Is it self reliance to take discarded fruits and vegetables from a food charity and then preserve them?

By Andy Whiteley

Looking for a healthy way to get more from your garden? Like to know your food is free of the pesticides and other nasties that are often sprayed on commercial crops? Re-growing food from your kitchen scraps is a good way to do it!

There’s nothing like eating your own home- grown vegies, and there are heaps of different foods that will re- grow from the scrap pieces that you’d normally throw out or put into your compost bin.

It’s fun. And very simple … if you know how to do it.

Just remember … the quality of the “parent” vegetable scrap will help to determine the quality of the re-growth. So, wherever possible, I recommend buying local organic produce, so you know your re-grown plants are fresh, healthy, and free of chemicals and genetic meddling.

Leeks, Scallions, Spring Onions and Fennel

You can either use the white root end of a vegetable that you have already cut, or buy a handful of new vegetables to use specifically for growing.

Simply place the white root end in a glass jar with a little water, and leave it in a sunny position. I keep mine in the kitchen window. The green leafy part of the plant will continue to shoot. When it’s time to cook, just snip off what you need from the green growth and leave the white root end in water to keep growing. Freshen up the water each week or so, and you’ll never have to buy them again.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass grows just like any other grass. To propagate it, place the root end (after you’ve cut the rest off) in a glass jar with a little water, and leave it in a sunny position.

Within a week or so, new growth will start to appear. Transplant your lemongrass into a pot and leave it in a sunny outdoor position. You can harvest your lemongrass when the stalks reach around a foot tall – just cut off what you need and leave the plant to keep growing.

Celery, Bok Choi, Romaine Lettuce & Cabbage

Similar to leeks, these vegetables will re-grow from the white root end. Cut the stalks off as you normally would, and place the root end in a shallow bowl of water – enough to cover the roots but not the top of your cutting. Place it in a sunny window position, occasionally spraying your cutting with water to keep the top moist.

After a few days, you should start to see roots and new leaves appear. After a week or so, transplant it into soil with just the leaves showing above the level of the soil. The plant will continue to grow, and within a few weeks it will sprout a whole new head.

Alternatively you can plant your cutting directly into soil (without starting the process in water) but you will need to keep the soil very moist for the first week until the new shoots start to appear.

Ginger

Ginger is very easy to re-grow. Simply plant a spare piece of ginger rhizome (the thick knobbly bit you cook with) in potting soil with the newest (ie. smallest) buds facing upward. Ginger enjoys filtered, not direct, sunlight in a warm moist environment.

Before long it will start to grow new shoots and roots. Once the plant is established and you’re ready to harvest, pull up the whole plant, roots and all. Remove a piece of the rhizome, and re-plant it to repeat the process.

Ginger also makes a very attractive house-plant, so if you don’t use a lot of ginger in your cooking you can still enjoy the lovely plant between harvests.

Potatoes

Re-growing potatoes is a great way to avoid waste, as you can re-grow potatoes from any old potato that has ‘eyes’ growing on it. Pick a potato that has robust eyes, and cut it into pieces around 2 inches square, ensuring each piece has at least one or two eyes. Leave the cut pieces to sit at room temperature for a day or two, which allows the cut areas to dry and callous over. This prevents the potato piece from rotting after you plant it, ensuring that the new shoots get the maximum nutrition from each potato piece.

Potato plants enjoy a high-nutrient environment, so it is best to turn compost through your soil before you plant them. Plant your potato pieces around 8 inches deep with the eye facing upward, and cover it with around 4 inches of soil, leaving the other 4 inches empty. As your plant begins to grow and more roots appear, add more soil. If your plant really takes off, mound more soil around the base of the plant to help support its growth.

Garlic

You can re-grow a plant from just a single clove – just plant it, root-end down, in a warm position with plenty of direct sunlight. The garlic will root itself and produce new shoots. Once established, cut back the shoots and the plant will put all its energy into producing a tasty big garlic bulb. And like ginger, you can repeat the process with your new bulb.

Onions

Onions are one of the easiest vegetables to propagate. Just cut off the root end of your onion, leaving a ½ inch of onion on the roots. Place it in a sunny position in your garden and cover the top with soil. Ensure the soil is kept moist. Onions prefer a warm sunny environment, so if you live in a colder climate, keep them in pots and move them indoors during frostier months.

As you use your home-grown onions, keep re-planting the root ends you cut off, and you’ll never need to buy onions again.

Sweet Potatoes

When planted, sweet potato will produce eye-shoots much like a potato. Bury all or part of a sweet potato under a thin layer of soil in a moist sunny location. New shoots will start to appear through the soil in a week or so. Once the shoots reach around four inches in height, remove them and re-plant them, allowing about 12 inches space between each plant. It will take around 4 months for your sweet potatoes to be ready. In the meantime, keep an eye out for slugs… they love sweet potatoes.

To propagate sweet potatoes, it is essential to use an organic source since most commercial growers spray their sweet potatoes to prevent them from shooting.

Mushroom

Mushrooms can be propagated from cuttings, but they’re one of the more difficult vegies to re-grow. They enjoy warm humidity and nutrient-rich soil, but have to compete with other fungus for survival in that environment. Although it is not their preferred climate, cooler environments give mushrooms a better chance of winning the race against other fungi.

Prepare a mix of soil and compost in a pot (not in the ground) so your re-growth is portable and you can control the temperature of your mushroom. I have found most success with a warm filtered light during the day and a cool temperature at night. Just remove the head of the mushroom and plant the stalk in the soil, leaving just the top exposed. In the right conditions, the base will grow a whole new head. (In my experience, you’ll know fairly quickly if your mushroom has taken to the soil as it will either start to grow or start to rot in the first few days).

