Determine the WHY before you start.

This life is not for everyone. The pretty pictures, cute cabin and livestock, and good weather are not guaranteed. There are very cold days, floods, droughts, bugs, and heartaches. If you don’t have a strong sense of “why” and a good dose of stubborn determination, you will probably quit before you really get started. The whole process (and quitting) can be very costly so determine your "WHY" then make realistic lists of pros and cons, finances, amenities/resources nearby, and family/friends/business relationship discussions required.

It is important to be truthful with yourself and ask, "What can go wrong?" as well as "What happens if it doesn't work?" Don't bankrupt yourself or your relationships on a whim.

Our “WHY"

1. We both developed serious health problems associated with stress.

2. Hard work doesn’t equal stress for us. THIS IS HARD WORK.

3. Our children are grown so we have less need to be near amenities and their sports/social activities.

4. We need to be near to help aging parents, so we purchased land on the family farm.

5. We are building a potential business to replace our stressful jobs in the city.

6. We have significant and varied previous life experiences and applicable life skills which are assets.

   Darwin: farming, agriculture life and education, construction, building business, operating charity, and community development

   Tanya: botany and environmental education, gardening, teaching. Tanya grew up in less developed areas of the world, living through political unrest and natural disasters which gave unique insight and community development experiences.

7. We are neither newbies nor adverse to hard work, long days, or rough living conditions.

8. Less reliant on others for food, shelter, employment. We are our own boss. Our success primarily depends on ourselves.

9. Slower pace (often results in slower outcomes).

10. We like living in nature, off the land, and relying on ourselves for much of our survival but we are within reasonable range of small towns and cities for essentials when needed.