Curious why I started The Off Grid Barefoot Girl blog? It’s more than a hobby—it’s my way of sharing lessons learned from years of financial scarcity and living homeless, while showing practical ways to prepare for the unexpected. From self-sufficiency tips to prepping ideas, my goal is to empower you to live more independently and confidently.
Who Is The Off Grid Barefoot Girl?
Hi there, I’m Mindy, The Off Grid Barefoot Girl. You might know me from my homesteading tips, survival guides, or the little glimpses I share of how I live my life. But before all that, there’s a story about why this blog even exists. For years, I experienced life at the bottom—homelessness, financial scarcity, and uncertainty about tomorrow. Those experiences shaped me in ways that go far beyond surviving; they taught me the value of preparation, self-sufficiency, and independence. I started this blog to share that journey and help others take steps toward a life where they feel safe, capable, and prepared for whatever comes next.
Before I found my footing, life was unpredictable in ways that most people can’t imagine. I was a young mother of two little boys, and there were nights when I didn’t know where we’d sleep or if we’d have enough to eat. The constant uncertainty was overwhelming, but it also forced me to become resourceful, determined, and fiercely protective of my family. I learned to stretch every dollar, find creative solutions, and cherish the small blessings—a safe corner for my boys to rest, a warm meal we could share, or the first hopeful beginnings that promised a better future.
Those experiences taught me the power of preparation and self-sufficiency, and now every decision I make, every skill I learn, and every tip I share here comes from a deep desire to help others feel the same sense of security and confidence that I fought so hard to achieve.
I share more of my homelessness survival journey if you are interested in my post, Homeless Survival Hacks to Overcome Adversity.
From Scarcity to Self-Sufficiency: My Personal Journey
For a long time, I didn’t know if my two little boys and I would have a safe place to sleep or enough food to get through the next day. The winter was the hardest—we faced freezing nights without a warm home, bundling in every layer we had, searching for shelters, or finding any dry corner to rest. We even slept on overflow on the dirty cafeteria floor of the homeless shelter. Living with that constant uncertainty was exhausting and stressful in ways most people can’t imagine. But it also lit a fire in me—a determination to take control of our lives, to learn skills that would make us independent, and to never feel powerless again.
Homesteading, prepping, and learning to live off the land became my way forward—a path to security, stability, and hope for a better future. The best thing, I had already had homesteading roots under my feet since I grew up in Rural Ohio in an old orchard valley.
I Learned to Plan and Prep
Those struggles shaped not only my resourcefulness but also my perspective on life. I learned to plan, improvise, and find strength I didn’t know I had, all while caring for my boys and keeping their spirits up. It showed me the importance of preparation, self-sufficiency, and resilience—lessons I now share through this blog. The Off Grid Barefoot Girl exists to help others take small steps toward independence, to feel capable, and to know that even in difficult times, you can create a life where you and your family are safe, prepared, and thriving.
Lessons from Hard Times
Hardship teaches you faster than anything else—and I learned it while trying to keep my two little boys safe and fed during those uncertain times. I learned to be resourceful, to stretch every dollar, and to plan for the unknown because there was no other choice. Every small decision mattered—finding a safe place to sleep, making sure my boys had a warm meal, or figuring out how to make what little we had last just a bit longer. These are the same lessons I now share on my blog. From growing your own food to storing supplies wisely, every step toward self-sufficiency is a small victory—and I want my readers to feel that same sense of security, pride, and empowerment that kept me going when times were hardest.
Those experiences also showed me how deeply preparation and independence can impact your life. It’s not just about having supplies or skills—it’s about confidence, resilience, and knowing that you can handle whatever comes your way. My goal with The Off Grid Barefoot Girl is to make self-sufficiency accessible and relatable, so anyone—whether you’re a busy parent, a city dweller, or just someone wanting to be more prepared—can take control of their life, protect their family, and find peace of mind in a world that often feels uncertain.
Why I Started This Blog
When I first started writing, it wasn’t about making money at all. It was about connection—about sharing my story, the struggles my family and I faced, the mistakes I made, and the small victories that kept us going. I wanted others to know that self-sufficiency isn’t about having a huge farm, a remote cabin, or perfect circumstances. Even in a tiny apartment, on a balcony, or with just a few pots on a windowsill, you can start taking steps toward independence and security. Every small effort counts, and every lesson learned matters. And hey, I started my garden in a small trailer park lot!
Over time, I realized that sharing my journey could help others feel less alone and more capable. People write to me with their own questions, fears, and triumphs, and it’s incredible to see how simple strategies and creative problem-solving can make such a big difference. That’s why this blog exists—not just as a place to record my life, but as a community where we can learn from each other, grow together, and take meaningful steps toward living a more prepared, self-sufficient life.
Sharing Practical Advice
Through this blog, I get to show you exactly how I prepare for life’s unexpected challenges, from canning fruit with my boys to figuring out solar solutions for our off-grid setup in the suburbs. Every project I share comes from real-life experience—sometimes messy, often challenging, but always rewarding. It’s a mix of lessons I’ve learned the hard way, practical tips that actually work, and little sparks of inspiration to show that self-sufficiency is achievable, no matter your situation.