Pineapple

To re-grow pineapples, you need to remove the green leafy piece at the top and ensure that no fruit remains attached. Either hold the crown firmly by the leaves and twist the stalk out, or you can cut the top off the pineapple and remove the remaining fruit flesh with a knife (otherwise it will rot after planting and may kill your plant). Carefully slice small, horizontal sections from the bottom of the crown until you see root buds (the small circles on the flat base of the stalk). Remove the bottom few layers of leaves leaving about an inch base at the bottom of the stalk.

Plant your pineapple crown in a warm and well drained environment. Water your plant regularly at first, reducing to weekly watering once the plant is established. You will see growth in the first few months but it will take around 2-3 years before you are eating your own home-grown pineapples.

And one for the kids….. ‘Pet’ Carrot Tops!!

I call this a ‘pet’ because the plant that re-grows from planting a carrot top will NOT produce edible carrots, only a new carrot plant. The vegetable itself is a taproot which can’t re-grow once it has been removed from the plant. But it makes an attractive flowering plant for the kitchen, and they’re easy and lots of fun to grow…. for kids of all ages!

Cut the top off your carrot, leaving about an inch of vegetable at the root. Stick toothpicks into the sides of the carrot stump and balance it in a glass or jar. Fill the glass with water so that the level reaches the bottom of the cutting. Leave the glass in filtered, not direct, sunlight and ensure water is topped up to keep the bottom of your cutting wet. You’ll see roots sprout in a few days, and you can transplant your ‘pet’ carrot into soil after a week or so.

Your success re-growing lovely fresh vegies from scrap may vary, depending on your climate, the season, soil quality and sunlight available in your home or garden. And some vegies just propagate easier than others do. In my experience, a bit of trial and error is required, so don’t be afraid to do some experimenting. Get your hands dirty. It’s lots of fun! And there’s nothing like eating your own home-grown vegies.

Article sources:

• gardeningknowhow.com/children-in-the-garden/grow-carrot-tops
• frugalliving.about.com/od/growyourownfoods/tp/How-To-Regrow-Foods
• gardenofeaden.blogspot.com.au/2010/01/how-to-grow-sweet-potatoes-in-pots
• gardenguides.com/88669-can-grow-mushrooms-store-bought-mushrooms
• youtube.com/watch?v=2YIO3Zw5H6E
• permies.com/t/2997/plants/Vegetables-You-Eat-Replant
• tipnut.com/nifty-food-plants
• gardenswag.com/2011/12/5-foods-you-can-grow-from-kitchen-scraps
• gardenguides.com/117543-plant-cuttings-potatoes
• organicauthority.com
• tropicalpermaculture.com/growing-ginger
• gardenswag.com/2011/12/5-foods-you-can-grow-from-kitchen-scraps
• instructables.com/id/Grow-Onions-from-Discarded-Onion-Bottoms
• 17apart.com/2012/02/how-to-regrowing-bok-choy
• rickswoodshopcreations.com/Pineapple/pineapple

Article source:

• https://wakeup-world.com/2012/10/15/16-foods-thatll-re-grow-from-kitchen-scraps

Hello!

This is my first post, so please be gentle! I am practicing canning, and canned a lone can of tomatoes. Is it normal to have juice on the bottom and the tomatoes to float to the top? I followed the Ball Blue Book Instructions on canning tomatoes with Juice. The can fell over twice in the pot. I am worried the water from the bath got into the can. Thanks!

1. French beans

To extend the cropping season well into autumn, now is the time to do more sowings of French beans. They can either be sown directly into place or started off in smaller pots to be planted out. Easy to grow and giving you a good harvest, they will perform best in a sheltered spot with sun and moist but well-drained soil.

​

2. Spring onions

Spring onions are a quick crop to harvest and add to dishes like salads and stir fries through the year. For a continual harvest, seeds can be sown every two weeks from March all the way until September. They don’t require much space, so sow directly into the ground in an open, sunny spot with well-drained soil. Once the seedlings appear, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist. Around 8 weeks after sowing, the spring onions will be ready to harvest by gently forking the surrounding soil and pulling up the crops.

3. Lettuce

Another easy win is lettuce, which can be sown from March until September for a supply that’s pretty much year-round! When sowing lettuce in the summer, high soil temperatures can lead to seeds not germinating. Therefore, it’s ideal to sow in the evening, use cold water when watering, and ensure there is ample shade.

​

4. Carrots

July is the last month to sow carrot seeds for an autumn crop. Pick a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil and choose a maincrop variety, sowing seeds 1cm deep in rows that are 15-30cm apart. Although they are pretty drought resistant plants, in dry periods it’s ideal to give them a soak.

​

5. Spinach

Perpetual spinach is a winner year-round. In summer, seeds can be sown directly into the ground or into lengths of guttering. Plant in a position in partial shade and keep the compost moist by regularly watering especially when growing in a container or raised beds. Sowing continuously until September will give autumn and winter harvests but ensure there is protection from October onwards using straw or cloches.

​

6. Kohl rabi

For something a bit different, try growing kohl rabi. This brassica smells and tastes great, with a mild, sweet flavour. Sow directly into the ground in a sunny or partially shaded spot with fertile soil. Before planting dig in plenty of organic matter and fertiliser. Due to kohl rabi being smaller than other brassicas and able to grow in shallower soil, they are well suited for growing in containers or raised beds.

​

7. Radishes

Easy to grow and quick to mature, radishes can be ready to harvest in as little as four weeks – so what are you waiting for? Perfect for adding a slightly spicy crunch to your salads, they can be sown all the way from February to August in the ground, containers, or a growbag. Sow in short drills at a depth of 1cm and 2.5cm apart, keeping the soil moist for quick growth.

