The Fourth Turning Explained: Why It Matters and How to Prepare for What’s Next.

The Fourth Turning is more than just a historical theory—it’s a framework that helps us understand the cycles of history and how they shape the world we live in today. Developed by historians William Strauss and Neil Howe, this theory suggests that history moves in cycles, each lasting about 80-100 years, and broken into four distinct phases, or “turnings.” These turnings reflect patterns of social and political upheaval, growth and rebirth. Understanding them can offer valuable insight into where we are headed.

What is the Fourth Turning?

According to Strauss and Howe, each historical cycle consists of four turnings: the High, the Awakening, the Unraveling, and the Crisis. The Fourth Turning represents the Crisis phase, a time when existing systems collapse and are rebuilt. It’s a period of upheaval and transformation, marked by major challenges to societal structures—economic, political, and social. This cycle is not a prediction of specific events, but rather an observation that societies go through predictable stages of transformation.

The Fourth Turning is not just about chaos or decline. It is also about renewal. It’s a crucible in which old systems are tested, and from the ashes, new systems emerge. Each Fourth Turning in history has brought with it major shifts. Think of the American Revolution, the Civil War, or World War II—these were all Fourth Turnings that redefined the structure of society and set the stage for the next long phase of growth.

Why Is the Fourth Turning Relevant Today?

We are currently in the midst of a Fourth Turning. Since the 2008 financial crisis, we’ve seen increased social division, economic instability, political polarization, and global unrest. Whether it’s in the rise of populism, the response to COVID-19, or the increasing tensions between major world powers, the signs of systemic breakdown are evident. The patterns outlined in the Fourth Turning suggest that we are entering the climax of this crisis phase, a period where major change is inevitable.

This historical cycle is relevant because it helps us make sense of the chaos. Rather than seeing the world’s problems as random or isolated, the Fourth Turning theory allows us to view them as part of a predictable pattern. It also suggests that the crises we face today—from environmental degradation to political instability—are leading us toward a transformation, much like past Fourth Turnings led to the formation of new social contracts and institutions.

However, the most important reason to be aware of the Fourth Turning is that we all have roles to play. Whether consciously or not, people drive these historical shifts. And while the Fourth Turning will bring instability, it also presents an opportunity to influence the direction of the future. Understanding this cycle helps us see the broader picture and prepare for what comes next, not just as passive observers, but as active participants in the world that will emerge.

How Can People Prepare for the Fourth Turning?

Preparation for the Fourth Turning requires a mindset shift. This is where the concept of Resilient, Not Reliant comes in. The systems we have long relied on—whether governmental, financial, or social—are being tested, and many of them will likely falter. Instead of being reliant on fragile institutions, individuals need to build resilience in their lives, families, and communities.

One of the first steps is recognizing the fragility in the current systems. Governments are strained, economies are unstable, and social trust is eroding. This is not fear-mongering—it is recognizing that change is coming, and preparation is essential. Resilience means being adaptable, resourceful, and self-sufficient in the face of these changes.

Financial preparedness is crucial. The economic turbulence of the Fourth Turning could lead to currency devaluation, inflation, or disruptions to traditional job markets. Diversifying income streams, investing in tangible assets like land, property, and precious metals, and avoiding excessive debt can provide a buffer during economic uncertainty.

Equally important is community building. The Fourth Turning is a time of fragmentation, but also a time when small, cohesive communities can thrive. Whether through local groups, neighborhoods, or digital communities, finding and fostering connections with like-minded people will provide support and security during difficult times.

Finally, skills development is a key part of being resilient. This isn’t just about survival skills, although those can be helpful. It’s about cultivating the ability to adapt to new environments, learn quickly, and contribute meaningfully. As the old systems give way to new ones, those who can navigate the changes and bring valuable skills to the table will not only survive but thrive.

Why Embrace the Fourth Turning?

