#93 - Finding Your Path to Homesteading: Lessons from Ryan Mitchell's Journey
“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:
Cut his housing expenses in half
Focus on his own projects and travel
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:
Get crystal clear on your needs and wants for the property
Be realistic about how much land you actually need
Network and spread the word about your search – you never know where the right lead might come from
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:
Get your finances in order – pay off debt and build savings
Start small – you don't need a huge property to begin homesteading
Learn new skills gradually – whether it's gardening, animal care, or building
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
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
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.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
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