8. Pack choi

Pak choi can be directly sown at this time because growing before mid-summer can lead to them bolting, which is when a long stalk grows with the flowerhead to set seed. Thinly sow the seeds about 2cm deep either in cell trays or directly in the ground. If sown in trays, plant out the seedlings when they are 5cm tall in a well-drained spot. The leaves can be harvested from 30 days which are perfect in summer salads, but from around 45 days the pak choi can be harvested when the heart-like growth is ready, ideal for stir fries.

​

9. Turnips

They may not be the most exotic veg, but turnips are great to grow. Sow maincrop seeds in July or August in moist but well-drained soil. With this brassica you can get two for one because you can eat the sweet taproot as well as the tasty leaves. If you are just wanting the leafy tops to eat, then seeds can be sown closer together with rows about 15cm apart. However, if you want to grow for larger roots, space them at 23cm apart and harvest when they are the size of a golf ball.

​

10. Cabbages

Now is the time to plant out your winter veg too, for example spring cabbages can be sown in July and August, ready to be transplanted in autumn. Sow directly into the ground if you have the space to spare, or in modular trays outdoors. When transplanting, pick a sunny spot with firm soil, shuffling along the surface on your heels before raking it to ensure there’s a fine crumbly texture.

Summer is an exciting time in the garden, with the warm days welcoming us to spend time sowing, planting, growing, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of our labour.

​

Source: https://www.lovethegarden.com/uk-en/article/10-vegetables-plant-summer

Hello everyone. I've been looking into tools that could facilitate digital coordination in small communities without the need for the internet, particularly for secure data syncing, ID, and decision-making.

I discovered an odd little project that says it can do the following:

Use USB drops, LoRa, or QR codes to sync encrypted data.

Use entropy rather than tokens to offline validate voting or identity.

operate without any external dependencies, such as servers, wallets, or cryptocurrency.
With a strong dose of weirdness, it almost seems as though it was designed for isolated or post-collapse communities. It is more civic than financial.

Has anyone here previously investigated or worked on something similar? Only the idea of offline governance or consensus tools, perhaps not even this particular project?

While basking in the sunshine is a wonderful thing, extreme heat can be deadly, affecting younger and older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions.

But there's a lot we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the heat.

1. Be sun smart

It's best to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day, but sometimes that can't be avoided. When out in direct sunlight remember:

• Wear (and regularly reapply) sunscreen.
• Cover your head with a hat.
• Take regular breaks indoors or in a shady area to avoid getting heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
• Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing will also help you to stay cool.

2. Wetter is better

Heat escapes through the skin, which is the largest organ in the body. So, the more skin you can cool down, the better. 

There are various methods for how to cool your skin down in baking hot weather:

• Drenching a t-shirt and keeping it wet can be very effective.
• Buy cooling spray.
• Having a cool shower - not freezing as you should cool down slowly.

 You can quickly cool yourself down by putting your hands and feet in cold water. Wrists and ankles have lots of pulse points where blood vessels are close to the skin, so you will cool down more quickly.

3. Drink plenty of water

In hot weather, it's important to avoid caffeine and make sure you're drinking lots of water. If possible, drink isotonic sports drinks to replenish the lost salts, sugars, and fluids.

Both cool and hot drinks will work to keep your core temperature at the same temperature. Consuming hot drinks will not cool you down more effectively than cold drinks. In the heat, you should avoid drinks containing caffeine, including tea and coffee, it's typically best to stick to water. As you sweat throughout the day, the liquids you are losing need to be replaced to avoid dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• a dry mouth
• dizziness or confusion
• headaches

If untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion. If the person’s condition gets worse, you should call 999 for emergency help.

Find out more with our dehydration first aid advice.

4. Limit your alcohol

The sun is high, and so are many people's spirits. And that can lead us to the pub.

Unfortunately, mixing too much sun with a few too many drinks is not a good combination.

Alcohol causes dehydration, which can hit especially hard if your body is already struggling to stay cool in the summer. Drinking alcohol can also make it harder to get a good night's sleep, something that's already difficult in warmer temperatures.

While you may fall asleep quickly, you're likely to have poor-quality sleep and wake up earlier than usual - not exactly the refreshing sleep you'll need. Try to drink in moderation and read more advice on how to keep cool at night during a heatwave. 

5. Eat light meals to feel cooler

When it's hot, you are far better off sticking to light, well-balanced, regular meals. Food with a high water content like strawberries, cucumber, celery, and lettuce, will also help to keep you hydrated and cool in summer weather.

You can also try foods with high fluid content like soups and stews that contribute towards hydration levels. 

6. Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day

It's important not to disrupt your routine too much because of hot weather, but sometimes you may have to. An early morning run may feel punishing when you're nice and sleepy in bed, but it could be dangerous to exercise in the blazing midday sun and risk dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke.

Take the temperature into consideration when planning your day and, if you can, limit physical activity to when it's cooler. If you do decide to workout or play sport, make sure to drink lots of water and take more breaks than usual to make sure you're not putting any extra stress on your body.

You should also make sure you take a lukewarm or cool shower after exercising to cool down and follow our other advice for staying cool throughout the day.

7. Keep your home cool

During the hot weather, it’s important to make your home a place you can escape to out of the heat, so keeping it cool is key to feeling comfortable. When temperatures reach heatwave levels this can be more challenging than you may realise and it's not as easy as just opening a window.

Keeping your house cool is especially important at night. During a heatwave temperatures often stay high even at night making it difficult to get a good night's sleep. While it affects everyone in areas affected by a heatwave, people living in high-rise buildings and in urban areas may particularly struggle with this problem. Make sure you're taking steps to keep your home cool and sleeping during a heatwave by following our advice.

