Someone said I should just own being selfish, so here it is.
If growing high-quality, homegrown food for my family and making sure we are always taken care of makes me “selfish,” then I’ll wear that title like a badge of honor.
I want each of you to know these comments do not bother me. However, I do believe in using comments as teachable moments and as a way to let you get to know me a little better.
COVID was my “never again.”
At the time, I had a one-and-a-half-year-old, and it was terrifying watching grocery store shelves empty while wondering if I’d be able to find food to feed my child. That year, I bought my first canning book, and this journey began. I committed myself to learning and teaching the skills that would help ensure my family never felt that kind of uncertainty again.
COVID taught me that I cannot control the food supply chain, outbreaks, or empty shelves—but I can control what I grow, preserve, and provide.
You see, I actually think this pantry represents the opposite of greed. I think it represents thousands of hours of love and hard work. Every seed planted, every weed pulled, every vegetable harvested, and every jar I fill is me saying, “Never again.”
It’s me caring.
It’s me preparing.
It’s me sacrificing time today so my family has security tomorrow.
It’s me being dedicated.
It’s me being a good mother.
And to me, that isn’t selfish.
It’s selfless.
I make this post every year to remind you that if you’ve ever been called selfish, greedy, or a hoarder because you choose to grow your own food, preserve your harvest, or prepare for the future—you are not.
You are building resilience. You are learning skills that generations before us considered normal. You are investing your time, energy, and resources into the people you love most. There is nothing wrong with wanting your children to have food on the table no matter what tomorrow brings.
Preparing for your family is not taking from someone else. Growing your own food does not deprive another family. The tomatoes in my garden, the vegetables in my pantry, and the meals on my shelf exist because of countless early mornings, late nights, sore muscles, and months of work. That harvest wasn’t found—it was earned.
So if protecting my family, feeding them well, and making sure they’re cared for no matter what life throws our way is considered selfish…
Then I’ll gladly be selfish.
