We all have moments of doubt—the kind that whisper in our ears when we’re about to take a leap toward something big. Maybe it’s buying land, starting a garden, or making homesteading a full-time reality. That little voice creeps in and says:
“You’re not ready.”
“This isn’t going to work.”
“Who do you think you are to even try?”
And when we listen to those thoughts, we start searching for reasons to believe them. We see every obstacle, every challenge, every sign that maybe it is too hard.
But what if I told you that your brain is wired to find proof of whatever you already believe? And what if I told you that shifting your focus could change what you see—and even what opportunities show up for you?
That’s what we’re diving into today:
🌱 The stories we tell ourselves (and why they matter)
🌱 How your brain literally filters your reality
🌱 Why signs from the universe can be a powerful tool for affirmation
🌱 How to start rewiring your mindset for success
If you’re ready to start manifesting your homesteading dreams with a mix of science and intuition, let’s get into it.
How Your Mind Shapes Your Reality
Have you ever decided you wanted a certain car and suddenly started seeing it everywhere? Or maybe you learned a new word and then, out of nowhere, you heard it in conversations, read it in books, and saw it pop up online?
That’s not coincidence—it’s your Reticular Activating System (RAS) at work.
The RAS is a part of your brain that acts as a filter, deciding what information is important and what gets ignored. Your brain is bombarded with millions of bits of information every second, and without a filtering system, it would be impossible to function.
So, how does it decide what to focus on?
Simple: It prioritizes what you already believe and what you tell it is important.
If you’ve convinced yourself that homesteading is too expensive or you’ll never have the skills to live off the land, your brain will pick up on every bit of information that confirms that belief. You’ll notice every failed garden attempt, every rising land price, and every struggle along the way.
But if you start shifting your mindset to “I am learning every day, and opportunities are showing up for me,” your brain will start scanning for proof of that instead. Suddenly, you notice free compost programs, a neighbor giving away extra seedlings, or a creative way to buy land you hadn’t thought of before.
This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a neurological process. What you focus on, you find more of.
(Source: National Center for Biotechnology Information – The Reticular Activating System)
So, how does this relate to signs and intuition?
Are Signs from the Universe Real? Or Just Perception?
Some people believe signs from the universe are messages from something bigger. Others believe they are simply a byproduct of how our brain works. Personally, I think it can be both.
A year ago, I was struggling. I felt stuck, unproductive, and honestly, a little lost in my purpose. I wanted a sign—something to reassure me that I was on the right path.
That day, I went for a walk in the woods with my dog. And out of nowhere, a red fox jumped onto a stone wall and just stared at me.
Now, I’ve lived around wildlife my whole life. Foxes are not the kind of animal that just sit and make eye contact with you. If they see a person—let alone a dog—they bolt.
But this one didn’t. It just held my gaze.
When I got home, I looked up fox symbolism. Turns out, foxes represent motherhood and adaptability—which was exactly what I had been struggling with at the time.
That moment changed something in me. Whether you call it the universe sending me a message or my own subconscious recognizing something I needed to see, it was undeniable proof that I wasn’t alone on this journey.
And here’s where it gets even weirder.
A year later, I was feeling lost again. So I asked for another fox sign. I didn’t see one right away, but the next day, my kids—who hadn’t touched their Renaissance Fair fox tails in months—randomly pulled them out and started playing “Arctic Fox” in the living room.
Coincidence? Maybe. But I don’t believe in accidents like that.
Sometimes, when we set a clear intention, the world (or our own subconscious mind) finds a way to give us exactly what we need to see.
How to Start Changing Your Beliefs (And Seeing More Signs of Possibility)
So how do we start shifting our mindset so we see more of the things that help us, and less of the things that keep us stuck?
1. Pay Attention to the Story You’re Telling Yourself
Every time you catch yourself thinking, “I’ll never be able to afford land” or “I’m just not good at this”, pause. Ask yourself:
👉 Is this actually true?
👉 Or is this just an old belief I’ve been carrying for too long?
The more you challenge old beliefs, the weaker they get.
2. Set Clear Intentions
Your brain needs specific goals to work toward. Instead of saying, “I want to be successful,” try:
💰 “I will make $500 this month selling homemade soap.”
🌾 “I will start a 10×10 vegetable garden this spring.”
🏡 “I will find creative ways to buy land in the next two years.”
When you define what you want, your brain starts finding ways to make it happen.
3. Look for Signs & Proof
Once you set an intention, stay open. Whether you call them signs from the universe or just a shift in awareness, confirmation will show up.
It might be a conversation with someone who gives you new insight, a random opportunity that lands in your lap, or—if you’re like me—a fox staring you down in the woods.
(Source: Psychology Today – Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs)
Final Thoughts: Rewrite Your Story & Manifest Your Homestead
At the end of the day, you have two choices:
🌱 Keep believing the same old stories that keep you stuck, or
🌱 Start rewriting your narrative so you actually move forward.
And if you’re unsure you’re on the right path? Ask for a sign. Set a clear intention. Train your mind to look for proof that you can create the life you want.
Who knows? Maybe your fox is waiting for you, too.
✨ Have you ever experienced a sign from the universe? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!
Let’s grow something extraordinary!
With Love,
Kelley
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