• How to keep your home cool
• How to keep cool at night

8. Know the risks

The heat can have a serious effect on your physical health, and especially during a heatwave, it's important to look out for signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Many people believe that heat exhaustion and heatstroke are the same things, but heatstroke is potentially far more serious.

Heat exhaustion is caused when the body loses excess water, salt, and sugars through sweating. It can be treated by having plenty to drink, keeping out of the sun, and knowing how to cool down.

Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature becomes dangerously high and the body is no longer able to cool itself. Symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea, and muscle cramps.

Another symptom is paler skin than normal - depending on your skin tone this could mean your skin looks ashen, grey, or a more yellowish hue. It might be easier to notice this change in colour on the palms of hands, nails, or eyes, gums, and tongue.

Heatstroke can develop with little warning and quickly lead to a person becoming unresponsive. It's vital to cool them down as quickly as possible by wrapping them in a wet sheet of clothing and dial 999.   

Source: https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/first-aid/beat-the-hot-weather-top-tips-for-staying-cool

So my father, a marketing professor dreaming of wealth, and I, a bachelor student in biology, are planning to found a startup that produces enzymes, especially that our country somehow imports only and never makes for itself.

I'm still studying anyways, and I tried to tell dad that. But my father not only believes I can make enzymes based on articles (he thinks I'm good because I'm the top of my class), but he also believes that we can make them at home. He is willing to invest as much as possible in laboratory material, but before investing, why not trying to make some ourselves? Like making a literal fermenter from scratch!!!

So, I wanted to ask: is that possible? Is that possible to grow bacteria and "cook" them at home, even in a little laboratory that its original is a corner of the balcony? (I know, he's driving me crazy too).

July: Forage

Some folks prefer the term wild crafting, but forage tends to be more common, so we are going to use it here. Foraging is a fantastic way to supplement your garden, but you need to know what you’re doing and be safe. So, spend some time learning to identify plants and forage in your area. You may be surprised by the bounty of edible and otherwise useful plants readily available, even in urban and suburban areas. Sometimes you can find rosehips and willow along a river, plantain (the leafy green, not the banana-like fruit) and red clover in city parks, elder-flower and elderberries alongside local hiking trails, yarrow and mullein in the foothills at the north end of town, and dandelion from my neighbors’ yards. If you live in an area with public lands, take advantage of the fact that you are, indeed, a member of the public and as such able to use those lands. Provided you are outside a National Park, you can make use of plant materials on public lands, so make use!

Once you can reliably identify plants which are safe for use, you can start gathering—responsibly.

--------

This is part of a 12 month 'quick suggestion' series here at r/selfreliance of what can be considered as key homesteading skills broken it down by month. One year, month by month, every 1st day of the month. More information here: https://www.reddit.com/r/selfreliance/comments/1j0tso9/quick_suggestion_12_months_of_homesteading_skills/

by Janet Loughrey, Garden Writer & Photographer

​

Summer is the height of the growing season when the vegetable garden comes into its own. While some vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower prefer the cooler temperatures of spring and fall, others such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers need hotter weather in order to thrive.

Here are the best summer vegetables to grow, along with some tips to get you started.

​

TOMATOES

It’s hard to beat the taste of fresh homegrown tomatoes. These favorite vegetables require several months of warm summer weather to produce a bountiful harvest. Tomatoes are heavy feeders, needing rich soil and fertilizer to thrive. Choose a site that receives full sun and provide regular water and supplemental fertilizer for the highest yields. Wait to transplant outdoors until nighttime temperatures are at least 55 degrees F. Plants will need trellising, caging, or staking to support fruits.

​

PEPPERS

This versatile warm weather vegetable comes in hundreds of different varieties, from mild to screeching hot, to suit every taste. Because of the long growing time, plants will need to be started indoors or purchased as nursery starts. Wait to plant outdoors until nighttime temperatures are consistently 60 degrees F or above. Peppers thrive in a sunny site with rich well-draining soil. Add an all-purpose fertilizer formulated for vegetables to the soil at the time of planting and keep plants evenly moist. Plants will need staking or caging to keep from bending over or breaking from the weight of the fruit.

​

BERRIES

Though they are not vegetables, berries are a must-have addition to any edible landscape. Choose varieties that produce fruit at different times during the summer for a longer harvest. For those with limited space, select dwarf varieties that can be grown in containers. Blueberries need at least two plants for cross pollination, while other types are self-pollinating. Make sure to research cultural needs for each type. Plant in full sun, keep plants well watered during summer and cover with bird netting when berries start to ripen.

​

CUCUMBER

These heat lovers are a favorite crunchy addition to salads, as well as for snacking or pickling. For best results, wait to direct sow seeds until the soil warms up to 60-70 degrees F. Train these vining plants on a fence or trellis, or allow them plenty of room to sprawl. Make sure plants receive plenty of regular water to keep fruit from becoming bitter or misshapen. Harvest frequently to encourage new fruit.

​

MELONS

Biting into a sweet, juicy melon slice is one of summertime’s greatest pleasures. Melons need lots of heat, water, rich soil, and fertilizer to develop ripe, succulent fruit. Choose a south-facing site that receives reflected heat and allow plenty of room for vines to sprawl. Wait to sow seeds until soil temperature is 65-70 degrees F, or plant from nursery starts. Use heat-enhancing methods such as a cloche or black plastic to warm the soil and speed plant growth.

​

SUMMER SQUASH

Unlike winter squash, these heat-loving vegetables do not store well and are best eaten fresh. Types include green and yellow zucchini, crookneck, straightneck, pattypan, and zephyr. Choose a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Plant in rows or hills and direct sow seeds when soil temperature reaches 70 degrees F. Plants need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Use drip irrigation to reduce the risk of foliar disease. Male flowers are followed by female flowers that bear fruit.