The Fourth Turning isn’t something to fear—it’s something to understand. Knowing that we are in a period of major transformation allows us to take control of our actions and make better decisions for the future. The coming years will undoubtedly be challenging, but they will also offer opportunities for those who are prepared. As systems break down, new ideas, communities, and ways of living will rise to replace them. Those who embrace resilience, adaptability, and preparedness will be at the forefront of shaping this new era.

The Fourth Turning is not just a theory, but a call to action. It’s a reminder that history moves in cycles and that we are entering a crucial moment of change. For those willing to prepare, it’s a chance to shape the future, build stronger communities, and lead the way into a new era of renewal.

The Power of Homesteading: Building a Sustainable, Self-Sufficient Life.

In a world where reliance on the grid and the system has become the norm, the concept of homesteading stands as a beacon of true independence and resilience. At Resilient not Reliant, we emphasize the importance of preparedness, and one of the most powerful ways to ensure your long-term survival and self-sufficiency is by building a sustainable homestead.

Homesteading is about taking control of your life by producing your own food, generating your own energy, securing your own water supply, and living in a way that minimizes dependence on external systems. Whether you envision a sprawling rural homestead completely off the grid or a more urban setup that incorporates self-sufficient practices, the principles of homesteading can be adapted to suit your lifestyle.

Let’s explore the importance of building a sustainable homestead and how it serves as a key tool in your preparedness toolkit, ensuring you can thrive in any situation, from natural disasters to economic downturns.

What is Homesteading?

Homesteading is the practice of living a self-sufficient lifestyle by producing your own food, generating your own energy, and managing your own resources. It’s about creating a sustainable way of life where you’re less dependent on external systems—whether that’s the power grid, grocery stores, or municipal water supplies.

While homesteading often brings to mind images of rural farm life, the principles can be applied in various settings, from vast countryside estates to urban backyards. At its core, homesteading is about reclaiming your independence and ensuring that you and your family can sustain yourselves, no matter what challenges arise.

The Importance of Building a Sustainable Homestead

1. Self-Sufficiency in Food Production

One of the primary pillars of homesteading is the ability to produce your own food. In a world where food supply chains can be disrupted by everything from natural disasters to economic crises, having the ability to grow your own food is a powerful form of security.

Whether you have acres of land or a small backyard, you can start by cultivating a garden that provides fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Raising livestock, such as chickens for eggs or goats for milk, can further enhance your food supply. The goal is to create a self-sustaining system where you’re not reliant on grocery stores or external suppliers for your daily sustenance.

2. Independence from the Grid

Energy independence is another crucial aspect of homesteading. In a SHTF scenario, access to electricity may be limited or completely cut off. By generating your own energy, you can ensure that your homestead remains functional, even when the grid goes down.

Solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy sources are ideal for homesteads of all sizes. These systems allow you to harness natural energy, reducing or eliminating your reliance on the grid. Additionally, having a backup generator powered by alternative fuels like propane or diesel can provide an extra layer of security.

3. Securing a Water Supply

Water is life, and securing a reliable water supply is essential for any homestead. Whether you’re collecting rainwater, drilling a well, or filtering and storing water from natural sources, ensuring access to clean water is paramount.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be installed on virtually any property, allowing you to collect and store water for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. Wells provide a more consistent water source, but they require proper maintenance and, in some cases, a backup power supply to operate. Filtering and purifying water from streams, rivers, or lakes can also be an option if you live near natural water sources.

4. Building a Resilient Shelter

Your home is your sanctuary, and it needs to be resilient enough to withstand the challenges that may come your way. For a homestead, this means ensuring your shelter is well-built, energy-efficient, and capable of providing comfort and safety in any situation.

Consider incorporating sustainable building materials and designs that maximize energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact. Insulating your home properly, installing a wood-burning stove for heat, and ensuring you have adequate storage for supplies are all crucial elements of a resilient homestead.

