When I meet new folks, they typically ask what I do for a living. I mention
SurvivalBlog and then the topic of survivalism inevitably comes up. A few ask: "How
can you sleep at night, worrying about all of that?" My reply
is: " I sleep very well, know ing that I have done my best to ensure the
nourishment, health, and safety of my family. I would only lose sleep if I
went to bed knowing that I was under-prepared." I am tempted ask them
in turn (but being diplomatic in polite society, I generally refrain): "How
can you sleep well at night, with at most a week or two food in your
pantry, minimal first aid supplies, no stored fuel or backup method to heat
your home, no communications gear, no alternative lighting method beyond candles
to last a day or two, no method to transport or treat water from a nearby pond,
and no means to defend your life and property?"
Being animis opibusque parati (prepared in mind and resources) is
not a source of anxiety. Rather, effective preparedness relieves anxiety.
Just don't make the mistake of dwelling constantly on every potential cataclysm.
That is a trap that will indeed cause you to lose sleep. Here is my outlook/approach
in a nutshell: Trust in God. Prepare the best that your resources allow. Carry
on
with your
normal
day-to-day life. You'll sleep well.