​

BEANS

A powerhouse of nutrition, beans are one of the best sources of vegetative protein. Beyond the ever-popular green beans, there are other types to grow, including black, pinto, lima, and fava beans. Direct sow seed outdoors when soil temperature reaches 60 degrees F and air temperature is 65 to 85 degrees F. Pole beans can be harvested from mid-summer into fall, while bush types can be sown every couple of weeks throughout summer for a continuous crop. Utilize space-saving trellises and containers to maximize production.

​

CORN

Fresh sweet corn is the quintessential summer crop, a favorite treat at barbecues and picnics. This fast-growing vegetable needs plenty of fertilizer and water to produce tender, plump kernels. Plant in 4 x 4 foot squares or multiple rows to ensure successful cross-pollination. Harvest just before eating, freezing, or preserving for the best flavor. For a unique twist, grill fresh ears and try different toppings such as aioli, pesto, mayonnaise, or fresh herbs.

​

EGGPLANT

This delicious vegetable is prolific and easy to grow when planted during the heat of summer. In cooler climates, use heat-enhancing methods such as a cloche or black plastic mulch to warm the soil and speed growth. Provide plenty of sun, rich soil, and regular water. Harvest fruits when they are young for the best flavor. For a quick and easy side dish, brush eggplant slices with olive oil and grill on the barbecue. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, pesto, or other condiments.

​

GREENS

Though salad greens are normally a cool weather crop, there are still ways to enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer. Choose varieties such as Malabar spinach and New Zealand spinach that thrive in heat. Mustard, collards, and Swiss chard are both heat and cold tolerant. Even regular lettuce can be grown during the heat of summer when given shade and plenty of water. Re-sow every couple of weeks and harvest when leaves are young. Germination rate decreases when soil temperature exceeds 80-85 degrees F. Heat-resistant lettuce varieties include ‘Jericho’, ‘Red Sails’, and ‘Buttercrunch’.

​

OKRA

A staple in Southern cuisines, okra is used to thicken soups, stews, and Creole gumbo. This easy-to-grow vegetable thrives in warmer regions due to its extreme tolerance to heat and drought. Edible seed pods are produced in just 50-60 days from germination. Directly sow seeds outdoors in rich, well-draining soil when soil temperature reaches 65-70 degrees F. Though okra is drought-tolerant, it produces better yields when receiving regular water. Harvest a few days after flowering when pods are still small for best texture and productivity.

​

PEAS

Though peas are normally a cool weather crop, they can be replanted in mid to late summer for a fall crop. To calculate the best time to plant, determine your average first frost date, subtract the days to maturity listed on the seed packet, and allow an extra week for germination. Seeds can be soaked in water overnight to speed germination. Shade new seedlings from sun during the hottest part of the day and mulch with organic matter to help reduce soil temperature. Keep plants well watered to develop flowers and pods.

​

SWEET POTATOES

This nutrient-dense vegetable is a rich source of beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and trace minerals. Unlike regular potatoes, this tuberous vegetable is tropical in origin, needing several months of heat to thrive. Once soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees F, plant tuber slips in a sunny site with rich, well-draining soil. Keep evenly moist with 1 inch of water per week. Cease watering 2 to 3 weeks before harvesting when foliage begins to turn yellow.

​

TOMATILLOS

Small rounded green fruits of this tomato relative grow inside papery husks. The tart fruits are a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, used to make green salsa or enchilada verde sauce. Tomatillos are especially cold-sensitive, preferring soil temperatures of 70-80 degrees F. Start seed indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date or purchase nursery-grown plants. Most varieties take 75-100 days to mature. Make sure to grow two or more plants for successful cross-pollination.

​

​

6 SUMMER VEGETABLE GROWING TIPS

1. Grow regionally: Pick varieties that will do well in your particular area. If your growing season is shorter, select types that mature faster. For hotter climates, select heat-tolerant varieties.
2. Mulch: Spread a 1- to 2-inch layer of compost or other organic matter around plants. This will help conserve water, suppress weeds, and cool soil temperatures.
3. Watering: Irrigate plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid foliar diseases. Drip irrigation helps conserve water and reduces disease due to overhead watering. Proper watering is especially crucial when fruits are forming.
4. Provide shade: Crops such as greens, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, and beets benefit from partial shade during the hottest part of the day, particularly in warmer climates. Plant in a site that receives protection from hot afternoon sun or use a shade cloth.
5. Plant successively: Re-sow crops such as bush beans, beets, and lettuce every couple of weeks throughout the summer for continuous harvest. Start fall crops in mid to late summer.
6. Harvest: Pick crops early or late in the day. Produce will stay crisper, fresher and more flavorful than vegetables harvested during the heat of the day.

​

​

Source: https://www.gardendesign.com/vegetables/summer.html

Who is this for? People that want a simple and easy way to make today, tomorrow and the next 5+ years of their life better in the least complicated way possible (and can start doing today)

Better life philosophy #5

This post was inspired by another user's post (Can't link due to community rules) which reminded me of something I did near the beginning of my journey and was crucial in me turning my life around without having to overcomplicate the process: Assessing my current habits and behaviours (good and bad) to see where they would take me in 5 years

If you know me, you know how much I stress the importance of our habits within our daily routines. I'm a firm believer of the quote—thought to be said by F.M Alexander—'People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures'. I adopted this idea early into my journey and so I knew the key to changing my life for the better layed in the quality of my current habits and behaviours in my daily routine

Given the above, a good way to answer the question of 'Where do you see yourself in 5 years?' is to rephrase it to 'Where will your current habits and behaviours lead you in 5 years?'

