Subsistence Farming Provides Real Kinds of "Income"

I see many posts from discouraged and/or disappointed people all over the Internet, who want to be able to make their yearly income from their Permaculture endeavors, and find that they cannot. I think that it would be fantastic if millions of people could be self-supporting with their projects, and maybe someday we will have a situation where this could happen. However, I want to take this moment to say that I personally would be thrilled if I could get big enough harvests from my systems that I didn't have to spend very much hard-earned money on things like food, that I do spend now. I would consider what produce and products I can generate myself--that I have been spending money for-- as real income.

I just wanted to post this because I am mystified at many people who are fans of Permaculture not seeming to see that yield is real income, even if it is not financial, tied into the outside world's fiat currency fiscal system. Part of getting out of that systems traps is recognizing the many other forms of capital that we can access and increase in our own lives!

Outside of the issue of “earning”, I believe this life choice is mostly rewarded by quality of life.. and by that I don’t mean convenience and ease. Working outdoors, in fresh air and sunshine (and less desirable weather, too!), nurturing soil, plants, and animals, and actively participating in the means of our own survival and existence is a reward in itself. Also, the disconnect, no matter how small, from the bad money rat race, and providing for ourselves outside of the worker/consumer paradigm, not only serves as a potential bulwark against starvation, but also reduces the need for spending.. and the pressure to EARN.