5. Practicing Sustainable Living

Homesteading is inherently about sustainability. It’s about living in harmony with the environment and using resources wisely. Composting, permaculture, and natural farming techniques are just a few ways to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient homestead.

By practicing sustainability, you’re not only ensuring that your homestead can thrive for years to come, but you’re also reducing your environmental footprint and living a lifestyle that aligns with your values of independence and resilience.

Levels of Homesteading: From Rural to Urban

Homesteading isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Depending on your circumstances, you can adapt the principles of homesteading to fit your lifestyle, whether you’re living in a rural, suburban, or urban environment.

1. Rural Homesteading

In a rural setting, homesteading can involve a full-scale farm with extensive gardens, livestock, and large-scale energy production. You have the space to implement comprehensive systems that provide for all your basic needs—food, water, energy, and shelter. Rural homesteading offers the most freedom and potential for complete self-sufficiency.

2. Suburban Homesteading

For those living in suburban areas, homesteading might look a little different but can still be highly effective. You can transform your backyard into a productive garden, raise a few chickens for eggs, and install solar panels to supplement your energy needs. While you may not achieve total self-sufficiency, you can significantly reduce your reliance on external systems and increase your resilience.

3. Urban Homesteading

Even in an urban environment, homesteading is possible. Urban homesteading might include growing vegetables in container gardens, keeping a few chickens, collecting rainwater, and using small-scale solar power or backup generators. Urban homesteaders often focus on maximizing the use of limited space and resources, creating a resilient micro-homestead that can provide for their basic needs.

Why You Should Start Homesteading Now

The world is unpredictable, and the systems we rely on can fail. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic collapse, or societal unrest, having a homestead gives you the tools and independence to weather any storm. But homesteading isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving. It’s about taking control of your life, your resources, and your future.

By starting a homestead, no matter the size, you’re investing in your long-term security and well-being. You’re building skills, creating a sustainable lifestyle, and ensuring that you and your family have what you need to thrive, no matter what happens in the world around you.

At Resilient not Reliant, we believe that everyone should consider incorporating homesteading principles into their lives. Whether you’re ready to go all-in on a rural farm or just want to start with a small urban garden, the time to start is now.

Take Action: Begin Your Homesteading Journey

Starting a homestead doesn’t require a massive upfront investment or a radical lifestyle change. Begin with what you have and where you are. Start small, learn as you go, and gradually expand your homesteading activities. Over time, you’ll build a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle that can provide for your needs and keep you resilient in the face of any challenge.

At Resilient not Reliant, we’re here to support you on your homesteading journey. From practical tips to community support, we’re committed to helping you build a life of independence and resilience. Don’t wait for the system to fail—take control of your future today by starting your homestead.

Homesteading is more than just a lifestyle; it’s a path to true freedom and security. Whether you’re on a rural farm or in a city apartment, there’s always something you can do to become more self-sufficient. Start now, and be prepared for whatever comes next.

SERE Training: The Ultimate Preparedness Blueprint for a SHTF Situation.

When the shit hits the fan (SHTF), the unprepared will panic, while those with the right skills and mindset will survive. At Resilient not Reliant, we believe in building resilience through fitness, financial independence, and, crucially, preparedness. One of the most effective ways to prepare for the worst is by incorporating elements of SERE training into your survival plan.

SERE, which stands for Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, is a rigorous program designed to equip military personnel with the skills needed to survive behind enemy lines, evade capture, resist interrogation, and escape captivity. While it’s originally intended for soldiers, the principles of SERE training can be adapted to civilian life to prepare you for extreme situations where your life and freedom are on the line.

Let’s break down what SERE training involves and how you can integrate its principles into your preparedness plan, ensuring that you’re ready to handle any SHTF scenario that comes your way.

