what does this mean?

There are so many similar concepts and terms, such self-sufficiency, preparedness, etc. and it can get confusing when one reads articles about becoming more self-sufficient or self-reliant... so I will make an attempt at defining self-reliance.

First, let us see what a basic internet search gleans us:

The Free Dictionary defines it as Reliance on one's own capabilities, judgment, or resources; independence.

Self-reliance thus describes with two words the concept that we will try as hard as we can to do for ourselves as much as possible, within our capabilities, to use our judgement to determine how far we will push our bodies, minds and tools to accomplish the work, use our existing resources efficiently, and attempt to be as independent as possible without distancing ourself from the rest of humanity to completely isolate us.

Self-reliance can at times lead to self-sufficiency, but never TOTAL self-sufficiency!

For example, being self-reliant in growing some tomatoes for fresh eating can lead to tomato product self-sufficiency by growing enough tomatoes for fresh eating, sun-drying, dehydrating, canning, making salsa, ketchup, tomato sauce, and selling the surplus above and beyond your own needs.

Food from my garden - tomato, pepper, chives, green onion, parsley, sorrell, sweet potato leaf, basil

So, the reality is that most of use will strive for as much self-reliance as possible while eventually becoming partially self-sufficient in some aspects of our lives, being able to use the self-sufficiency to earn extra income.

Hope this makes sense and helps someone understand these concepts better.

For further reading, you might follow these links (not my sites or material):

TSP - The Survival Podcast
Sustainable Traditions
SelfGrowth

Keep on steeming - live long and prosper.

Richard