Maslov Hierarchy of Needs: Esteem and Homesteading

Esteem is the last tier Ill cover of Maslov's Hierarchy of Needs pyramid. Self Actualization is normally a personal state of being and is open to interpretation.

Esteem is about how you feel about your homestead  accomplishments. Is there any homesteader who actually feels that they have achieved it all and there is no room for improvement? It seems there is always another project to accomplish, and once that is finished, another and another. Most of us just settle. We are satisfied with the steps we've taken and just live out our lives, don't we? We are better than Joe Schmoe trapped in his urban life. We've taken steps to "simplify" our lives. We've taken responsibility for our carbon footprint, we know how and where our food comes from. We know how our meat and vegetables was grown. We've gave it a more humane life and death away from commercial production lots.<Insert the reason you began homesteading in the first place.> We've made huge strides or little steps to accomplishing goals. But everyone wants a pat on the back. It's that warm fuzzy, feeling of of someone else recognizing what we've done, the sacrifices we've made, etc to get where we are. Doesn't that in itself, wrap up why we do all that we do?

Not quite. Seeing our children grow up with better values and goals. I know  is, that in part, why I dedicated myself to a more sustainable  and self-sufficient lifestyle. It wasn't necessarily cheaper although this was part of it. And, all of the above too. It was the responsible thing to do. Now, I look back at how my children and grandchildren have grow and it's with a sense of pride that I know that if they had to supply their own needs they can, and if they needed to they are well prepared whether I'm there to hold their hands or not, they'll not forget how to take care of themselves, they can. Now, that's saying something. And, throw me and what I taught them, there is hope for tomorrow. There is a living family heritage, and family tradition that won't be lost as long as they live and breathe. It continues.  They will be creative, free thinkers, value the choices they make. My descendants will be leaders instead of sheep. Can there be a better legacy to pass on? This is my self-esteem points.

Y'all have a blessed day!

Cockeyed Jo