When I started homesteading, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I learned how to make compost from chicken litter, grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and leaves. I learned about chickens, although I’d had chickens off and on my entire life. I also learned how to keep goats and a Great Pyrenees in a fence. (That was the most challenging task). I’ve gathered very valuable knowledge and gained wisdom over the last year and a half. But one thing that I have found most difficult is putting it into practice. I could hear my head screaming, “JUST DO IT ALREADY!” Every time I’d look through my seeds, mix my compost, read yet another article about germinating grape seeds, and look at the pile of scrap wood I wanted to use for raised garden beds.

When I got into no-till and organic gardening, I read as much as I could about it and watched endless videos on how to make compost, when to plant, how to plant, how to build a greenhouse, and many more valuable things. Recently, I’ve been educating myself on which plants like what types of soil. After weeks of studying, I finally said, “God, I’m doing it.”

I shoveled my wheelbarrow full of compost and planted carrots and peas. I laid carboard between the rows and topped it with hay. I weeded out all of the grass and tomato plants from the greenhouse and threw over the fence to the goats and chickens. I built a raised bed, filled it with compost, and planted winter greens from seeds. I’ve been on top of gathering the bunny pellets and adding them to the compost. Leafy greens thrive in nitrogen rich soil, so I’m ensuring that I have the correct soil for the months to come to keep my plants healthy.

So, I guess you could say, I’ve been putting off a successful garden that will thrive because I have the knowledge and resources to ensure that it happens. I’ve been putting off blessings from God. I’ve been putting off the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the food I’m growing is organic and will bring nutrition to my family. Why? Fear of failure. It’s as simple as that. I don’t even have to think about it. I’ve failed at so many projects. I feel that the fear keeps me from trying at times. I’ve been going to my garden to pray and trusting God with it. I bought tens of thousands of seeds yesterday for pocket change because they were on clearance. I’m going all in. Fearlessly this time.

You HAVE to take the first step. You can read, plan, gather knowledge, and buy the supplies. But you will NEVER see your reward unless you DO IT! Do the thing and do it with everything that you have!