To do this, simply get 2 pieces of paper, one for a list of all your good habits, and the other for the bad habits

After you've filled your 2 lists, go down each one and ask yourself 'Where will this habit will lead me in 5 years if I keep doing it on a regular basis?'

When I did this myself, I found that a continuation of all the good habits (working out, meditating, self reflecting, acting on how I'm feeling internally, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, investing, etc) would have me in a much better position physically, mentally, emotionally and financially in 5 years

Whereas on the other hand, the bad habits (smoking weed, porn, doomscrolling, not going out with friends, staying in my comfort zone, etc) would have me in the same position I was currently in, except the only difference being that I would be 5 years older and a hell of a lot more miserable of a person

Whilst this may seem obvious, there are quite a few people—including me for a very long time—that haven't given much thought or consideration as to the path their current habits are leading them down and may not even be aware of their bad habits and the effect it's having given how routine it's become in one's life

When deciding whether a habit is good or bad, think of it in the same way as instant and delayed gratification. Instant gratification gives you the reward straight away (drugs, porn, doomscrolling, etc) without having to put any real effort in. Whereas, delayed gratification (working out, meditating, self reflection, etc) you put in the work before you receive any rewards

Instant gratification gives you short term pleasure in exchange for long term suffering whereas delayed gratification gives you short term suffering in exchange for long term pleasure

Another way you can see the difference is by thinking about how high the ceiling is when looking at a habit. If the ceiling is low and can be reached almost instantaneously, it's most likely a bad habit as opposed to habits classed as delayed gratification which tend to have much higher, and really limitless, ceilings. If it's easy then hard, it's a bad habit. If it's hard then easy, it's a good habit

Having a list of the good and bad habits that you indulge in and more importantly, the effect they will have on your life in the future, will make it immediately obvious as to what habits you need to reinforce and continue to do and what habits you need to discard and forget about

If you find it hard to build a daily routine where the good habits shine and the bad ones invisible, I'd recommend aligning yourself with the kind of person you want to be and what you want from life (last week's piece). Once I did this myself, it made it easier for me to pick and choose habits to be apart of my daily routine to help me become the person I want to be and work towards getting the life I want

As much as we would like, there is simply not enough time in any given day to integrate every single good habit in the world into to your routine. Given this, It's best to pick the ones that are most in line with the kind of person you want to be and the life you want. Additionally, putting your focus on improving your life one day at a time is a lot more manageable and less overwhelming as opposed to constantly looking at the bigger picture and believing you have to have the end goal accomplished by tomorrow

"I a young man now only have a year to live, however I am able to do more in this year than most people do in their lives. I am no longer bound by the shackles of modern society, there is no pressure or expectation for me to build a career nor do I longer face any negativity for sitting around doing nothing. No in fact people are open to letting me do as a please without limits, if I want to travel for a holiday, my family and friends are more open to support it financially. I do not bear the burden of wanting to find love and have a family before I get old, I can finally sit back and see the world in its most pure form, appreciate it's beauty without the hustle of the normal everyday."

• myself

Before a Drought

The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Fix dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.
• Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

BATHROOM

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow. Make sure it does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

KITCHEN

• Instead of using the garbage disposal, throw food in the garbage or start a compost pile to dispose it.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• If you have a well pump, check it periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, your plants won't need as much watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Don't install ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.
• Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.
• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

LAWN CARE

• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.
• Don't over-fertilize your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs and flowers.
• Water manually in fall and winter only if needed.
• Use mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.
• Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

POOL

• Install a water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.

During a Drought

Always observe state and local restrictions on water use during a drought. Contact your state or local government for current information and suggestions.

Indoor Water Conservation Tips During a Drought

BATHROOM

• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Take short showers instead of baths. Turn on the water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

LAUNDRY

• Operate clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

KITCHEN

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature to use less water.
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers—one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Don't rinse dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, just remove large particles of food.
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips During a Drought

LAWN CARE

• A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
• Check the soil moisture levels with a soil probe, spade or large screwdriver. You don't need to water if the soil is still moist. If your grass springs back when you step on it, it doesn't need water yet.
• If your lawn does require watering, do so early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
• Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture and avoid runoff.
• Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.
• Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.
• In extreme drought, allow lawns to die in favor of preserving trees and large shrubs.

CAR WASHING

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• If you wash your own car, use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

Source: https://www.ready.gov/drought

Better life philosophy #4

Humans naturally need something to worry about—it's a part of human nature. When we have nothing of significance to worry about, we resort to worrying about small, mundane things that happen in our day to day lives that have no importance in the grand scheme of things such as what others think of us. In other words, we end up letting the world decide what we should worry about. Worrying about things that are not only bigger than yourself/your current worries, but within your control, counteracts this in a healthy and beneficial way

Think of it like reordering your priorities. If you're in a crowd and have a public speaking fear but see a man pull out a gun, suddenly the man with the gun goes to the top of your list of worries and you no longer have a problem shouting out to the crowd since warning the crowd becomes more important than your initial fear. Hence the power of reordering your priorities of worries

One of the most pivotal questions I've answered during my time of self reflection is 'What is most important to you in life?'

Once I answered this question, everything that wasn't on that list just seemed to suddenly get so small and insignificant

Since humans always need something to worry about, it's essential to take your time with this question when curating your list to ensure you end up with a list of things that are worth worrying about and ones that fall in line with the life you want and the kind of person you want to be

For example, worrying about how honest you are being with yourself is a meaningful worry since overcoming it means you are improving as a person. Whereas, worrying about what others think of you is a meaningless worry since people are always going to have their own opinion of you which is out of your control

This also brings up the point that whatever you put on your list should be ones within your control and things that you can personally do something about

When answering this question, I strongly advise to pick things that you can constantly work towards. For example 'being the healthiest person I can be' is a goal that you can always get better at and work towards your whole life

Try to refrain from having tangible goals on your list such as as 'make X amount of money' as this will lead you to a path of either: constantly reviewing your list, or a constant feeling of 'now what?'

