Simply Prepping: The Necessities of Life

We often think about necessities in terms of what we can touch and hold—things like food, water, shelter, and the supplies we might stockpile for the future. 

While those are certainly important, what if I told you that the real necessities extend beyond the material? And that the key to living a truly fulfilling life—one that blends the best of prepping and simple living—is to recognize that your mental and emotional needs matter just as much, if not more?

Listen in and learn more about the necessities that go beyond the material things in life. If may just help you to live a life that is deeper, richer, and more fulfilled.

Transcript

Welcome back to the Porch. I hope you’ve been enjoying this month’s Simply Prepping series, and have found it helpful, or at the very least, offered you some food for thought.  I’ve been doing a bit of thinking on what the last episode should cover and finally decided it should be about the necessities in life. You know, those things that we absolutely need to thrive, to survive, and to feel at peace. 

But here’s the thing: we often think about necessities in terms of what we can touch and hold—things like food, water, shelter, and the supplies we might stockpile for the future. While those are certainly important, what if I told you that the real necessities extend beyond the material? And that the key to living a truly fulfilling life—one that blends the best of prepping and simple living—is to recognize that your mental and emotional needs matter just as much, if not more?

You see, when we talk about prepping, we often focus on things—things we can collect, store, or prepare for. But the real beauty of blending prepping with a simple life is that it’s about more than just being prepared for emergencies. It’s about making sure we’re emotionally and mentally ready for whatever life throws our way, too. And it’s about taking time to slow down and actually live the life we’re preparing for.

If you’ve made the decision to move to or spend more time in the town of Simply Prepping, then let’s dive in and take a look at how the townsfolk approach the true necessities of life—those things that nurture us from the inside out.

First, let’s look at the material necessities, or rather, the basics we can’t ignore. These are things we need to survive, and prepping for these is part of any thoughtful, simple life. We need food, water, and shelter. These are the physical necessities that we can’t do without, and they serve as the foundation of a life that’s secure, stable, and sustainable.

But let’s pause for a second and think about these necessities in a way that goes beyond just “stocking up.” The goal isn’t to hoard more than we need, but to ensure we have what’s essential, with a focus on sustainability. Growing our own food, raising animals for meat or eggs, canning seasonal produce—these are all ways to meet our material needs while keeping it simple and in tune with the rhythms of nature.

It’s also about being mindful with the resources we use. Whether you’re fixing a leaky faucet yourself, mending clothes instead of buying new, or relying on a well-stocked pantry for meals, there’s a sense of self-sufficiency that comes with living simply. It’s not about having more; it’s about having enough—and being prepared to do more with what you have.

But here’s the key takeaway: prepping in a way that’s rooted in simplicity means we’re not just thinking about having stuff. We’re thinking about how to make sure we use those things wisely, with intention and purpose.

Moving beyond the material, let’s talk about mental necessities. Now, prepping isn’t just about having the right physical supplies—it’s also about preparing your mind for whatever may come your way. Life is unpredictable, and if we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that we never truly know what challenges are coming around the corner. That’s why having a clear, resilient mindset is just as important as having the right tools.

Mental preparation means learning to be adaptable and flexible. It means being okay with uncertainty and not letting fear or anxiety take over. A big part of living a simple life is about slowing down, focusing on what’s in front of us, and trusting that we can handle whatever comes our way. It’s not about fearing the worst—it’s about preparing ourselves mentally to face the unknown with confidence, courage, and clarity.

So how can you start cultivating that mental strength? Simple living provides a great foundation. When we simplify our lives, we reduce the distractions and noise that often cloud our judgment. We create space for mindfulness, for quiet reflection, and for the clarity to make better decisions. It’s about training our minds to stay focused on what really matters—not the chaos around us, but our values, our relationships, and our ability to navigate whatever challenges arise.

Mental necessities also include the ability to learn and adapt. In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s essential to stay curious, to continue learning, and to build new skills that can help us face whatever’s ahead. Whether that’s learning how to grow your own food, how to fix a broken appliance, or how to stay calm during a crisis, mental preparedness is about being willing to face challenges head-on, without becoming overwhelmed by them.

Now let’s talk about the emotional necessities—the often-overlooked but equally vital part of our lives. Our emotional well-being is the foundation of everything we do. If we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected from the people around us, it doesn’t matter how many cans of beans we’ve stockpiled. We need to focus on what nourishes us emotionally, just as much as we focus on what nourishes us physically.

When you live simply and prep wisely, you’re also setting yourself up for deeper emotional fulfillment. Simple living creates space for joy in the little things—the laughter of children, the beauty of a sunset, the quiet moments spent with loved ones. Prepping doesn’t have to be driven by fear; it can be about building a future where we feel safe, secure, and supported, emotionally and practically.

And community? That’s a huge emotional necessity. None of us can do this alone. Whether it’s your family, your neighbors, or like-minded folks who share your simple life and prepping mindset, building and nurturing relationships is key. Emotional resilience often comes from knowing that you’re not alone in this journey. You have people you can count on, and they have you, too. It’s about creating a support network, where you can share resources, skills, and emotional support when times get tough.

In a world that’s becoming increasingly disconnected, these relationships are more precious than ever. And when we focus on cultivating them—by being present, by offering help, and by giving as much as we receive—we’re not just preparing for a crisis; we’re preparing for a life filled with meaning and connection.

Now, let’s talk about something a little more philosophical. You can be as prepared as you want—stockpiling supplies, building skills, and setting aside money—but if you don’t take time to slow down and enjoy the life you’re building, then what’s the point? One of the most important necessities in life—one that often gets overlooked—is simply living the life you’re preparing for.

I know that sounds a bit strange. After all, you’re prepping for the future, right? But the truth is, the simple life is about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving in the moment. It’s about appreciating what you have today, right now. It’s about savoring the quiet mornings, the meals shared with family, and the simple pleasures that make life truly rich.

When we slow down, we don’t just prepare for the future—we get to live the life we’ve worked so hard to create. We get to experience the joy in the process of building a life that’s both prepared and fulfilled. This is where the intersection of prepping and simple living really shines. It’s about balancing the act of preparing for tomorrow with the wisdom of embracing today.

And let’s be real: if you spend all your time preparing for the “what ifs” and never take the time to truly live, you might find that you’ve missed the beauty of the present moment. We’ve got to remember to pause, to breathe, and to enjoy the life we’re creating. That’s the kind of preparation that truly nourishes the soul.

When you combine the material, mental, and emotional necessities with the simple act of slowing down and living in the moment, you’re not just preparing for the future—you’re creating a life that’s rich with meaning, depth, and joy. And that, my friends, is the true essence of living in a town called Simply Prepping.

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Thanks again for stopping in. I will see you next week on Living a Simple Life with a Back Porch View. And while you are waiting for the next episode, grab that glass of refreshment, pull up a rocker, and sit back for a while. It’s time to relax and enjoy.