The Core of SERE Training: Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape

SERE training is not about becoming a hardened warrior overnight; it’s about learning how to think, move, and survive under the most adverse conditions. The training is broken down into four key components:

1. Survival:

Survival is the cornerstone of SERE training. It’s about keeping yourself alive in the wild with limited resources. This includes finding food and water, building shelters, and starting fires in any environment—be it arctic, desert, jungle, or urban ruins. The goal is to sustain yourself until rescue or until you can safely escape.

2. Evasion:

Evasion is all about not getting caught. In a SHTF scenario, this could mean avoiding hostile individuals, looters, or even government forces. Evasion techniques include camouflage, movement discipline, and understanding how to use the terrain to your advantage. It’s about staying out of sight, moving silently, and avoiding capture.

3. Resistance:

If you’re captured, resistance training prepares you to withstand interrogation, torture, or psychological manipulation. The goal is to resist giving up critical information, keeping yourself mentally strong, and maintaining hope. While the civilian application may differ, the mindset of resistance can help you resist manipulation or coercion in high-pressure situations, maintaining your integrity and resolve.

4. Escape:

Escape training teaches you how to break free from captivity and make your way back to safety. This involves lock-picking, escaping restraints, and navigating hostile territory undetected. It’s about never giving up on getting back to your freedom, no matter how dire the situation.

How SERE Training Enhances Your Preparedness Plan

So, why should civilians care about SERE training? Because in a SHTF situation, the skills learned in SERE training could mean the difference between life and death. Here’s how you can incorporate SERE principles into your own preparedness plan:

1. Develop a Survival Mindset

SERE training is as much about mental toughness as it is about physical skills. The ability to stay calm, think clearly, and make decisions under pressure is critical. In a SHTF scenario, panic can be fatal. By cultivating a survival mindset, you ensure that you can face any challenge with resilience and determination. Start by pushing your limits in controlled environments—go on a solo camping trip, fast for a day, or try navigating a new area without GPS. These small challenges build mental resilience.

2. Master Basic Survival Skills

You don’t need to be dropped into the wilderness to start practicing survival skills. Learn how to build shelters using only natural materials, start fires without matches, and purify water with basic tools. These are skills that can be practiced in your backyard, but they’ll be invaluable in a survival situation. Remember, the goal is to be self-sufficient—able to sustain yourself without relying on others or the grid.

3. Practice Evasion Techniques

Understanding how to move undetected and avoid confrontation is crucial in a SHTF scenario. Practice moving silently in different environments, study the art of camouflage, and learn how to use natural cover to your advantage. These skills can be practiced on hikes or in urban exploration settings. The key is to become comfortable with the idea of moving invisibly through your environment.

4. Build Your Resistance

In a civilian context, resistance might mean standing your ground against coercion, manipulation, or psychological pressure. Develop mental toughness through exercises like cold exposure (think Wim Hof method), meditation, and controlled stress tests. The goal is to build a mental fortress that can’t be easily broken, even when the pressure is on.

5. Prepare for Escape Scenarios

Knowing how to escape from restraints or locked environments isn’t just for the movies—it’s a practical skill that could save your life. Learn basic lock-picking, how to break out of zip ties or duct tape, and how to navigate without GPS. These are skills you can practice safely at home, but they’ll be crucial if you ever find yourself in a dire situation.

Why SERE Training is More Relevant Than Ever

In today’s world, where economic instability, political unrest, and natural disasters are becoming more common, the need for a comprehensive preparedness plan is clear. SERE training equips you with the mindset and skills necessary to survive when things go south.

But more than just a survival tool, SERE training empowers you to take control of your life. It builds confidence, self-reliance, and a sense of security that comes from knowing you can handle whatever the world throws at you. Whether it’s surviving in the wilderness, evading a threat, or simply pushing through the hardships of life, the principles of SERE training are applicable across the board.

Start Your SERE Journey Today

If you’re serious about preparedness, it’s time to incorporate SERE principles into your plan. Start small—take a survival course, practice evasion techniques, or challenge yourself with a mental toughness exercise. Over time, these skills will become second nature, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes your way.

