[Janick]

I have truly believed that Peak oil has been on the horizon for awhile, but I have been in total denial about it for years. An recent article in a local newspaper about peak oil struck me smack in the face. I am convinced, after researching more about it that the end of life with fuel is near.

I have discussed this with people who are dear to me (DH, parents, brothers and friends) and everyone tells me that I'm pessimistic, over-reacting and nuts. I find this forum today, and find out that I'm not alone in my thoughts!

I guess I need to read up on the forum here, but just wanted to say I'm glad I found this place.

[RonMN]

Welcome! I couldn't agree with you more! all i can guess is that alot of people have an extremely low tolerance for gloom...even when all the facts are staring you right in the face.

[Janick]

Now that I have confirmed my thoughts, how do I prepare myself and my family for what is to come?

[Ebyss]

Well, you can start by reading the "planning for the future" forum. Your own strategy will depend on what you have available to you. Do you own your own home? Do you live in the city? Do you want to live in the country but just haven't got around to it yet? Do you have alot of debt? Do you have a large family?... these are all things that will decide your plan for you. Read up on some of the plans by the members here, you'll quickly see what options are most suitable to you.

[Janick]

I saw the forum you just mentionned AFTER I posted my question. Thank you.

[Ebyss]

Lol...

[FoxV]

Hi Janick, welcome to the club

Scary part is, if you think you're pessimistic now, what till you read the news and topics for a couple of weeks.

Its kind of like watching a train wreck in very slow motion (and you're on the train ).

I suggest to start off your downward spiral, read the discussions on the various new technologies that are suppose to save us (in Energy Tech section). This will also help you if you get into PO discussion/debates

But hey, don't dispear, as Ebyss suggested there's lots of stuff in the "Planning for the future" section. Nobody knows how much our planning will actually save us, but at least having a plan will keep you from panicking. Its helped me a lot, I'm actually feeling a bit optimistic these days (at least for myself, I still believe most of the world is horribly screwed)

[Mower]

I as well have found that people are either willfully ignorant or in denial. Really only those 2. Either way, they are not to be persuaded.

[Janick]

I think I'm probably quite late to whole thing. I don't know how much I can prepare in the short amount of time.

I am very worried, I have 2 young children a mortgage and car payments. But I guess, it's better late than never.

[RonMN]

I've tried to focus on the inexpensive tools, seeds & food. Learning is your best preparation! How to filter & boil water to make it drinkable...how to save your own heirloom seed (etc etc).

I agree with another post...a plan & some preparation is what makes me NOT panic.

[nero]

Don't Panic. Remember this is a long term phenomena. Some around here expect disaster immediately after peak, others feel that while it may lead to recession or depression in the near future, the world economy is not going to collapse all at once. The largest variables are your personal prospects. Is your job recession proof? If your salary is paid for by the government Great! - you've got some security. Living in Canada is a bonus since the government will probably be pretty flush with windfall profits.

[Janick]

My job is recession proof. Furthermore, in the field I am in, we are in serious lack of manpower. AND I do in fact get paid by the government.

My DH is not in the same situation. His job is recession dependent. However, I,m the main breadwinner and we don't need his income to survive.

I will try hard to not panic. I think a plan though is the best thing to remain sane.

[FatherOfTwo]

I concur with Nero. Don't panic. Depending on your approach to life, it can be easy to panic when first encountered with Peak Oil... it's such a radical departure from the norm, and impacts so many facets of life it can be overwhelming.
Keep researching and reading. I've moderated my view tremendously over the last 6 months. ( that isn't to say that worldwide we're in for it.)
Fortunately, being in Canada we're in somewhat better shape. The oil sands have a lot of potential (just not the potential to stop peaking conventional oil) Plus Canada isn't over populated, and we have great natural resources, so feel fortunate to be here.

Also, IMO, stay away from the planning forum for now. You'll get more freaked out there because most in that forum are assuming the worst.

[Janick]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'A')lso, IMO, stay away from the planning forum for now. You'll get more freaked out there because most in that forum are assuming the worst.

[CarlinsDarlin]

FatherofTwo,
I spend quite a lot of time on the planning forum myself, because it helps me to see what others are doing, and to make my own plans more concrete. As Pops has said many times, prepare for everything, even if what eventually happens is nothing. I feel that my homesteading is a kind of insurance - not that I will necessarily have no other source of food, for example - but that food will continue to increase in price with economic downturn, and my being able to save seed, grow my own food, and store it long term, will save me money that will be needed elsewhere. And as I have said many times, whether I had learned of peak oil or not, I would be doing the same thing as I am doing now - perhaps not as urgently, but I'd be doing it.

I don't agree that those who frequent the planning board are all doomsayers. I think they are the people that believe having a plan, even a flawed one, is better than no plan at all.

And btw, Welcome Janick!
Kathy