What Is Being Self-Reliant?
I have asked a few of my friends recently this very question and have gotten some interesting answers. They all were close to what I expected but none got it exactly like I wanted. In my mind to be totally self-reliant you need balance in the following areas:
- Spiritual
- Temporal
- Family
Spiritual Balance
We could go on for days and weeks talking about religion. This is not the place for that. For our discussion here, Spiritual Balance comes in the form of being comfortable with you place in the world. Why are you here? Where did you come from? Where are you going?
Are you comfortable with a set of morals and ethics that keep you in balance with society? You must live in the world and therefore must be comfortable with the people you live and interact with. This can only come through a spiritual balance.
You don’t have to be religious to find a spiritual balance, but it helps.
Temporal Balance
To find a Temporal Balance you must have your basic physical needs taken care of. Shelter, Supplies and Safety are the 3 key essentials to your temporal well being. Everyone’s temporal needs are different, but we all have them. Some focus too much on this aspect of well being to the neglect of other important life factors. For instance, don’t work so hard to provide for your family that they suffer for lack of attention.
We all need a place to call home. We all need water and food to eat and we all need clothing and protection from the elements. The quality of each of these aspects of temporal well being are not as important as the fact that you have them. We are not talking about the need for “stuff”. We are urging you to find a balance that is comfortable for you and your family.
Family Balance
Your family needs you. No matter your place in your family, you are a critical portion of your family unit. Man was not meant to be alone. We are a social entity and need each other to survive.
Children learn best from their parents. Children also need support from their parents and each other. Husband and wife teach and support each other. A family unit that works together toward a common goal is an efficient group that can survive almost anything.
Extended family can play a very positive part of your balance. I often say that you never stop being a parent even if the kids are grown and living in a different home.
Find you balance within your family unit. Sometimes, this means finding the time to simply be there to listen.
Conclusion
Self-reliance is finding your balance in these 3 areas. For when you are in Spiritual Balance you feel good with your place in society. If you are in Temporal Balance your physical needs are met. If you have Family Balance you will have the love and fellowship you need to survive almost any emergency or disaster.