I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of my pioneer project. When I dreamed up the idea, it was to develop self-sufficiency skills that are in short supply in my arsenal and to prove that, if need be, I could survive a prairie winter (or summer for that matter). I still refuse to ride a horse or shoot a gun, but I’m slowly working on the rest (except for crocheting. I’m done with that shit. I can get by with my sewing skills and the knitting loom and I have a date later this week) and I think that, at this point, I could survive a prairie winter. While my project is far from over, it’s nice to know that in just a few short months, I’ve come so far.
To the last point, I fully believe that everyone can pioneer their own life. You don’t have to do something groundbreaking that changes the world. You don’t have to be the next Elon Musk or Steve Jobs or Amy Poehler or Sheryl Sandberg. Being a pioneer is about doing something new, adventurous, and groundbreaking in YOUR world. Whatever that entails. No matter how big or small it may seem to someone else.
To the point about working hard on the things that matter and the things that don’t, that, to me, is the crux of being pioneer. After you’ve decided what you’re pioneering, of course. Because once you’ve decided to focus on that, that’s where your time and energy needs to go. Goals you set should be tied directly to your pioneer efforts. Your free time? Same thing. And if you don’t think you have the time or you can’t make the time, then whatever you’re attempting to pioneer is really not that important to you.
For me, though, obtaining that romanticized simple life means not only developing those all important self-sufficiency skills. It involves putting myself outside of my comfort zone and connecting with people, friends and strangers. It that involves slowing down. It involves having one full day per week where no one in my house does any errands or chores and we just have family time. It involves letting go of the things that won’t get me closer to a goal and embracing more of the things that will. It involves digging deep and developing a work ethic and spirit that I’ve never possessed.
It involves taking the attitudes and core beliefs the pioneers had, internalizing them, and making that the focus of the project rather than just whether or not I can make something from scratch. Believing in my own efforts and realizing that just because 39480 people have done it before me doesn’t make what I’m trying to do any less awesome or special and it certainly doesn’t mean that I don’t deserve the same success. The pioneers didn’t let other people’s raging successes (or perceived successes) deter them.
Because now, I’m pioneering my own life. And I don’t give a shit who does or doesn’t like it. In the words of the wise Billy Joel “I don’t care what you say any more, this is my life. Go ahead with your own life. Leave me alone”.
I used to believe that this experiment was about how anyone can be more self-sufficient. Now it’s about how anyone can be a pioneer.
They’re not the same thing.
They don’t need to be.
P.S. This is the unintended beginning of a three part series coming your way starting next week and lasting for 3 consecutive Mondays.
Kristin @ Payment Free Life says
I love this post. Isn’t that really what life is all about? Find the things that are meaningful in life and go do them. Shake off the rest. I did that about eight months ago and it has made a huge difference in my life. I realized that I was doing a bunch of things I thought I had to do (which I didn’t) and wasn’t doing the things I needed and wanted to do. We have had a much happier and less stressed out Kristin in our house since I made that change.
Kristin @ Payment Free Life recently posted…Should you save for retirement while getting out of debt?
Nadine says
Being the pioneer of your own life. I like it!
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Kerry says
I like it more being a Pioneer of your own life. It is so important to find that thing that drives you, or that you really want to do and making it work for you. Abandoning things that don’t work or not worth the effort is such an important lesson.
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Kelli says
I like being a pioneer of your own life, survival skills are useful but nothing beats being the pioneer of your own life!
I love that Billy Joel song!
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Sarah @ Beauty School Dropout says
Yes yes yes! I absolutely love this. This is my attitude towards life, but so often I get derailed and distracted by things that really don’t matter. I have been feeling really overwhelmed by life lately, and it’s kind of ridiculous. I just need to decide what really matters, focus on that, and let go of the rest. There are tons of things I would love to do but I can’t do them all at once. And that’s okay! I just have to come to place where I am okay with it.
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SMD @ Life According to Steph says
I need to get my buttocks in gear and write my essential oils post. I’ve been using them since February, I think I’m ready.
I think it’s important to know what not to waste your time on and what to invest in. I will never be a crocheter!
Fleetwood Mac.
SMD @ Life According to Steph recently posted…In our house, Buddha wears rosary beads