Is Having It All Enough? An Accolade to Preppers with a Purpose

Gaye Levy, Contributing Writer
Activist Post

As part of the journey toward self-sufficiency, we continue to evaluate life not only in terms of the here and now, but also in terms of tomorrow and beyond.  After all, the goal is to be independent of entitlements, of government intervention and of course, the influences of the PTB.

This is not an easy task.

And so we look beyond our own sphere of influence and reality, in search of others who may have done it better.  Others who have achieved that which we strive for.  Others who appear to have it all.  But appearances can be deceiving.

For every person we perceive as having it all, there is another looking to us with their own eyes, perhaps envious because “we” have it all.

Reconciling the fiction of “having it all” with reality is tough, since the perception of life experiences can vary from person to person.  That said, I believe  most people would agree that “having it all” includes a nice home, good health, and a decent job or the financial means to enjoy a comfortable retirement.  It also means little or no debt, healthy relationships, and an inquisitive and curious mind.  So when you meet someone who seems to score 100% on all of these factors, you begin to wonder:  When will this happen to me?  When will I have it all?

As I was reminded today, the best answer to these questions is never.  And here are a few reasons why:

Material goods are just that:  things.  They will not provide food for the belly nor warmth on a cold night.  Stuff is stuff.

A fabulous house is made up of sticks and nails.  The modest little bungalow is composed of the same.  Both serve their primary purpose of providing shelter.  And the difference?  A bit of decoration here, a bit of extra comfort there.  Funny thing is that at night when you are sleeping, there is no difference at all.

A good job or financial wealth will insure comforts beyond the basics.  New clothes, nights out on the town, vacations to exotic places – all of these things require money and a good job or wealth become a prerequisite.

But . . .

The need to have a sense of purpose – the need to feel vital and valuable – is a unique quality of the human species.  For those of us that are normal (I am not referring to sociopaths here), there is an inherent desire to help our fellow man, to share our knowledge and to help make our world a better place albeit in some small way.  This need overcomes the desire for more stuff, a bigger house and a fat bank account.

For the survivalist or prepper who seeks to protect his or her family from disaster, famine or societal chaos, this need is manifest in everyday life.  There is a sense of purpose in knowing we have done our best to prepare for the uncertainties of nature and time, and a sense of value derived from the satisfaction in knowing that our “work” will keep loved ones out of harm’s way.

And the person who seems to have it all?  Well let me say this:  that person also seeks and needs a purpose.  Do not assume that a nice home, financial independence, a household name and a cartload of friends delivers this intangible but vital component of life.  To me that is sad.  Very sad.

So today I applaud my readers at Backdoor Survival and the Prepper’s who have taken on our world with unmitigated enthusiasm and the wherewithal to prepare, protect and do whatever it takes to keep themselves and their families safe.

You are the ones that have it all.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!

Gaye Levy, the SurvivalWoman, grew up and attended school in the Greater Seattle area. After spending many years as an executive in the software industry, she started a specialized accounting practice offering contract CFO work to emerging high tech and service industries. She has now abandoned city life and moved to a serenely beautiful rural area on an island in NW Washington State. She lives and teaches the principles of a sustainable, self-reliant and stylish lifestyle through emergency preparation and disaster planning through her website at BackdoorSurvival.com. SurvivalWoman speaks her mind and delivers her message with optimism and grace, regardless of mayhem swirling around us.  Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!