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! 🙏
You've provided an excellent example of what I speak, Tesstamona, regarding the value of 'being seen' - and the 'repeatedly in the same place' aspect is critical as well! Many these days are suspicious of 'newcomers' so the best way to counteract that is to... be a regular-comer ;-)
Thank you so much for the comment, happy you enjoyed this one! <3
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.
This might be my favorite post you've done yet. I agree and need to do better myself. I tried joining some groups but so far nothing has worked out. I'm a 20 minute drive from my closest town so for me to go anywhere ends up being a half day event so mostly I go nowhere. I try to go to the local coffee shop but then I just want to get back home, LOL. I do try to get to the Farmer's Market every week but it's tiny so I buy some veggies from the one organic vendor. Daily responsibilities leave me with pretty much no time for socializing....I know there have to be like minds somewhere out there and maybe I'll have to move again to find them. I started taking taekwondo at the local studio nearby, that's been fun and an eye opener that my coordination and fitness needs drastic improvement...I love learning new things, makes me feel like a kid going to karate lessons, but I have to drop myself off.... punching, kicking and learning some self defense is something I never thought I'd be starting at 48 years old. The local hardware store is a life saver and the farmer that brings me raw milk, these little things off set the "aloneness" but I miss humans, or at least sometimes I do. I definitely don't miss the global agenda smushed in my face constantly in the city I used to live in before moving out of dodge. I saw HAM radio lessons being offered around here at some homesteader events, that's pretty cool that you are doing that...definitely a likely timely and useful skill.
I absolutely love this comment, Angela, probably because I resonate with so much of it LOL The feeling of one part of me knowing I need human interaction, while another part just wanting to get back home... a serious thing for me, one which I am working to balance :-) I may cover some of that in the next WIS
I DO know that I have to push through, because while I LOVE my solitude? I also know we are 'designed' to be social creatures, designed to exist within a community... and if things continue as I fear they may? That community is going to necessary for protecting our Natural Rights, and - as such - for our survival.
Recommend not living within town or city limits as your tax burden will be less. County governments are less restrictive. My county in the ozarks of Missouri has no building restrictions, no permits required thus you can do whatever you want on your own property. Pay ones very low property taxes is the only requirement by a small and limited government infrastructure.
Finally as the borrower is a slave to the lender attempt to make your move without acquiring a mortgage. The mortgage being the most enslaving of all personal debt. If you need a mortgage go local with that as well.
I belong to a senior center with yoga, line dancing and other group activities weekly. It leads to other gatherings at VFW and Other dancing venues. This also helps to learn about neighboring towns and individuals living close by. I am very active in my church which is in the city so I get be part of both rural and urban communities.
I restocked after reading this the other day and now I'm back to comment. I moved to a new community Mar 17, 2024. I decided to get involved locally and it didn't go so well. I went to a council meeting and no one talked to me or acted like they wanted me there. I went to a farmer's market to buy food but there really weren't any local vendors, only crafters. I started going to my local coffee shop and striking up conversations with people. There are other things but you get the idea. I pretty much gave up. I settled back into my own little shell and stopped trying. Today, I have new hope for myself in blending into the local culture in my new neighborhood. I am re-committing myself to doing this. Thanks Stone!
To be honest, Susan, I have had similar experiences - and not being the most 'social' of people anyhow, it was (is) both challenging and a little depressing. The key seems to be finding those with whom we can 'vibe' - it is not easy, and (for me at least) it could be lonely at times while searching, but the time and effort can - and will - eventually pay off.
Thank you for this comment - greatly appreciate your thoughts, and you being here! :-)
I moved away from a mid size city to a farm near a small town. It’s like living in Mayberry in the 50’s. Quite wonderful.
While I was reading the writing here, it made me think of a conversation I had with my best friend about 15 minute cities. Her daughter moved to one, got rid of her car and the insurance and lives mostly in that area. What the area does not have is what small towns do have, town councils, a sheriff, a mayor, a county fair, Amish…I wonder what kind of citizens these 15 minute cities will create?