I want readers to see that preparation isn’t intimidating or out of reach. It’s about taking one small step at a time, learning as you go, and finding joy in the process. Whether it’s planting a few herbs on your windowsill, organizing a food storage plan, or tackling a bigger homesteading project, every effort matters. My hope is that by sharing my journey, you’ll feel empowered to start your own path toward independence, security, and confidence in your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.
Connecting With Like-Minded People
One of the most rewarding parts of blogging has been the community that has grown around it. Readers often write to me with their own stories, struggles, and questions, and it’s incredible to see how our shared experiences inspire each other. Hearing how someone tried a tip I shared or adapted an idea to their own life reminds me that we’re all learning together. My blog has become more than just a place to share my journey—it’s a space where connection, support, and practical knowledge come together.
Through this community, I’ve seen firsthand how even small changes can make a big difference. When someone tells me they finally canned their first batch of fruit, started a small garden, or felt more prepared for an unexpected situation, it lights me up. It’s a reminder that self-sufficiency isn’t about doing it perfectly—it’s about taking steps, learning along the way, and lifting each other up. That sense of shared growth is exactly why I continue to pour my heart into this blog. I have always said this and even placed it under my logo on this blog: Becoming Self-Sufficient Is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself!
How My Blog Supports My Lifestyle
Over time, my blog has grown into so much more than a personal journal. While helping others is still the heart of what I do, it has also given me the ability to invest in the tools, supplies, and time needed for projects that expand our self-sufficient lifestyle. Whether it’s experimenting with new gardening methods, building a solar setup, or testing sustainable solutions, the blog allows me to keep learning and sharing in a way that’s authentic and real. Every tip, every project, and every recommendation comes straight from my own experience—it’s not theory, it’s what actually works for my family and me.
At the same time, I’ve worked hard to create content that’s not only helpful but engaging and inspiring for my readers. As the blog grew, I began earning substantial income through ad networks and collaborations with brand partners. This income has allowed me to secure a stable future for my family, continue sharing valuable information, and use my platform to serve God in the way a Proverbs 31 woman would—providing, teaching, and guiding others while caring for my household and community. It’s been an incredible blessing to see how sharing my journey can support both my family and others while living out my faith through work that matters.
Becoming Self-Sufficient: The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
At the end of the day, my blog is about so much more than gardening tips, prepping guides, or off-grid projects—it’s about empowerment. Becoming self-sufficient isn’t just practical; it’s deeply liberating. I want my readers (YOU) to experience the confidence that comes from relying on their own skills, knowledge, and foresight. Each small step—whether it’s planting a few seeds, learning to preserve food, or setting up a simple solar system—builds a sense of independence, peace of mind, and freedom that I know firsthand can transform your life.
For me, this journey is also tied to faith and purpose. Through sharing what I’ve learned, I aim to serve God as a Proverbs 31 woman—providing for my family, teaching others, and guiding those who want to take control of their lives. Each project, each lesson, and each tip I share is meant to inspire my readers to protect their families, build security, and live intentionally. Self-sufficiency becomes not just a lifestyle, but a way to honor God, care for those around you, and create a life of stability and blessing for yourself and your loved ones.
Why Preparation Matters
Unexpected circumstances—like job loss, financial struggles, natural disasters, or personal emergencies—can happen to anyone, and I’ve lived through enough of them to know how quickly life can change. Being prepared isn’t about living in fear; it’s about creating a foundation of security and resilience so you and your family can handle whatever comes your way. My goal is to show readers that preparation doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it can be practical, manageable, and even empowering.
Preparation, to me, is a form of love and stewardship. Every step you take—storing food, learning new skills, or organizing your home—builds confidence and peace of mind. Through this blog, I hope to help others take those steps, big or small, so they can feel capable, secure, and in control of their lives. It’s about creating a life where you can care for your family, serve your community, and live intentionally, knowing you’re ready for the unexpected.
Biblical Lessons in Preparation: Following Noah and Joseph’s Example
Prepping and self-sufficiency are deeply rooted in biblical principles. The Bible encourages foresight, wisdom, and preparation to protect ourselves and our families. Take Noah, for example—he faithfully prepared an ark for his family and the animals long before the flood came, saving countless lives through careful planning and obedience to God’s guidance. Joseph also set an example in Genesis 41, storing up grain during seven years of plenty to prepare for the seven years of famine that followed, ensuring the survival of Egypt and his family.
Proverbs reminds us, “The wise see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3). By storing food, learning practical skills, and preparing for the unexpected, we follow these biblical lessons—protecting our households, honoring God through stewardship, and ensuring we can care for our loved ones no matter what challenges arise.
Self-Sufficiency is a Lifestyle
So you see, every little thing you do counts—growing herbs on a windowsill, learning how to preserve food, or managing your household efficiently. My blog shares all these small but meaningful steps because I truly believe that becoming self-sufficient is the best gift you can give yourself!
And that’s why The Off Grid Barefoot Girl exists—it’s my personal journey from scarcity to self-sufficiency, shared with the hope that it inspires and equips you to take control of your own life. Through prepping, homesteading, and practical lifestyle skills, you can gain independence, confidence, and peace of mind. And now that you know my story, don’t worry—we’ll get back to the homesteading tips, survival guides, and everyday barefoot adventures that make this blog fun and useful.
Blessings,
Mindy
The Off Grid Barefoot Girl
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