I have been more than outspoken about my dream to own a little homestead one day, so I thought I would take some time to outline why this is something I am so passionate about.
Homeownership:
A report from 2016 by the National Association of Realtors states, “Homeownership boosts the educational performance of children, induces higher participation in civic and volunteering activity, improves health care outcomes, lowers crime rates and lessens welfare dependency.”
Similar studies have been conducted, finding that homeownership will lead to reduced levels of stress, increased productivity, owning your own home can lead to feelings of security.
For those of you that have followed me for really any length of time, you know that my goal is landownership. This is because it gives you room to roam, build a house, home and family, that will outlast you for generations to come. It is something timeless, that can be passed down through your family.
Landownership and Resources:
Another great reason make landownership a goal, would be to grow your own food! Having a garden is an incredible way to keep you and your family healthy. It gives you complete control of the pesticides and chemicals used, rather than going to the grocery store, picking up an apple and hoping for the best.
For example, TIME reported, “70% of conventionally grown fruits and vegetables contain up to 230 different pesticides or their breakdown products.” Not to claim that each and every pesticide used is necessarily harmful, but I think knowing what is in your food is a pretty common-ground goal.
Having the space and ability to grow your own fruits and vegetables also gives you something so underrated and lacking in today’s society — self sufficiency. We don’t need to rely on processed goods, and overpriced services. I know this sounds shocking, but I fully believe we would be better off if people were willing to become more independent.
Room to Roam:
An article published by the Atlantic recently outlines the health risks of living in smaller spaces. There are a number of ways it can affect your physical and mental health in negative ways, from smog to actual physical safety in cities, to the stress of being trapped in a small area.
Another important factor that I take into consideration, is the fact that healthy children need room to run and play. Living on a larger rural property allows them to grow with a sense of responsibility, to cultivate the land they have. Additionally, living in a city is on average much more expensive than having a bit of space on a countryside.
Finally, the fast-paced lifestyle that has been sold to young Americans hasn’t done them much good. Most young adults claim to suffer from some form of anxiety or depression, marriages often end in divorce, and the birthrate is on a steady decline.
I really believe it would be highly beneficial for our generation if more people were to promote personal accountability, self-sufficiency, and moving out of the cities in exchange for a healthier, happier lifestyle.
