What do you mean by "Self-Reliant Living"?

People have been asking us about "self-reliant living" ...what exactly IS it?

Are we talking about those passionate folks who choose to live completely "off the grid", out in the wilderness or on a remote farm growing their own food, collecting rainwater, making everything they can themselves? Well, this certainly is an extreme example of Self-Reliant Living.

But let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Even though many of us might fantasize about living off the grid, we choose to live in the city or suburb for unique reasons. Devin and I have lived in Dallas, Texas, for the last 27 years because it gives us access to virtually anything. We worked our professional advertising company from our home here (even before it was cool to home-biz), birthed 2 of our kids here, kept them out of school here, entrepreneured them here, and connected with other amazing self-reliant families and individuals here ...yes, here in Dallas.

For us, self-reliant living is about living authentically, following your own guidance even when it's way outside the scope of what most people do, including:

• Creating your own ways to earn money
• Taking care of your own health when possible
• Choosing how to raise and teach your children
• Supporting them to embrace their own choices
• Promising to stay true to your values, but allowing for change
• Providing confidence and guidance to anyone wanting greater self-determination in their life

Our motto is "QUESTION EVERYTHING." Do you know kids who ask WHY? all the time and won't accept because I said so as an answer? Well, they're on track to becoming fully self-reliant adults!

Self-reliant living is about personal empowerment. It's trusting yourself and listening to your own inner guidance before setting foot onto a path. It's being excited about the amazing adventure of living life on your own terms and trying things out that maybe have not been done before (or that maybe are a little scary).

We subscribe to Mike Dooley's daily "Notes from the Universe", and this recent note is descriptive of how self-reliant living can begin:
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The Evolution of a Dream
-- Dream is implanted into brain.
-- Dreamer becomes thrilled.
-- Dreamer becomes terrified.
-- If no action is taken, terrifying thoughts grow into flesh-eating monsters. Dream is considered unrealistic.
-- If action is taken, terrifying thoughts are revealed to be paper tigers. Confidence soars, miracles unfold, and dreamer begins to saunter.
Either way, nothing remains the same.
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We started by creating our own business at home, and then expanded self-reliant living into family choices that some may consider extreme, but that we know are true to our values and beliefs. What about you? Is there something you'd rather be or do that seems impossible? Are there preferences you're not living because you don't think you can??

Call or email us if you could use some inspiration, motivation or even celebration on your self-reliant path! We would love to hear from you.

Devin & Maria