This Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading is: Sometimes ‘going with your gut’ is good.
What exactly does it mean to ‘go with your gut’?
Well, it’s like this, the almanac has said we should have our peas in the ground weeks ago. I’ve been anguished over this date on the calendar for quite some time. My ‘gut’ says: DON’T PLANT YET! While trying to shake the feeling of being a lazy-good-for-nothin’, I’ve just sprouted some for transplanting soon. When is soon? I hope by the posting of this entry – it already happened but I am going with my gut.
You see there is a time to rely on what you feel and a time to push through (that’s another Tuesday’s Tip, pushing through) what you feel.
Does the land feel ready for planting? Did you have a snow/freeze in April last year? These things play into your gut reaction to what to do around the homestead. The list of what should be done when may not always be accurate. It may often be timely but sometimes, you just *know* what needs doing even if it’s out of order, or not doing, because you just know the time isn’t right yet.
Don’t be afraid to ‘go with your gut’ on some things. What’s the worst that could happen? You’d learn something? Or you’d learn that in THAT situation – go ahead and push through (see the next week’s tip!)
Best Blessings and enJOY the journey!
Donna Miller
Popular Questions
When is going with your gut useful in homesteading, as Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading suggests?
Your instincts can be useful when you notice that an animal, plant, tool, or situation seems unusual. Pause and inspect the details instead of ignoring that concern or rushing ahead. Use your observation as a signal to investigate further, especially when safety, animal health, or food quality is involved.
How can Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading help you decide whether to trust your gut?
Start by identifying exactly what feels wrong and look for evidence that supports or challenges that feeling. Check the animal, crop, equipment, or surrounding conditions carefully, and consult a reliable homesteading resource when needed. Gut instinct should prompt a closer look, not replace practical knowledge or safe decision-making.
Should you go with your gut when something seems unsafe on a homestead?
Yes, treat an uneasy feeling as a reason to stop and assess the situation before continuing. Turn off equipment, keep people and animals away from hazards, and correct the problem or seek experienced help. In the spirit of Tuesday’s Tip to Homesteading, caution is preferable to taking an avoidable risk.
How does going with your gut fit everyday homesteading decisions?
Homesteading often involves noticing small changes before they become larger problems. If a plant looks different, an animal behaves unusually, or a task does not seem to be going as planned, investigate promptly and record what you find. Combining instinct with observation and follow-up action can lead to better decisions than ignoring warning signs.