Living Local
Seeking not a 'lifestyle'... but instead, a 'life'
The Home Front
Anyone who has read more than a couple of my articles has undoubtedly ascertained I am a big advocate for ‘living local;’ I see it as the true ‘Natural’ way to live, and thus the path to a Natural Life. As such, I support being invested primarily in what is occurring in your states, counties and townships, while allowing the national / international ‘Circus’ to fade into the background.
That does not mean we should completely abandon staying alert about the larger events, of course. In fact, I still think it is important to know why-the-what they are attempting to do to us, if for no other reason than to serve as a constant reminder as to the value of keeping the focus local.
Because ultimately, I believe with firmness this is where we can fight to preserve our Natural Rights… and actually win: Locally. That belief comes not from blind emotionalism or chasing pipe-dreams, but through rational observation: The Globalist agendas have repeatedly targeted ‘living local,’ moving step-by-step to destroy it, so since they are trying to destroy it?
It is a threat to their plans. To them.
Hence, my drive to live more locally-centered. Notice I use the word drive here, however - that means it is not yet something which I have mastered; believe me, folks, I still have a LONG way to go. It does, however, remain a goal I am pursuing, and one to which I am committed.
With that noted, a majority of the previous pieces where I have explored this subject have largely focused on the political aspects. Over the past few weeks, however, I have been thinking that I should take time to discuss the social and cultural aspects as well - you know, the ‘life’ part of living.
As such, I decided it would be fun to drop some ideas on how to pursue a more ‘local’ existence. This is not intended to be an end-all, be-all compendium, but instead a starting point of conversation. I figure, after the week we’ve had, a little purposeful lightness might be just what is needed.
I know I can sure use it, anyhow. So, let us proceed…
A Few Ideas
-- Join social clubs and organizations: Seek out groups which are tailored to activities you enjoy (or those which you have an interest in learning), and join said-groups. It can be anything - fishing, crafting, gardening, canning… whatever! Know (or find) your passion, then look for like-minded people with whom you can engage it.
As for me, I have earnestly begun my long-time quest (as I have mentioned elsewhere here) to finally acquire a HAM radio operator’s license. While HAM is a global activity, it is also a hyper-local one as well, and HAM-based groups are (or can be) great for community engagement.
HAMS also tend to be ‘based’ individuals, which is always a plus…
-- Support local media: Of all the things the Agenda-pimps have targeted, this has been one of the most egregious-yet-successful attacks. Independent, small-town radio stations and newspapers have been ruthlessly consumed by corporate-media behemoths, allowing them to fill locally-based information pipelines with endless streams of Globalist propaganda.
So, if you are fortunate enough to have either of these in your area, support them. Subscribe to the newspapers, listen to the radio stations, and if you do not like what you read or hear… let them know! Believe it or not, they want to be successful, so (unless they are morons) they will listen to your input, and respond accordingly. Involvement, as with everything discussed here, is key.
And… if all else fails? Start your own local ‘newspaper!’ Substack is a great tool for that, after all, and since you’re already here… why not? These days (especially with the opportunities we have here on this platform), one doesn’t have to be a ‘Hearst’ to be a publisher - they just need basic writing skills, and the passion to do it…
-- Engage in activities: There are now a myriad of activities available, with many of them being focused on those oft left-out in the past. Sure, there has always been golfing (which, depending on your area, can be expensive), gyms (which, let’s be honest, can be intimidating and occasionally creepy), and bowling (which has largely been abandoned), but now there is a broad swath of alternatives.
There are yoga classes and meditation gatherings for the metaphysically-minded, pickleball for those seeking low-impact exercise, shooting clubs for firearms enthusiasts… again, limitless options. Getting involved in such activities will help you build connections on the local level and… well, they can be fun, too…
-- Attend community events: This is one of the best options available to us, for one basic reason - they are usually free. Main-street fairs oft include local vendors, which provide opportunities to have conversations and make connections. Then there are community theater presentations, open concerts… again, the potential lanes for local growth are vast.
Oh, have I ever mentioned Farmer’s Markets? Yeah…
-- Shop locally-owned businesses: This can be challenging, especially in this current economy. Transnational outlets have nearly destroyed local small businesses (Wal-Mart, anyone?), driving prices so low - via mass-purchases of cheap garbage - that locals simply cannot compete on price-points.
Realistically there is only one way they can survive and thrive: We have to choose to shop at their concerns anyhow… and spend a little more for what we purchase.
This is not easy, I know (I’m not exactly the Monopoly Man here!), but I have been working hard to cut back on ‘extras’ I may have carelessly bought a few years ago, and worked to instead target my coin to local outlets. Sure, it means I may end up buying less ‘stuff’… but what I do buy now has extra-value to me.
From my perspective, that makes it worthwhile…
-- Get politically involved: I am only spending a moment on this fire, because of the oxygen I have already given it in previous articles. Find news-outlets which discuss what is going on in your state capital, show up for your city-council meetings, pay attention to what is happening in your county… join local political groups. Be present… be aware.
Also - to bang out my very familiar drumbeat - know your county sheriff…
-- Volunteer: An obvious one, but vitally important to any community. See the “Page of Charity” for more thoughts on this subject...