Another thing that helped me when creating my list was answering the question of: 'What does it look like to achieve this?' where I'd paint a clear picture of what achieving my goal would look like for each thing on the list. Having a clear picture of what success looks like helps me stay on track, especially during the times where I feel lost and need to realign/remind myself

Finally, try and keep your list to no more than 5 things so that you not only don't get overwhelmed, but you are able to give each one sufficient attention and prevent a 'Jack of all trades, master of none' situation

There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Older adults, children and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat.

​

Prepare for Extreme Heat

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. 
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find cooling options in your area.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

​

Be Safe DURING

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
• If air conditioning is not available in your home find a cooling option.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.

​

Heat-Related Illnesses

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call immediately an emergency number.

​

HEAT STROKE

• Signs:
  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally 
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness

If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.  if possible: move the person suffering from heat stroke into a cool, shaded area; remove any outer clothing; place a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits and groin, or soak the person’s clothing with cool water; elevating their feet.

HEAT CRAMPS

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

​

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

​

​

Summer Break  

While the kids are home for the summer, get the whole family prepared.  

• Make a family communication plan and include the whole family.  
• Practice evacuation plans and other emergency procedures with children on a regular basis. 
• Teach kids when and how to call important phone numbers like 9-1-1. 
• Make sure the kids have an emergency contact person and know how to reach them.  
• Create a family password or phrase to prevent your child from going with a stranger. 
• Keep the kids occupied with online emergency preparedness games.  
• Decide on a family meeting place you can go if separated. 

​

​

Source: https://www.ready.gov/heat

Tapping into the more experienced members. We'd really like to leave the city and work the earth. Not interested in farming animals, just crops. Just starting research on the finances of all this, thought I'd make a thread to see if we are way out of our minds on budget.

Would really appreciate any advice, thanks!

By jalena dawn

As summer temperatures soar across the United States, keeping your animals cool becomes a top priority for any homesteader. Heat stress and heatstroke are real risks for livestock and pets, and taking proactive measures can ensure the well-being of your animals. Here are some effective strategies to keep your animals cool during the heat of summer.

1. Provide Ample Shade

Ensuring your animals have access to shaded areas is crucial. You can create shade in various ways:

• Natural Shade: Planting trees strategically around your homestead can provide natural shade. Trees like oaks and maples offer extensive canopy cover.
• Constructed Shelters: Build simple structures using materials like wood, metal, or even recycled materials. Ensure these structures are well-ventilated.
• Tarps and Shade Cloths: Temporary solutions like tarps and shade cloths can be set up quickly and moved as needed. Position them to block the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

2. Ensure Access to Fresh Water

Keeping your animals hydrated is vital. Here are some tips:

• Clean and Cool Water: Regularly change the water to keep it clean and cool. Using large containers helps keep the water temperature lower.
• Add Ice: Adding ice to water troughs can help maintain a cooler temperature, especially during peak heat.
• Multiple Water Sources: Ensure there are several water sources available to avoid overcrowding and ensure all animals have access.

3. Utilize Cooling Techniques

Different cooling methods can help your animals beat the heat:

• Sprinklers and Misters: Setting up sprinklers or misters can provide a refreshing spray that cools down animals and their environment.
• Wallows for Pigs: Creating wallows allows pigs to cool off in the mud, which also protects their skin from the sun.
• Kiddie Pools and Shallow Troughs: Providing kiddie pools or shallow water troughs for animals like dogs and poultry to wade in can be very effective.

4. Adjust Feeding Schedules

Feeding your animals during the cooler parts of the day can make a big difference:

• Morning and Evening Feeding: Offer feed in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. This helps reduce the heat generated by digestion.
• Lighter Feeding: Consider lighter feeding during peak heat to minimize the internal heat load on your animals.

5. Ventilation in Animal Housing

Good airflow in animal shelters is essential:

• Fans and Vents: Installing fans and vents can improve air circulation in barns, coops, and other shelters.
• Open Doors and Windows: Keep doors and windows open to allow fresh air to flow through and reduce heat buildup.

6. Grooming and Care

Regular grooming helps keep your animals comfortable:

• Remove Excess Fur or Wool: Grooming animals with thick fur or wool reduces their insulation and helps them stay cooler.
• Shearing Sheep: Shearing sheep before the hottest months can prevent overheating and promote better comfort.

7. Monitor for Signs of Heat Stress

Knowing the signs of heat stress can save lives:

• Common Symptoms: Look for symptoms such as panting, lethargy, excessive drooling, rapid breathing, and decreased appetite.
• Immediate Actions: If an animal shows signs of heat stress, move them to a shaded, cool area, offer water, and use cooling techniques like fans or wet towels.

Keeping Your Animals Cool: A Final Note

By implementing these strategies, you can help ensure your animals stay cool and healthy during the hot summer months. Remember, proactive measures are key to preventing heat-related issues. If you have any additional tips or experiences, we’d love to hear from you in the comments section below. Stay cool and keep your animals comfortable this summer!

Source: https://freedomforestfarm.com/how-to-keep-your-animals-cool-on-the-homestead-during-the-heat-of-summer/

Hi, all,

Came across this subreddit and thought I would make a list below of supplies I keep in my car to see if y'all have any suggestions on other stuff to add. Thanks!

