Happy Thanksgiving From My Home to Yours

This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.

Every year when I sit down to compose a message of Thanksgiving, I quietly reflect upon my own feelings as I look back over the first eleven months of the year.  Some years are better than others and this year, in spite of many changes, is one of the better years.

As we approach year end, I find myself in an upbeat mood as I look forward to even more changes.  Plus, as utterly exhausted as I get at times, I feel less worried and infinitely more prepared.  That is the beauty of prepping and living a prepper-centric lifestyle: with each passing year, you are steps closer to meeting your goals and feeling secure in your knowledge that you can take care of yourself and your family during dire circumstances.

We Are Strong, We Are Mighty and We Are Prepared

At this risk of being redundant, here are my observations, many which I have shared before.

1.  Preppers are embracing a “less is more attitude”. They are purchasing only what they need, after assessing their risks and making wise purchases that meet those needs. Food, water, heat, and off-grid cooking sources are popular, as they should be.

2.  Skills continue to trump stuff.  “Do it yourself” has become the preppers mantra as self-reliance bubbles to the top of the prepper wish list. Along with the DIY mentality is an interest in teaching others how to adopt the same mindset, even if it is in a small way.

3.  Preparedness  is being viewed by the mainstream as good common sense and not fodder to entertain and ridicule. Extreme prepping is not the same as practical prepping.

4.  Preppers are young, old, and everything in-between.  They span generations as children and teens adopt a prepper mindset from the parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It is once again cool to be a scout whose motto has always been BE PREPARED.

5.  Survival and preparedness websites that push fluffy, meaningless and erroneous drivel are falling by the wayside.  Readers are seeking solid information and not just a bullet list without substance. Many high-quality legacy sites, as well as new sites, are stepping up to meet this knowledge-based challenge

These are just a handful of the trends that I am seeing and it warms my heart to know that the readers of Backdoor Survival have contributed to these trends by walking the walk, and living the lifestyle, even if they do so in just a small way.

A Hearthfelt Thank You!

I have so much to be grateful for.  This past year the website has continued to grow exponentially again proven that there is a place for a kinder, gentler, survival website.  In support of my readers, I have done the best to give back by hosting numerous giveaways including exclusive giveaways for subscribers that have entrusted me with their email address.

I say this often:  Backdoor Survival readers and fans on the best on the planet.  I wish I could pinpoint what it is that I do that continues to attract such a wonderful base of good people but whatever that it, I  hope I can keep doing it.

Today I thank you for letting me be part of your life and allowing me to be myself.  I am honored that you have allowed me to share your journey toward self-reliance.

What Is Coming Next at Backdoor Survival

At the risk of losing some of you, I readily admit that I am no longer as young and energetic as I would like..  Quite the contrary. Last week I turned 67 years old which qualifies me to be everyone’s “Auntie Gaye”.  And as I do at this time each year, I remind myself how precious life is and that life is not to be wasted.  Believe me, that is a whole lot easier to say than to do.

At this time last year, my goal was to cut back on the number of weekly blog posts and whether or not you noticed, I did just that.  Still, that is not enough.  Today is not the day for my “I am tired” speech, but I am extremely tired and hope to take a break very soon.  We all need to periodically  recharge our internal batteries from time to time, right?

Going forward, in addition to my own work,  I will continue to occasionally post articles by credible authors who bring an insight beyond my own. In addition, I will update older content with new material, and bring those articles forward so they are not lost in the archives. And of course, as I mentioned above, I plan to continue to offer giveaways so you have an opportunity to acquire prepping books and gear for free.

Finally. for the longest time I have wanted to resurrect the Strategic-Living website so I can post more casually about essential oils, healthy living, and hobbies that will see you through when the grid is down.  If you would like to get a heads up when it launches, you can sign up now using this link:  Strategic Living.

~~~~~

The Final Word

This annual message of Thanksgiving is so much more than a casual nod to the American holiday.  It is a nod to the entire Backdoor Survival family: readers, Facebook fans, sponsors, and the many advertisers who generously support my effort.

You are my family and you are appreciated.

As you gather around your Thanksgiving table this year, I hope you will reflect upon the good that is happening in your life right now.  Give thanks and be grateful for all that you have and do not fret about what you have not. Keep in mind that although we are mere footsteps in the sands of time, our contribution to society matters.

With a full heart, please know that my wish is for you to continue to thrive, be well, and be safe.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye

 Looking for the perfect gift for yourself or for someone else?  Check out The Prepper’s Awesome Holiday Gift Guide.

~~~~~