Here’s an article from an Australian paper - these cities are popping up all over the world:
Excellent, Stone. I have been 'localizing' for years, and I try to actually use CASH instead of plastic as often as practical. Local merchants appreciate it, as it saves them on transaction fees.
I love this. I travel a lot as a pet-sitter and freelance writer right now. But when I settle again, finding local communities in my area will be my priority. I don’t believe we can thrive without it. I think finding community is a pathway to finding yourself.
Good article, yes we should move to a more local existence. From community to our food. Ag is one of the most concentrated parts of our economy, 4 - 6 big companies control the commodity end and 4-6 the retail end.
Seek out farmers markets, buy your meat from a local farmer. You may not save much but the food will be better and you are driving the local economy helping out a farm family that has children just like you to support.
National government/politics was never meant to be in our day to day lives
I believe so much in this as you know. Our local community radio station (24/7) and newspaper (weekly) are strong allies and I’m so proud and fulfilled to be involved in both in a meaningful way. It’s so rewarding.
I was hoping you'd like this one - truthfully, you crossed my mind, when writing the segment about local radio and newspapers LOL For the sake of brevity I had to cut out the a lot of the original piece, but I may rework certain aspects and include them in future WISs ;-)
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! 🙏
You've provided an excellent example of what I speak, Tesstamona, regarding the value of 'being seen' - and the 'repeatedly in the same place' aspect is critical as well! Many these days are suspicious of 'newcomers' so the best way to counteract that is to... be a regular-comer ;-)
Thank you so much for the comment, happy you enjoyed this one! <3
Very much so!!! 🫡
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.
This is such a wonderful comment - "The Power of One"... wow, I LOVE that!
And you are 100% correct about using cash instead of credit/debit, especially when dealing with local businesses - very astute observation.
Thank you SO much for this, May - very much appreciate it, and appreciate you for being here! <3
This might be my favorite post you've done yet. I agree and need to do better myself. I tried joining some groups but so far nothing has worked out. I'm a 20 minute drive from my closest town so for me to go anywhere ends up being a half day event so mostly I go nowhere. I try to go to the local coffee shop but then I just want to get back home, LOL. I do try to get to the Farmer's Market every week but it's tiny so I buy some veggies from the one organic vendor. Daily responsibilities leave me with pretty much no time for socializing....I know there have to be like minds somewhere out there and maybe I'll have to move again to find them. I started taking taekwondo at the local studio nearby, that's been fun and an eye opener that my coordination and fitness needs drastic improvement...I love learning new things, makes me feel like a kid going to karate lessons, but I have to drop myself off.... punching, kicking and learning some self defense is something I never thought I'd be starting at 48 years old. The local hardware store is a life saver and the farmer that brings me raw milk, these little things off set the "aloneness" but I miss humans, or at least sometimes I do. I definitely don't miss the global agenda smushed in my face constantly in the city I used to live in before moving out of dodge. I saw HAM radio lessons being offered around here at some homesteader events, that's pretty cool that you are doing that...definitely a likely timely and useful skill.
I absolutely love this comment, Angela, probably because I resonate with so much of it LOL The feeling of one part of me knowing I need human interaction, while another part just wanting to get back home... a serious thing for me, one which I am working to balance :-) I may cover some of that in the next WIS
I DO know that I have to push through, because while I LOVE my solitude? I also know we are 'designed' to be social creatures, designed to exist within a community... and if things continue as I fear they may? That community is going to necessary for protecting our Natural Rights, and - as such - for our survival.
Thanks you so much for this! <3
100%
That’s dope you’re doing Taekwondo
It's mostly hilarious, but I'm doing it.
Just be patient with yourself
Recommend not living within town or city limits as your tax burden will be less. County governments are less restrictive. My county in the ozarks of Missouri has no building restrictions, no permits required thus you can do whatever you want on your own property. Pay ones very low property taxes is the only requirement by a small and limited government infrastructure.
Finally as the borrower is a slave to the lender attempt to make your move without acquiring a mortgage. The mortgage being the most enslaving of all personal debt. If you need a mortgage go local with that as well.
