Last week I was laid up longer than I like to admit. One of those bugs that does not knock you out completely but just drains the batteries. Darlene kept reminding me that resting is not the same as being lazy, which is something I still have to hear now and then. I am back on my feet now, easing back into my normal rhythm, and it gave me a good chance to think about what I actually want prepping to look like in 2026.

Not what the internet says it should look like. Not what the loudest voices in the room are pushing. What works for a regular guy in Missouri with a wife, a grown kid, grandkids, a house to maintain, and a life that still deserves to be enjoyed.

Why I Am Setting an Intention Instead of a Goal

I have never been great with big dramatic goals. They tend to sound good in January and feel heavy by March. This year I am setting an intention instead. An intention leaves room to breathe. It lets you adjust without feeling like you failed.

My intention for 2026 is simple. Be prepared in a way that supports a normal, steady life. I do not want prepping to feel like a second job or a constant source of stress. I want it to quietly sit in the background doing its job while I live mine.

When I was sick last week, I did not think once about stockpiles or scenarios. I thought about how glad I was we had soup in the pantry, medicine in the cabinet, and enough sense to slow down when needed. That is the kind of preparedness I am aiming for.

Getting Real About Physical Readiness

I am in my early sixties now, and I have learned something important. You do not bounce back the way you used to. That does not mean you give up. It means you get smarter.

For me, preparedness in 2026 looks like walking most mornings, even when it is cold. It looks like stretching my back before I start chores. It looks like lifting light weights a few times a week instead of pretending I am still built for heavy labor.

I pay attention to my balance now. Sounds boring until you realize how many injuries start with a simple slip. I wear good shoes around the property. I keep the walkways clear. I take my time.

None of this is exciting. All of it matters.

Food Storage That Matches How We Actually Live

I used to think more was always better. More cans, more buckets, more variety. What I learned is that too much turns into waste and stress.

These days I keep a running list on the fridge. When we use something up, it goes on the list. When I shop, I replace it. Simple as that. Our pantry stays full without being overwhelming.

We keep about ninety days of food we actually eat. Canned chicken, green beans, chili, pasta, rice, oats, peanut butter. Nothing exotic. If Darlene does not like it, it does not get stored. That rule alone has saved me a lot of money.

The freezer stays organized. Meat in one section, vegetables in another. Everything labeled with a date. Once a month I pull things forward and plan meals around what needs to be used.

Preparedness should make weeknight dinners easier, not harder.

Water and Power Without the Drama

I do not live off grid and I do not plan to. What I do have is a simple system that covers short outages and storms.

We keep several cases of bottled water rotated through the garage. I also keep a couple of filled containers in the basement that get swapped out every few months. Nothing fancy, just enough to get us through a few days comfortably.

For power, I have a small generator that I run a few times a year to keep it in shape. Extension cords are labeled. Fuel is stored safely and rotated. I do not try to power the whole house. Just the fridge, a few lights, and a fan or heater depending on the season.

That is all most people really need.

Money Is Part of Preparedness Whether You Like It or Not

This is the part folks skip because it is not exciting. But it matters more than most gear.

I keep an emergency fund that would cover a few months of basics. I do not carry unnecessary debt. I think twice before buying something just because it looks useful.

When something breaks, I fix it if I can. When I cannot, I learn why it broke so it does not happen again. That mindset saves more money than any coupon ever could.

Preparedness is about reducing panic. Financial stability does that better than almost anything else.

Keeping Life Normal on Purpose

Wendy called the other night and told me Luke is obsessed with building forts in the backyard. Charlotte apparently named every chicken on a neighbor’s farm. That kind of normal life is what all this is for.

I do not want to be the guy who is so focused on tomorrow that he forgets to enjoy today. I want to grill dinner, watch the weather roll in, and take walks with Darlene without a checklist running in my head.

Prepping should give you peace, not take it away.

What 2026 Looks Like for Me

It looks like consistency instead of intensity. It looks like checking supplies once a month instead of obsessing daily. It looks like staying healthy enough to help others if needed. It looks like teaching common sense without fear.

Most of all, it looks like living a full life while quietly being ready for the bumps along the way.

That is the kind of preparedness I believe in.