At Resilient not Reliant, we’re dedicated to helping you build a life of strength, independence, and resilience. SERE training isn’t just for soldiers—it’s for anyone who wants to be truly prepared. Take the first step today, and start building the skills that will make you unstoppable in any situation.

Embrace the mindset. Train the skills. Be prepared. When the shit hits the fan, you’ll be ready.

Embracing Preparedness: Building a Resilient Future

At Resilient not Reliant (RnR), we believe that true resilience extends beyond fitness and finances. Preparedness is the cornerstone of our philosophy, ensuring that we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way. This article explores the principles of preparedness, the skills needed to enhance resilience, and how planning for the unexpected can lead to a thriving life.

Why Preparedness Matters

Preparedness is about more than just being ready for emergencies. It’s a mindset and a lifestyle that involves planning, acquiring skills, and developing systems to protect what’s important to us. Here’s why preparedness is crucial:

1. Security and Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have plans and resources in place to handle emergencies provides a sense of security and peace of mind.

2. Self-Sufficiency: Preparedness reduces dependence on external systems and services, making you more self-sufficient and capable.

3. Adaptability: Being prepared allows you to adapt to changing circumstances and recover quickly from setbacks.

Key Principles of Preparedness

Building preparedness involves several key principles that ensure we are ready for any situation:

1. Planning and Organization: Develop comprehensive plans for various scenarios, from natural disasters to financial crises. Organize resources and information to ensure quick access when needed.

2. Skills Acquisition: Learn and practice essential skills that enhance resilience. This includes everything from first aid and self-defense to survival skills and homesteading.

3. Resource Management: Accumulate and maintain resources that are crucial in emergencies, such as food, water, medical supplies, and tools.

4. Community Building: Foster a supportive network of like-minded individuals who can offer assistance and share knowledge in times of need.

Essential Areas of Focus

At RnR, we focus on several key areas to build comprehensive preparedness:

1. Geographic Location: Choose a location that offers safety, sustainability, and resources. Consider factors such as climate, natural disaster risks, and community support.

2. Homesteading: Develop skills for self-sufficient living, including growing your own food, raising livestock, and managing natural resources.

3. Hunting and Gathering: Learn the skills necessary to source food from the wild, including hunting, fishing, and foraging.

4. Civilian Combat Skills: Acquire self-defense and combat skills to protect yourself and your loved ones. This includes physical combat training as well as the responsible use of firearms.

5. Networking and Emergency Plans: Build a network of trusted individuals and create detailed emergency plans. This includes communication strategies, evacuation routes, and contingency plans for various scenarios.

Living the Preparedness Lifestyle

Preparedness is not just about being ready for worst-case scenarios; it’s about enhancing everyday life. Here’s how embracing preparedness can lead to a thriving, resilient lifestyle:

1. Healthy Living: Preparedness encourages a healthy, active lifestyle through skills like gardening and physical training. This contributes to overall well-being and resilience.

2. Financial Stability: Being prepared often involves financial planning and resource management, leading to greater financial stability and independence.

3. Community Engagement: Building a network of like-minded individuals fosters a sense of community and mutual support, enhancing social resilience.

4. Continuous Learning: Preparedness is a journey of continuous learning and skill development, keeping you engaged and mentally sharp.

Our Commitment to Preparedness

At RnR, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality knowledge, training, and resources to help you build preparedness. Our approach includes:

• Education: Offering comprehensive guides, articles, and courses on preparedness skills, planning, and resource management.

• Tools and Resources: Providing access to tools, supplies, and resources essential for building a resilient lifestyle.

• Community Support: Fostering a supportive community where members can share knowledge, experiences, and support.

Preparedness is about more than just surviving; it’s about thriving in any situation. By focusing on planning, skills acquisition, resource management, and community building, we can create a resilient, self-sufficient lifestyle.

Join us at RnR and take control of your future by embracing preparedness. Together, we can build a community dedicated to strength, independence, and resilience.