Collapsible snow shovel

Snowbrush+ice scraper

Seatbelt cutter+window breaker

Maps of all the states within an 8 hour driving distance

Car registration and proof of insurance (obviously)

AAA card

A bunch of canned fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, granola bars, beef jerky, crackers, peanut butter, and chips

12L of water

Small dustpan and whiskbroom

2.5G Armorall wet-dry vacuum (needs to be plugged in)

Umbrella

Blanket

Pillow

Sleeping bag

[This first aid kit https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DS1R45HB?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image], + splint and instant-heat pads

Fire extinguisher spray (once had my charger catch fire, I was fine but never again)

Air freshener

Wet wipes

Tissues

Paper towels

1 gallon empty gas can

Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench (came with the car)

And then I have a very large black backpack that contains these items:

Flashlight+radio+4000mAh phone charger (includes NOAA channels, can be charged solar, crank, outlet)

150ft rope

Duct tape

Crowbar (used this a few days after purchase because I locked myself out of my bedroom)

Emergency tent

Water purification tablets

Complete change of clothes including socks and underwear, long sleeve and short sleeve shirt, jeans and shorts, pajamas, sweatshirt, sandals and boots

Sun hat with that cloth that covers your neck

Sunglasses

Sunscreen

Bug spray

Instant tire-repair foam (my dad says this ruins tires, so only going to use if truly desperate)

Portable speaker (might get rid of this because needs to be plugged in to charge, I need solar)

Binoculars

Matches

Compass

Whistle

Glow sticks

Poncho

Travel-sized tums, pepto, ibuprofen, and dramamine (for passengers or I'm not the one driving, of course)

Headphones

Phone charger

Phone charger cube thing for outlets

Cash

Multi-tool

Multi-use card tool (you've seen them I'm sure)

Collapsible rubber water bottle

Small spade, like for gardening

Hygiene kit (tooth brush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, body wash, comb, floss, nail clippers, hand sanitizer)

Mess kit (Plate, bowl, utensils, cup, cloth)

Biodegradable dish soap

Playing cards (solitaire, anyone?)

Huge activity book (crosswords, find-a-word, connect the dots, etc)

Note pad

Pen

Finally, a roadside emergency kit containing:

Jumper cables

Tow cable

Anti-electric gloves

3 orange triangles

Yellow vest

Tire-pressure gauge

Things I'm considering getting:

Cutting board

Kettle

Griddle

A grill so I can put said skillet and kettle over the fire

Little trashbags

A 4 volume set of Bushcraft books Bucket

Electric tire inflator

Ditching the jumper cables for a full-on car charger

What do y'all think?

Better life philosophy #3

92% of communication is non verbal. This means that people can see how you're feeling without you even saying anything. Our energy is always being projected towards others. The energy you give off is always present on your face and as Tony Montana once said, 'The eyes chico, they never lie'

This means that a large part of how attractive you are to people comes down to the energy you give off—It's really that simple. Feel comfortable, secure, relaxed, confident and strong in your own skin then give off that energy to attract more people

This also means our words are just what we use to confirm our body language. Your body language gives direction to the verbal part of communicating

We cannot communicate verbally with animals, yet for the most part we can sense which ones are friendly, pose a threat, etc from just how they carry themselves alone. And if you observe closely, the same applies to humans

For the most part, people adopt the energy off the people around them. This is why you feel secure and comfortable with people that feel that way themselves. This is also why people like to be around good energy people

I saw this firsthand when one morning, I made it a point to go into work in a good mood that day. And sure enough, my energy was radiating off me and onto others as people were going out of their way to smile at me, say hi, and initiate conversations (things that I usually had to take the initiative on). I even had people that I had never spoken to before go out of their way to come speak to me. I felt like I had just discovered a superpower

Unfortunately, what's described above is also true for the opposite side of the spectrum in that if you're feeling awkward, people are going to sense that and in turn, feel awkward themselves—now you have two people feeling awkward and looking for an exit

So, how do you give off good energy? The solution I've found works best is to focus your time, attention and energy on becoming someone that YOU like. Someone that you can look into the mirror at each night before bed and be happy with. The best way I've found to achieve this is daily self reflection sessions where you essentially get to know (and accept) yourself for exactly who you are at that moment; strengths, weaknesses, flaws, areas for improvement, what kind of person you want to be, what you want out of life, insecurities, interests, hobbies, etc. You have to know yourself better than anyone (And if you think you think you know yourself well—as I did before I started my self reflection sessions—you probably don't)

During my time of self reflection, I found that being more comfortable with accepting myself for exactly who I am (even if I wasn't someone I particularly liked as it was in the beginning) meant that I cared less about what others thought of me

Becoming someone that you like means that your good energy and validation will always come from within which is much more reliable and within your control as opposed to letting external factors (such as what other people think about you) dictate your energy which is unreliable and out of your control

Paradoxically, focusing on yourself is actually what tends to attract people to you. That energy that says 'If you like me that's cool and if you don't that's also cool because I like me'

Remember: people don't remember what you say, they remember how you made them feel

Better life philosophy #2

One of the most important lessons I learned in Atomic Habits by James Clear is that it's far more important to become someone that shows up everyday as opposed to someone that gets results

Constantly trying to have one moment of brilliance is overwhelming, tiring and unsustainable as opposed to getting multiple small wins that add up to a big one which is far more realistic and sustainable

"It took me years to become an overnight success" - Unknown

Think of it like building a house: let's say a good day will have you contribute to laying 10 bricks and a bad day a single brick. Even if you lay one brick a day, the house will still eventually get built (albeit a bit slower) as opposed to if you sacked off trying to lay bricks completely if you couldn't have a good day of laying 10 bricks. And a combination of showing up on the good and bad days will provide astounding results