Finding Your Path to Homesteading: Lessons from Ryan Mitchell's Journey

Farming on Purpose

“This is what I describe simple living as, it’s figuring out what you want to focus on and doing more of that while figuring out what you want to focus less on or there’s a distraction and eliminating those things.”

Creating a life that aligns with your values is important. That's why I was thrilled to chat with Ryan Mitchell on the Farming on Purpose podcast. Ryan's journey from city living to homesteading offers valuable insights for anyone dreaming of a simpler, more fulfilling life on the land.

The Wake-Up Call

Ryan's story began in 2009 when he lost his job during the Great Recession. This setback made him question the traditional path of success he'd been taught to follow. Instead of getting discouraged, Ryan saw an opportunity to reshape his life around what truly mattered to him.

The Tiny House Solution

To reduce his living costs and gain more freedom, Ryan decided to build a tiny house. This bold move allowed him to:

1. Cut his housing expenses in half

2. Focus on his own projects and travel

3. Save money for his ultimate goal: owning land for a homestead

The Long Game: Saving for Land

Ryan's journey to land ownership wasn't quick or easy. It took years of careful planning and saving. Here are some key strategies he used:

• Living below his means in the tiny house

• Using solar power to eliminate electricity bills

• Growing his own food to reduce grocery costs

• Starting a website (thetinylife.com) to share his journey and create additional income

Finding the Right Property

After 15 months of active searching, Ryan finally found his perfect piece of land. His advice for other aspiring homesteaders:

1. Get crystal clear on your needs and wants for the property

2. Be realistic about how much land you actually need

3. Network and spread the word about your search – you never know where the right lead might come from

4. Do your due diligence – in Ryan's case, a survey revealed an opportunity to negotiate a significant price reduction

I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find the right piece of land to start or expand your operation. That's why I'm excited to share a valuable resource I've helped create with thetinylife.com. We've put together a comprehensive guide full of innovative ideas for finding land, no matter where you are in your farming journey. Whether you're just starting out, looking to expand, or hoping to carve out your own space on an existing family farm, this guide has something for you. You'll discover new avenues to explore and strategies you might not have considered before. As a bonus, thetinylife.com offers a wealth of information on minimalism, gardening, and property planning – all great tools for any farmer. To access this land-finding guide, just visit thetinylife.com/fop.

Overcoming Societal Pressure

One of the biggest challenges Ryan faced was resisting the urge to conform to society's definition of success. He encourages others to:

• Take a step back and objectively evaluate your current life

• Write out what your perfect day looks like, from morning to night

• Focus your time, money, and energy on activities that bring you closer to your goals

• Eliminate distractions and things that don't align with your vision

Practical Tips for Getting Started

If you're feeling inspired to start your own homesteading journey, Ryan recommends:

1. Get your finances in order – pay off debt and build savings

2. Start small – you don't need a huge property to begin homesteading

3. Learn new skills gradually – whether it's gardening, animal care, or building

4. Connect with like-minded people for support and advice

The Rewards of Perseverance

While Ryan's path wasn't always easy, the rewards have been immense:

• Freedom from financial stress

• More control over his time and daily life

• The ability to travel and pursue passion projects

• A deep sense of accomplishment in building the life he truly wants

I find Ryan's story incredibly inspiring. It reminds me that with patience, hard work, and a clear vision, we can create a life that nurtures both our families and our entrepreneurial spirits.

To connect with Ryan, check out his website or his YouTube.

More from Farming on Purpose

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Other Episodes You May Enjoy!

#16 Building a Homestead with Terra Larsen of Everest Acres

#59 Start Homesteading in Your Kitchen with Meghan Gates

#65 The Power of Small Farms and Slow Growth with Lane’s End Farm Creamery

About the Host of Farming On Purpose, Lexi Wright:

I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the future of production agriculture.

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