The Power of Self-Reliance: How to Rediscover Independence and Freedom in Modern Society

Growing up in southern Illinois, summers were spent at my Uncle Harvey’s cabin, a plot of land along the Mississippi River in Calhoun County. The land was rich with pecan trees, a field of corn, and a small garden full of vegetables. I can still picture it: shucking corn under the shade of those trees, with the husks crackling in the warm breeze. My grandma would teach me how to spot the good ears from the bad. That garden wasn’t just a hobby—it was a necessity for our self-sufficiency. What we didn’t eat fresh, we canned, sealing away the land’s bounty to sustain us through the winter months. 

On weekends, I’d go hunting with my grandpa, early in the morning, trudging through the woods with a shotgun in hand. We hunted for deer and turkey, working the land as generations before us did. Muddy trails would lead us to his pond where we’d fish for catfish and bluegill. Whether it was dragging a deer back to the truck or spending hours processing the meat, nothing was quick or easy—but that hard work made it all the more rewarding.Those skills stuck with me, and I take pride in knowing that I can still do for myself, just like my grandparents did. 

Those lessons in self-reliance weren’t confined to the outdoors. In my dad’s shop, I learned how to fix cars, something that was a necessity, not a choice. My father, a mechanic, made sure I learned the ropes early. Holding the flashlight while he worked on an engine, I was always nervous about whether I was shining the light properly and if not, I'd have to face his wrath (I'm sure some of you know this all too well). But that experience taught me resilience and practical skills—things you can’t put a price on. When you grow up without much, you learn quickly that paying someone to fix what breaks isn’t an option—you have to figure it out yourself.

The Decline of Self-Sufficiency and the Rise of Convenience

In places like southern Illinois, many people still practice these traditions of working the land and providing for their families. But for much of the country, that connection has been lost. Convenience has replaced skill, and dependency on fragile systems has crept in. The COVID-19 pandemic was a wake-up call for many—grocery store shelves that were once full became barren overnight. It was a stark reminder of how reliant we’ve become on supply chains and systems we don’t control.

Food deserts are another reality for many communities, even in rural areas. These are places where fresh, affordable food is hard to come by, and residents are left with few choices besides processed, chemical-laden foods. The FDA still allows substances like glyphosate in much of our food production, despite bans in other countries like Germany. Additives like Red 3, BVO, and Propylparaben are regularly found in the processed foods that line our shelves. These chemicals are outlawed elsewhere, yet they continue to find their way into our diets. (If you want to read more about just how bad the processed foods we eat are, check out Greg's blog titled, "Government Corruption on your Fork.")

But there’s an alternative. Growing your own food or hunting your own meat puts the power back in your hands. You know exactly what’s on your plate because you planted, harvested, or hunted it yourself. When you take control of your food supply, you cut out the middleman—and the chemicals.

Freedom Through Self-Reliance and Sustainable Living

When I think back to those days helping my grandma in the garden or dragging a deer out of the woods with my grandpa, I see them not just as memories but as life lessons. Self-reliance and sustainable living are about more than just surviving; they’re about thriving. Today, when I make a batch of venison jerky from a deer I harvested or serve a meal with vegetables from my garden, I feel a deep sense of pride. This is real freedom—freedom from dependency on fragile systems.

Sharing a bag of homemade jerky with a friend feels like sharing a piece of myself. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the work, care, and effort that went into it. When I serve a meal that I’ve sourced from my own land or through hunting, I know exactly what went into it—and that’s a rare gift these days.

The Homesteading Movement: A Return to Independence

Across much of the country, there’s a growing movement of people returning to self-reliance. The rise of homesteading, gardening, and sustainable living has seen more people getting back to the basics. Whether it’s building chicken coops, raising livestock, or starting a backyard vegetable garden, people are rediscovering the satisfaction of providing for themselves. And it’s not just in rural areas—urban balconies and suburban backyards are turning into small homesteads as people reconnect with the land.

This isn’t just a trend—it’s a revival of the true meaning of independence. By growing your own food, learning practical DIY skills, and finding ways to live sustainably, you take control of your life and your future. The freedom that comes from self-reliance is empowering—it means you won’t be scrambling for the last can of beans when the next crisis hits.

A Call to Action: Reclaim Your Independence

At Free Man Apparel, we believe that true freedom comes from the ability to take care of yourself and your family. Self-reliance, whether through growing a garden, learning to hunt, or honing practical skills, is the path to real independence. It’s not about what you can buy—it’s about what you can do for yourself.

Don’t wait for another crisis to remind you of how fragile the systems we rely on are. Start today. Plant a garden, go fishing, learn a new skill. Every step you take towards self-sufficiency is a step towards freedom and away from government control. Real freedom doesn’t come from what others provide—it comes from what you can achieve with your own hands.