So you’re sick of society and people fighting and having angry and confronting takes on every little thing imaginable? I hear you.
There’s almost no one I know who hasn’t thought about going off-grid at one time or another.
But the simple truth is that going off-grid isn’t for everyone. You need to have an almost bulletproof plan on how you’ll execute it.
Living in a van full-time or in a cabin out in the woods isn’t as simple as it sounds. Well, at least not for most people.
So, in this article, we’ll see what signs show you’re emotionally and mentally ready for an off-grid adventure.
1) You respect wildlife
There are many types of off-grid living. But it’s safe to say the off-grid life we mostly imagine is deep in nature.
That’s why being off-grid often means you’ll be surrounded by wildlife. This is especially true if your version of going off-grid is going deep into the woods or far away from other people.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but you need to be 100% sure you’re okay with that. When the creepy crawlies, snakes, coyotes, and so on come a-knocking, will you jump out of your skin?
That’s a good question you need to ask yourself. You need to approach wildlife with respect and caution. But also, not be afraid of confronting it when you need to.
It all comes down to this:
2) You have mental resilience
Is your mental resilience your superpower? What will you do in situations like the ones from above or when your solar panels stop working because of malfunction?
What about when your home floods or you don’t have as much food as you’d like or need?
Being mentally tough in these types of situations should be your number one strength. But you also need to be incredibly patient.
You need to understand that life off-grid is generally slower-paced, and you need to savor the process, finding joy in the gradual unfolding of experiences.
3) You’re adaptable
Does your adaptability go beyond just handling surprises? Do you have the ability to embrace change with open arms?
Whether it’s adapting to different environments or new challenges, you thrive in dynamic situations and see them as opportunities for growth.
This is one of the main signs you’re ready to go off-grid. As is this:
4) You’re already self-reliant
Self-reliance is at the core of your being. You’ve honed your survival skills and have the confidence to tackle any obstacle, knowing that you carry the tools and knowledge to overcome them.
This self-confidence extends to every aspect of your life, both on and off the grid.
Yes, tools are important, but what’s more important is the knowledge to make tools. When you’re off-grid, you can’t just pop into a hardware store and buy a new tool.
Well, at least not if you’re somewhere far away from civilization. There’s also the issue of not having enough money, which is a trap many off-gridders fall into sooner or later.
To be self-reliant, you need to learn survival skills. So, let’s expand on that more.
5) You learned survival skills
Most city dwellers don’t have survival skills. Farmers and people who live in villages are far better equipped to survive off-grid.
They’re basically one step away from being off-grid, aren’t they?
Nevertheless, another sign you’re ready to go off-grid is if your survival skills aren’t just theoretical knowledge. You’ve practiced them. A lot!
You can build a shelter that provides comfort and protection, create a fire that warms your soul, and identify edible plants and safe water sources with confidence.
Not to mention, you know how to hunt and trap if you need to. Like in Winter when, depending on your location, there’s nothing growing.
Needless to say, it’s much easier going off-grid in a climate that’s warm almost the whole year.
6) You have an adventurous spirit
I think this is also an important ingredient, isn’t it? You simply need to be adventurous.
You must have an adventurous spirit that thrives on the unknown.
If you’re excited by the prospect of exploring uncharted territory, taking risks, and embracing the challenges that come with it, it’s a good sign.
Still, it’s a slow-paced living that, although adventurous at first, is very mundane in the long run.
7) You love nature
If you don’t like nature and all it entails, then the off-grid adventure is definitely not for you.
Nature isn’t forgiving. Unless you’ll be living in your local park, you’ll constantly have to worry about many things.
From climate and weather, access to clean water, generating and storing energy, growing food, loneliness, medical care, and financial sustainability, an off-gridder has to wear many hats.
That’s why it’s easier if at least your connection with nature runs deep and you find wonder in the intricate details of the natural world, from the delicate petals of a wildflower to the majesty of towering trees.
Nature isn’t just a backdrop for your adventure. It must be a source of inspiration and spiritual connection.
Which brings us to another important sign that you’re ready:
8) You have a minimalist mindset
Your minimalist mindset isn’t just about having fewer possessions. It’s about cherishing the freedom that comes with simplicity.
You’re content with only the basics, finding beauty in the absence of excess and the clarity that simplicity brings to your life.
Not being surrounded by things and other people is a dream come true for you. When you finally go off-grid, you feel like you’ll be free for the first time in your life.
And that’s also because:
9) You crave solitude
You long for solitude. It’s as much rooted in a desire to escape from others as it is in having a genuine appreciation for the stillness of nature.
You love being alone with your thoughts because it’s enriching and restorative, allowing for self-reflection and personal growth.
You’re also not tied to technology and social media. Instead, you relish the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world, recognizing that this detachment results in a deeper connection with nature and yourself.
And lastly, silence isn’t uncomfortable for you. On the contrary, it’s a source of peace and clarity.
You can sit in quiet contemplation for hours, absorbing the natural sounds of the wilderness and finding serenity in the absence of noise pollution.
10) You prepared financially
The whole point of going off-grid is to get away from society and not have to work for a living.
Can you survive without money while living off-grid? Sure, many people do. But for someone without much experience, having saved up cash could be a lifesaver.
That’s why an important sign you’re ready for an off-grid adventure is if you’ve saved up enough money to cover your expenses during the adventure, including any unexpected costs that may arise.
That way, financial worries won’t detract from your experience.
11) You love building community
Not everyone who goes off-grid completely closes the doors on other people. In fact, they embrace other like-minded folks.
Do you have what it takes to build connections and form bonds with fellow adventurers you meet along the way?
You need to be open and willing to share experiences to create a sense of camaraderie, enriching your off-grid adventure.
You can learn so much from others, not to mention having friends is great for your mental health, especially in challenging situations.
Are you ready to go off-grid?
These signs collectively suggest you’re well-prepared, both mentally and emotionally, to undertake an off-grid adventure.
It’s an exciting journey that promises self-discovery, connection with nature, and a break from the busyness of modern life.
Are you ready for it?