I belong to a senior center with yoga, line dancing and other group activities weekly. It leads to other gatherings at VFW and Other dancing venues. This also helps to learn about neighboring towns and individuals living close by. I am very active in my church which is in the city so I get be part of both rural and urban communities.
I restocked after reading this the other day and now I'm back to comment. I moved to a new community Mar 17, 2024. I decided to get involved locally and it didn't go so well. I went to a council meeting and no one talked to me or acted like they wanted me there. I went to a farmer's market to buy food but there really weren't any local vendors, only crafters. I started going to my local coffee shop and striking up conversations with people. There are other things but you get the idea. I pretty much gave up. I settled back into my own little shell and stopped trying. Today, I have new hope for myself in blending into the local culture in my new neighborhood. I am re-committing myself to doing this. Thanks Stone!
To be honest, Susan, I have had similar experiences - and not being the most 'social' of people anyhow, it was (is) both challenging and a little depressing. The key seems to be finding those with whom we can 'vibe' - it is not easy, and (for me at least) it could be lonely at times while searching, but the time and effort can - and will - eventually pay off.
Thank you for this comment - greatly appreciate your thoughts, and you being here! :-)
I moved away from a mid size city to a farm near a small town. It’s like living in Mayberry in the 50’s. Quite wonderful.
While I was reading the writing here, it made me think of a conversation I had with my best friend about 15 minute cities. Her daughter moved to one, got rid of her car and the insurance and lives mostly in that area. What the area does not have is what small towns do have, town councils, a sheriff, a mayor, a county fair, Amish…I wonder what kind of citizens these 15 minute cities will create?
Here’s an article from an Australian paper - these cities are popping up all over the world:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-27/the-15-minute-city-conspiracy/102015446
"target my coin to local outlets"
Excellent, Stone. I have been 'localizing' for years, and I try to actually use CASH instead of plastic as often as practical. Local merchants appreciate it, as it saves them on transaction fees.
Also, cash works when Crowdstrike doesn't!!! 😉
All politics is local! KNOW who you are voting for….not just D or R!
I could NOT agree more! Thank you! <3
Love reading this. Even in bigger cities one can live local. Just getting involved in one community activity is enough to get started.
✊
I love this. I travel a lot as a pet-sitter and freelance writer right now. But when I settle again, finding local communities in my area will be my priority. I don’t believe we can thrive without it. I think finding community is a pathway to finding yourself.
So true Stone. Gym, boxing, shooting ranges for me and I’m looking to expand more. Thanks for writing this.
Good article, yes we should move to a more local existence. From community to our food. Ag is one of the most concentrated parts of our economy, 4 - 6 big companies control the commodity end and 4-6 the retail end.
Seek out farmers markets, buy your meat from a local farmer. You may not save much but the food will be better and you are driving the local economy helping out a farm family that has children just like you to support.
National government/politics was never meant to be in our day to day lives
I’m with you Stoner. Hah
Open House at Police & Fire Station ✔️
Farmers market ✔️
Wine festival ✔️
Greek festival for the wife ✔️
Local mom n pops ✔️
Meet precinct election chair ✔️ neighbor
Attend garage band session ✔️ neighbor
Welcome new neighbors to the street✔️ rarely
So much more I could do, so little time ✖️gotta fix that
Great idea 👍
These are awesome examples, Jeffrey - you've actually given me some ideas LOL Thanks, man - great list!
Awesome summary Stone—and powerful mission. 💪🏻💪🏻
I believe so much in this as you know. Our local community radio station (24/7) and newspaper (weekly) are strong allies and I’m so proud and fulfilled to be involved in both in a meaningful way. It’s so rewarding.
I was hoping you'd like this one - truthfully, you crossed my mind, when writing the segment about local radio and newspapers LOL For the sake of brevity I had to cut out the a lot of the original piece, but I may rework certain aspects and include them in future WISs ;-)
Thanks so much, brother appreciate ya! *salute
🫡 look forward to more—I have more to share on the same subject as well. Can you say collaboration? 😉