Why I stopped living in the city & started living in the countryside
For most people life should only be spent in a vibrant city, living life to the fullest. Experiencing whatever the city has to offer, exploring cultures and different cuisines. I’ll admit it is exciting.
When I lived in Paris, I experienced authentic Korean foods and foods I’d only seen Anthony Bourdain eat on television. It was an experience I’d never take back.
But living in a city is not an everyday experience for me. I realized quickly I couldn’t continue living in the city. The next thing I knew I was living in the countryside, and that’s where the real adventure started. If you’re not, you should be following me on Instagram, where I share my misadventures and successes in living in the countryside..
Farmhouse & Living in the Countryside
The first time I saw Joanna Gaines put farmhouse style front and center in “Fixer Upper”, I realized I needed that kind of house. But I didn’t want the “modern” take of the farmhouse. I wanted to the “real” farmhouse in the countryside that required work, sweat, and lots of tears.
It’s not that I’m looking for punishment or anything. I just felt it was something I needed to make my transition to a simpler way of life. I realize now that it wasn’t necessary, but for me, it was.
My big takeaway from Joanna is telling my story. It has been written, but that doesn’t mean I am not in charge of what happens in the story. And so I began searching for myself within my farmhouse.
I learned how to define my story and discover my own warmth, and cozy. As much as my husband tries to deny it I am and forever will be a homebody.
So, I started there.
The Homebody comes Home to the Countryside
For me, the countryside was where one went to get dirty. Well, that used to be my way of thinking. And I don’t like getting dirty. In fact I down right squeal with disgust when my favorite jeans get a smudge of dirty on them.
Since leaving the city I’ve transformed into something I never thought I’d become. Comfortable with getting dirty, able and more capable of things I never knew I could do.
Over the last five years, I’ve learned to enjoy getting mud on my UGG boots, even though they cost me a pretty penny and they were intended for mere show. But now they are doing their purpose, getting in the snow, the mud, and the rain. (all while keeping my feet warm and safe)
I’ve learned to ignore the bugs and other creepy crawling things lurking in the stacks of wood I have to rummage through to get my firewood.
I have also learned to appreciate life. The wonders of it. I’ve seen more rabbits, foxes, ravens, hawks, gophers, and deer than I’ve ever seen before. (Foxes for the first time)
And I’ve learned to love them, even the gophers that like to tear up my lawn.
I’ve even learned new levels of getting cozy, and this is coming from a homebody!
Why I started Living in the Countryside
Think back to 2020 during the pandemic. It was a strange time, one that I don’t want to ever repeat.
However, it happened.
At the time I was living in the 15th em in Paris (arrondissement) and I became painfully aware that I was suffocating.
As big as you may think Paris is, the fact is each arrondissement is it’s own little village, and they are small.
Despite all the trees, parks and gardens littered through-out the city I couldn’t breath, stretch or even feel as though I was home. I felt like a visitor.
Which is not good, especially when you live there.
The countryside called me long before I left the States. In fact, it was Oregon that made me realize I needed to stop ignoring the siren call of the grassy hills and the simpler life.
For that was what I wanted, something more simple, pure and organic.
And apparently, super muddy.
You can live where ever you want to live, its where your soul calls you. For me the city was not my place, and I’m ok with that. The countryside living is where I needed to be, and for that I am grateful. It has been here that I learned a lot of life lessons, became stronger spiritually and physically and finally began living.
For more inspiration be sure to check out my cozy inspiration board on Pinterest.
Want more cozy ideas? Be sure to read how you can create a warm and fun cozy tradition with a simple DIY advent Calendar!
Thanks for stopping by and letting me share with you my reasons for ditching the city for the countryside. I hope this inspires you to create something cozy and magical in your own home, a place you find relaxing.
Comment below if you’ve living in the countryside or you’ve made your dream “farm” life in the city, I‘d love to know how you created your cozy spots!
Christina
