Far more prepared mentally and spiritually. A lot of new family issues to face and prepare for such as two elderly not so well parents. That is a real wake up call knowing I'll have to be prepared in how to handle them possibally being bed fast and their death in a SHTF scenario.
As far as food, I've learned to scale back on variety and have just what is necessary for survival. I do have a freezer full with generator and gas for a good period of time. Have been collecting canning jars/lids for outside canning. Also collecting gardening tools. Still behind on the heating problem which I hope to have completed this summer if time holds out.
I've learned so much from this board that I know I could go it alone, but I'll have parents in ill health and grown kids that will help once TSHTF and if they can get home.
I'd love to have the finances of some here to install solar, root cellars and safe rooms. Because I don't so I'll have to do with makeshift preperations.
Yes, it does become a way of life after a while. When grocery shopping I have it in the back of my mind and always pick up extras for rotation. Always keep my eyes and ears open for good bargins on extra needs.
With little space I'm thankful water is the least of worries due to all the clean springs on property. I do need to replace some hose and get more PVC pipe to run the water down to the house if TSHTF as our main spring is downhill from us. Of course an earthquake could close the springs, highly unlikely. Not so worried about fallout here.
We would have made it if Y2k had happened, the hard way. At least now if we make it it will be a lot more comfortable.