Preparation defined

So, what exactly is preparation (prepping) and what are preps?

Let me begin by telling you what preparation is NOT.

Preparation is not survivalism.  They share some elements, but survivalism is more about an individual attepting to become completely self sufficient and going off to live in a fortified mountain retreat.  Preppers are about building a strong support system for their friends/family/neighbors.

Preparation is not hoarding.  Yes, stockpiling goods is a part of it, but not all of it.  Prepping is actually the antithesis of hoarding, as a prepper will actually be able to increase the supply of necessities in a time of emergency rather than taking their share, let alone more than their share.

The most important ingredient in prepping is mental.  Not more stuff that can simply be purchased.

Prepping is gathering knowledge and storing it where it can never be stolen.  In your brain.  This is also called learning.  So if you're broke, don't sweat it too much, you can still get a leg up on the vast majority of the population.

Prepping is something down to earth.  It's about realizing that your parents, grandparents and great grandparents had some really fun, cool, and necessary tricks up their sleeves.

Prepping is about getting humble and realizing instead of looking at old timers and their ways and thinking "how quaint" or "how old fashioned"  realizing that there is wisdom to be learned from the old ways. 

Preppers don't believe you can achieve 100% self sufficiency.  But we certainly do want to move in that direction, and away from the nearly total dependency on our modern, complex, and therefore fragile systems.

Preparation is getting ready.  In the context of this blog it means getting ready for a world with less than today.  It means inoculating yourself from the vagaries of the crazy world we live in. 

Prepping is about getting back to what really matters in life; getting back the basics of life - not the distracting, meaningless fluff like who won the Super Bowl or who won American Idol. 

Prepping is about improving your situation and making the most out of whatever your circumstances may be.  I know the American way of life is non-negotiable, but you cannot negotiate with reality.  It is what it is.  If you care about yourself, your friends and your family you must begin taking steps, small and large, right now, to prepare for the future that is staring us in the face.

What is staring us in the face?  A world of dwindling resources, dwindling jobs, and dwindling prospects for a brighter future.  It's going to be a bleak, depressing future.  If you can get your head wrapped around that now, you'll be way ahead of the game.

You know who I think is going to be ok?  Homeless people.  Bums.  People who are already used to surviving with very little in the way of worldly possessions.  People who aren't afraid to dumpster dive, and who are forced to adapt in adverse situations regularly.  People who have already lost their pride.

You know who I think is gonna be in trouble?  People who sit in their climate controlled living rooms, watching their big screen tv's believing that it's just a matter of time until everything is ok again. 

The time is now to break away from this paradigm of modern living while you can make it a voluntary decision. 

And one last comment... if anyone you know has shared with you that they are prepping, this means they have an inherent trust in you.  Preppers know that it's better to keep quiet about it.  So please, do not make the joke of "well I know where I'm going if something bad happens."  Preppers hate that!  We are sharing with you in hopes that you will mimic our actions, not make trite and ignorant jokes.