-- Choose your community: This… is undoubtedly the most daunting. Many of us live in either urban or suburban areas, where building ‘community’ is damned-near impossible… as has been planned. Those in such areas are so saturated in Globalist indoctrination, these ideas are not only foreign to many of them… in a few cases, they are borderline criminal.
Unfortunately, that is also where the decent-paying jobs tend to be located; the 15-minute-city trap is already set, and many don’t even realize it.
As such, if you are in this situation? I strongly advocate for putting in the effort to find a new, more-rural place to live. I myself have been working tirelessly to get OUT of these circumstances, and will not give up until I am successful or no longer able.
This is incredibly challenging, because it oft requires a lifestyle overhaul. Many will have to change their career paths, finding new ways to support themselves and their families, while others will find it difficult shifting into a slower, simpler vibe, where fancy restaurants and instant-gratifications are slim to nil.
However, we now have the Internet, which means there are plenty of opportunities to create ‘side-hustles’ for income generation, so you are not completely at the mercy of what brick-and-mortar employment is available. As to the ‘slower, simpler vibe?’ Well, you either get used to it, or… actually, if you want the more natural life? There is no ‘or.’
Change your mind, you change your vibe; while that can seem overwhelming to some, and it will take time to integrate into your daily life? In reality, it is no more complex than that.
Then there is the choice in of itself; not all rural communities are actually ‘rural,’ after all; some are clannish, some are corrupt, some are just terrible places to live. Research before considering a move is vital, that you do not inadvertently make your circumstances worse.
After having done so, and when ready to make the move? Have faith, in Providence, in your choices, and - especially - in yourself.
Be Seen
These are my broad-stroke ideas for pursuing a life more ‘local.’ That noted, I think the most important first step to ingratiating yourself into your local community? Be seen.
Indeed, sometimes just being around in the aforementioned activities - engaging when expected, silent when not - is huge. Having your face ‘there,’ in the moment, will get you recognized, which can lead to future involvement.
I’ll give you an example: I have been attending my city council meetings for a while now, and except for greeting the local police officers working the door? I never say a word to anyone. I sit there, I listen, I take notes… that’s it.
But I have noticed that, the last couple of times I was there, others who attend regularly are noticing me. They smile now, they look my way… they notice. Even my councilwoman, whom I have yet to meet, seems to have noted my presence as well.
This… is the first step. You don’t have to go in all bold and brassy - in fact, it might be better that you do not. Simply be present, be attentive, and be seen.
Indeed, through being seen others will note that you are someone invested in what is happening in the community. Over time, they will recognize you as someone who actually cares about the immediate world around you. Police officers will see you too, and at some point may recognize your face… again, as someone who cares.
See how this can slowly build relationships? It’s one step at a time, but that first step is - again - to be seen. Eventually, they will engage you in conversation on their own, if for no other reason than sheer curiosity.
So whichever of the ideas above you embrace, or even if you go your own way, do so with a humble spirit and active mind. Allow your engagements to proceed organically, and before you know it?
You will be living local, amongst locals, in ways you never before imagined.
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Notes…
-- One activity I deliberately left out was attending houses of worship; these are obvious avenues for community within each religion-of-choice, however their purpose is NOT to provide community, but for… well, ‘worship.’ As such, I decided to honor that purpose.
-- Unless otherwise credited, all images were created by the author, using Substack’s AI Image Generator.
Dude so much yes to this. The being seen (repeatedly at the same place) is crucial. I’ve made that mistake before just in moving to a city where I didn’t know anyone, I’d go places, meet ppl, but rarely ever the same place twice so I had all these ppl I “knew” but had no actual bond with - I never slowed down. There’s a lot of conditioning to confront within myself at least - but now?
Just going to one open mic a week for the past two weeks (it’s gonna continue fkn indefinitely) has already led to incredible enrichment and meeting dope like minded ppl. Farmers markets are the shit,events and street fairs, getting to know local venues, yoga classes, shooting range, and making the effort to spend time w ppl IRL (just got home from a nearly 4 hour long dinner with a friend) is huge.
The community church I recently got involved with has stuff they do every week night that isn’t worship related (meaning not like a Sunday service) and that’s dope too.
The being seen part is huge. I went into survival mode a while ago and became avoidant and reclusive without realizing it so this is why I’ve referred to it as a spiritual prison break. I love this post so much.
At the end of the day, it’s the face to face connections in our community that create true resilience - the internet and phones will never come close to that. This is one of the most important messages of our time - thank you. Let us remember what it is to “human” - we are tribal/ communal creatures! 🙏
Great ideas in the post and in the comments. I’ve avoided big box stores and most chains for several years. And I make it a point to use cash at all my local stores. (And, yes, I do pay a little more than I would at a big box store!) As an eighty year old widow on a fixed income, I still feel it’s better for my children’s children for me to do with a little less so that they can have a chance to escape the unpleasant future which the global cartel has planned.
I believe in the power of ONE: a single individual taking a stand for what he/she believes is right. That example strengthens others to do the same. Thus we slowly make the world better. We didn’t get into this situation overnight, and we won’t get out of it easily. But if we all do our best consistently, ultimately we’ll defeat those who would enslave us.