Why DIY?

First of all I have to say I really don't like how things are grouped together and labeled. Things like "homesteading" or "survival". These days anyone who tries to be self-sufficient by growing their own garden or raising a few "farm" animals is considered a homesteader or survivalist. Homesteading originally meant you settled on a piece of land you didn't purchase but rather improved and lived on for a set period of time. Then it became yours. Nothing about gardening or raising animals. It was all about getting "free" property. Survival meant just that - barely getting by on a little. I would rather thrive than just survive.

DIY? Another acronym meaning "Do It Yourself". But really people, we're all DIYers. Do you dress yourself? Feed yourself? Get yourself to work or shopping? Then YOU are a DIYer. Now if you have a maid, cook and chauffeur you can honestly say you don't DIY.

Someone came along and decided to create a new definition for DIY which just means that you create something or do something from "scratch". It covers a huge diversity of activities. So you might be a DIYer if you mix your own laundry soap, grow your own garden, build some furniture, or do some sewing. But there's more to it than that.

There are many reasons why people do things for themselves.

1. Saving money. When you realize you can mix up laundry soap so much cheaper than what you purchase you might consider taking on this simple task. If you do something to save money than be sure it actually is cheaper than purchasing the item. Then when you purchase the ingredients or materials you need, be sure to use it. I read a neat tutorial one time on making a body lotion. I purchased all the ingredients, but never made the lotion. So I really didn't save any money.
2. Health concerns. Some folks don't want to come into constant contact with toxic chemicals so they opt to clean with vinegar or baking soda rather than store-bought cleaners. (Saves money too.) Make sure whatever you do is feasible for you. I found a tutorial on making your own makeup, but the ingredient list had at least 20 items and seemed to complicated to bother. I'll just stick to not wearing makeup too often. Another way to address health concerns is to grow your own vegetables and herbs organically. It may seem overwhelming if you've never even had a houseplant so start small and work your way up. It's not that hard and even a simple Aloe Vera plant can help treat burns and scrapes. If an activity brings calm or peace to you, it will also make you healthier.
3. Satisfaction. Some people gain great satisfaction and pride from creating something with their own hands and our loved ones seem to appreciate home made gifts. What is your creative talent? Baking, working with photos or art, etc. What gives you a sense of accomplishment?
4. Knowledge. I personally like knowing "how" to make and do things for myself. I may only try some things one time, but at least I know "how" it's done. You never know when that information might come in handy. You might need that knowledge to survive someday;)

My definition of a DIYer is someone who gains great satisfaction from being self-sufficient in some fashion. You may not classify yourself in this category, but you probably fit in somewhere. Just think about it. You WILL find something you do for yourself.

So how do you DIY? What is your reason to do it yourself?