Havenology: Keep the end game in mind

In my mind, the principles of havenology have been developed over many years. One of the trickiest things about setting up a haven is deciding where you want it to go. That principle is one I learned from HTH. The key is to always keep the end game in mind. This applies in a wide range of situations – from relationships and career choices to making dinner – but it seems well suited to Havenology.

For the purposes of Havenology, keeping the end game in minds means that you need to know what your haven will be: what purposes will it serve, who will want to spend time there and why, what needs will it supply and how. Answering these questsions can create a framework for defining your haven.

For example, do you want to be able to gather a fair amount of your food from your haven? Then you'll need some space to farm and possibly raise chickens.

Do you want your haven to cover the basic medicinal requirements of your family? Then start growing plants that match your family's medical conditions.

Do you want to be independent of municipal power? Research wind and solar options for your neighborhood.

Do you just want a place that is warm, inviting and friendly? Implement interior design and “homemaking” principles that work for you.

Someone, somewhere wants each of these things in their havens (though I'm glad I don't live next to the chickens anymore!) and they can pursue them. The trick is to know what you want your haven to be in the end. Once you've established that, getting from here to there is usually not that difficult.