They say there is a food shortage coming. In fact, food prices may double by this Fall…. If I’m being honest, that feels a little scary. Sadly, fear has a way of making people do some crazy things and is often the catalyst for the wrong kind of change. On the other hand, a warning (heads up/hope) can be a catalyst for change that is both empowering and beautiful.
“I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” -D&C 38:30
Home Gardening Ideas: Plant Seeds Again
This week, after an eight-year sabbatical from home gardening, I decided that it was time to plant some seeds again. Some of the plants will be ready to eat by this Fall, around the same time as the proposed food shortage. Cultivating the ground in my backyard is a simple thing I can do to make a small difference. Additionally, if there’s no dreaded food shortage, I will still have delicious, organic produce to eat from my own garden in a few months.
When catastrophe looms on the horizon (e.g., societal collapse, dealing with disease, financial struggle, or feeling trapped in a job with no end in sight), it is so easy to become overwhelmed or feel like I have to do everything. (By the way, that’s when I tend to run around like a crazy person (fight or flight) or WORSE…do nothing at all (depression/defeat).) While this victim-like mentality can feel justified, it is entirely unhelpful–not to mention a complete liar. Because the truth is, in ANY situation, I CAN do SOMETHING.
“If you took one-tenth the energy you put into complaining [or worrying] and applied it to solving the problem, you’d be surprised by how well things can work out….
― Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
Food Shortage Coming: How to Make Something Happen
While doing “something” is generally celebrated by those who believe in the power of manifestation , it is helpful to recognize that just doing “something” isn’t always the best, nor is it always the best idea. Rather, doing the right THING at the right TIME is vitally important. In essence, over the course of my life experience, I have learned that there is a massive and valuable difference between frantic “somethings” and inspired “somethings.” Ironically, I’ve rarely (if ever) received profound inspiration or made much progress when I’ve tried to make something happen. Rather, it has been through acceptance of a truth, followed by an openness and acceptance of a solution, that has manifested the most fruitful results.
Consistently, when I surrender my own thoughts to divine help, I not only discover what the best solution is, but I realize HOW I’m going to do it, WHEN to move forward, and things just seem to work out. Additionally, my inspiration doesn’t always initially make sense, but I’ve learned not to question it too much because when I have…I’ve often regretted it! Here are some examples of “strange” inspiration I’ve received over the years with regards to potential food shortage and preparation:
“Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.” – Alma 37:6
Case Study #1: Getting a Years Supply of Food
Years ago, I felt like I needed to purchase a years supply of food, but I had no extra money and no room to store the food–even if I could buy it. The solution? I cashed out my tiny IRA, bought hundreds of pounds of food, and we store most of it under my son’s bed. It’s a very tall bed…. #wheretheresawilltheresaway
Case Study #2: Bare Root Fruit Trees
Last year, my husband and I felt prompted to purchase 16 bare fruit trees, including this little banana tree. And yet, at the time, we were (and still are) renting our home. It seemed a bit silly to invest in trees and plant them in someone else’s backyard…but we decided to buy them anyway. Many of these little fruit trees will be producing this year. I’m glad we bought them.
Case Study #3: Raising Baby Nigerian Dwarf Goats
Last Fall, I had the grand idea of spending $1200 on three baby Nigerian Dwarf goats. Feeding them wasn’t really in the budget, and neither was the cash it took to buy them in the first place. What the heck was I doing?? This August, my three sweet ladies will be old enough to breed, and by November I will have raw goat milk to feed my family. #gladididthat
Case Study #4: Farm Fresh Eggs
I have a particular obsession for chickens because they are cute, funny, and productive. Over the years, I made sure to avoid HOA’s so that I could keep chickens in my backyard and have my own farm fresh eggs. Personality + Destiny. The End.
Most of these these and other intuition “case studies” in my life have required a high level of faith. I don’t always known why I need to do something–but I usually do what I feel prompted to do anyway–not fully knowing what will happen as a result.
Most importantly, inspiration has only come to me when I am open to a solution and listening–not when I am frantic, fearful, or feeling like I have to solve all of life’s problems myself. To date, I have accumulated dozens of experiences outlining this principle, which is a huge strength to me because when calamity strikes, these memories give me courage. In a nutshell, I know that miracles happen, that God’s got my back, and that things have a funny way of working out. For situations that seemingly remain unsolved or leave gaping questions, John Lennon said it best: “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”
“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” ― John Lennon
Food Shortage Coming: We Have the Power to Do Something
Regardless of whether there is a food shortage coming or not, remember that we all have the power to do something. Remember that life is a lesson; a university; an opportunity to learn as much as we can. Play it like a game. “Level up” when you’re ready. And remember that optimistic resilience is key (i.e. one and done; next lesson please!) God’s got you. You’ve got this. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to plant a little garden too. #smallandsimplethings