Brighter Days Ahead

Photo - Danielle Charron

It started with making homemade granola. And freezing it. Then, I tried for the first time to make cabbage rolls in honor of my late mother. She made them for holiday dinners.  What followed, was homemade sauerkraut made from leftover cabbage.
 
Against the backdrop of these DIY projects (which I never do), I watched a documentary about Canadians living off the grid – without public utilities (water/electricity), at a distance from neighbours, and having to figure out everything on their own.

They are 24/7 do-it yourselfers.
 
These people are ingenious and creative, with homes running on renewable energy. They produce most of their own food. They carefully manage and monitor their consumption of essentials like fresh water. Days center on solving problems. And they do all this sustainability, in harmony with the environment, while wasting little.
 
While I am not about to go off the grid, I appreciate their hard work and commitment to be resourceful, happy with less, and self-sufficient.
 
It struck me that, with this locked-down socially-distanced covid-lifestyle, we are metaphorically living off the grid.

Like the self-reliant people in the film, we covid homesteaders have to solve new work and life problems constantly. Beyond Netflix, we have to create our own amusements. We need to find outlets for our creative energies. Find meaning and fulfillment without depending on our friends and family (who live in other households).

​While living off the grid isn’t for me, putting in the daily effort to ward off negativity, being resilient and resourceful and enjoying a more frugal Covid lifestyle, feels good to me.  

Wishing for brighter days ahead, peace within and extending to all. 

Happy Holidays
Coach Minda

Photo - Danielle Charron