I received my ‘do not record, share, duplicate, blah, blah, blah … soon-to-be-released first episode of the new Doomsday Preppers series – Premiering February 7th at 9pm ET on National Geographic Channel.
As I ripped open the taped brown box, I could hardly wait to see if we … humpf, … I say ‘we’ as if I’m referring to some special members-only club or something, … I mean … the Doomsday Preppers will be shown in that weird ‘the sky-is-falling’ ‘tin-foil hat’ sort of way.
I plunked in the DVD and hunkered down on my comfy overstuffed sofa, pen and paper in hand, ready to watch and write away.
At the conclusion of the show, I sat there for a moment thinking about everything I had just seen. And my first thought??? ‘Ewwwww that’s not me, those people ARE weird!’ ‘I don’t live in a shipping container, I don’t eat grass, and I definitely won’t be found out partying (okay drinking) at a night-club with by bug-out-bag at my feet!
And what’s with the ‘man ponytail thing?’ all the guys seem to have, I don’t remember that being a criteria for prepping? I personally prefer a well groomed man … but then I digress.
Okay. Breeee-ath. That was me ‘reacting’ to what I had just seen.
Now let me ‘respond’.
Every one of these Doomsday Preppers has the same objective or goal as other preparedness-minded people, including me. And that is, to survive whatever may come their way and to live to tell about it. To do this there must be a plan and preparation. And, that plan has got to be well thought out, flexible and subject to change at any time; sometimes multiple times (that’s where mental preparedness comes in by the way – being able to adapt to whatever hand you are dealt and responding accordingly.)
Thinking back, each Doomsday Prepper had the basics needs – food, water, shelter; with the added fire (a way for warmth) and first-aid.
Granted, some had more than others and some had ‘a lot’ more than others (just sayin …)
With their basic needs came a way to protect themselves – you know, self defense, albeit physical and mental, a knife, gun or whatever. Again, some were a little more ‘protected’ than others.
I compared each Doomsday Prepper’s preparedness to mine.
First food.
I have food. I dehydrate, can, freeze and have long-term food storage items. I have a garden, a seed bank and if need be, the means and ability to hunt.
Next water.
I have a water well, with backup rain-water-barrels and a cistern should my well pump fail.
Then shelter.
I have a passive solar home; south facing windows, with an adjoining greenhouse. So no need for air-conditioning or central heat. I have solar lighting, a wood stove, good storage space and adequate self-protection.
So really, thinking about it, I may not be so different from these individuals after all – well … with the exception of … wearing make-up, painting my nails, having my hair done, whitening my teeth, wearing heels … okay, okay, I know …, digressing again.
Bottom line? Survival Preparedness is not a one-size-fits-all. Within our basic needs are individuals and individual plans.
The message from Doomsday Preppers is clear – the end of the world – ‘As We Know It’ – can happen, and at anytime from a myriad of different causes or events. For this reason we must have a flexible plan in order to survive what ever comes our way.
So, whadda ya think?
Am I so different from these Doomsday Preppers after all?
You tell me. Just sayin …
– Survivor Jane
For more info. visit – http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/doomsday-preppers/
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Survivor Jane is not intended to be expert, legal or even medical advise – just one girl sharing with others.