Certain aspects of my life are simpler because I choose to stay at home part-time and raise our daughter, grow and preserve food, and consume fewer new items. The ease that comes with homesteading is more of a mental sigh, a deep breath of gratitude for allowing yourself to be connected to nature, and pride for the beauty and abundance that you’ve created in reciprocity with nature.

It’s easier than ever to buy things. You think of something you “need” and without thinking too much about it, delivery is set for tomorrow. This way of shopping is especially convenient with a baby. I can order groceries, household goods, and whatever else I can dream of without packing everything up, making sure the baby is cleaned up and fed, and loading us all in the car to go somewhere. Night shopping became a dangerous hobby of mine during the newborn daze of 3 am feedings.