City Slicker No More: Taking the Girl Out of the City

Have you ever felt like a fish out of water? Like you’re living in a city that doesn’t quite fit who you are as a person? As someone who grew up in the heart of Manhattan, I know exactly what that feels like. The constant noise, pollution, and endless hustle and bustle started to wear on me over time.

So what did I do? Well, I packed my bags and left the concrete jungle behind for good. In this article, I’m going to share with you my journey from being a city slicker to embracing country life full-time.

A Change is Gonna Come

Growing up in New York City had its perks – instant access to world-class restaurants, museums, shopping districts…but it also came at a cost. Despite having everything within reach 24/7; eventually all that constant stimulation became overwhelming. Everywhere I turned there were horns honking and sirens blaring endlessly through streets choked by bumper-to-bumper traffic while emptying trash bins stinked giving way for pest infestation this was not worth it anymore.

Like many other urbanites before me,I decided something needed to change..and fast! After months long discussion with family members about it,in January 2020 ,I took off work early one Friday afternoon,got into my car,and headed south towards Greener pastures,arriving just as nightfall covering bumpy ride past ill-lit countrysides’roads(Luckily,I still had enough signal strength).

As soon as sunlight touched ground next morning,reality sunk deep,i needed survival skills pronto,hadn’t taken enough precautions.Nervously i asked myself “What have i done?”

Challenges Along the Way

Let’s just say transitioning from asphalt jungle life wasn’t easy.Fulfilling basic necessities such as food,watersupply and shelter seemed unattainable. At first, I felt isolated, uneasy, and eager solitude was overwhelming.

I found myself not being able to jump on next subway train or grab a yellow cab and head over to fast food restaurants. In fact,I couldn’t even find basic convenience stores does relocation imply total isolation ? Almost immediately i knew it wasn’t.

In the early days gawking at foreign surroundings around me; deer that roam freely in forests behind house,gopher turtles digging nests inside lawns,even possums sneaking out of crevices when night falls..would have scared any city-dweller but as time passed;-I became almost fully acclimateded beyond just appreciation for nature.The flora and fauna captivates anyone!

It took time,but eventually settled down acquired new skills like gardening,fishing,canning,and outdoorsmanship.too,something I’d never considered doing before.Nowadays,would rather be live streaming scenes Of Rural America than another Broadway performance as we know there are more successful scavengers trying their luck off pitiful performances

Embracing Simplicity

Life in rural areas moves slower – much slower – than city life ever did.Weeks stretch out longer with creative pursuit like writing poetry,birdwatching(in stealth mode) added pleasures of enjoying camaraderie among neighbors ,not carried by neighborhood wariness .without zero worry from masses frequenting crowded spots(Most times organic living has taken up as norm).

Not being beholden anymore with excessive reliance on public transit means possibility complete disconnection from chaos which once ruled us,hence renewal stress free living welcomed every where .No more daily newsfeeds about latest crime rates,no more staying connected online 24/7.Having simpler lifestyle offers comfort coupled satisfaction .

New Beginnings

If you’re considering going country full-time like I did then brace yourself for an intense learning experience.I left without looking back, anxiety followed me though resolving that over time.Next step was starting fresh – sans all the clutter I’d accumulated living in cities for decades.(goodbye 200 pairs of shoes!).

I faced obstacles to overcome and routines were displaced but despite the doubts;a new chapter started.Experience challenged outlook concerning routine structures.

New beginnings mean a new version of oneself.The urban center lifestyle fosters development towards forced independence,while living off beaten path tends to encourage community interactions,facilitating relationships with nature through social interaction.

Finding Community

One misconception about rural areas is that they can be isolating. In reality,it couldn’t be further from the truth.In fact,i got more friendly invites early on than i ever did as transplant.Indeed its simplistic style of life means there are fewer distractions.ANYONE who has spent significant chunk of city life would testify how rare it is bump into people unexpectedly due staggering amounts existing folks monopolizing stake-hold for yrs if not centuries.Even the grocery store where fivespot currency will fetch good loads ,attendance maybe drab;the gym desolate.But ask any former-New Yorker,this makes all difference.Its always about effecting change when old ways no longer suffice!.

Living in smaller communities often provides opportunity interact candidly without judgement.Look forward actually wanting response from neighbors .Opinions readily given,system differs totally.Again,the absence bustling crowds increases possibility authentic conversation.Making friends with locals may lead diverse experiences such as bonfire parties or pig roast competitions.One learns art detecting cultural nuances beyond metropolitan areas.

Taking Care Of The Land

Moving outta town meant acquiring land – lot’s and lots’of lebensraum-.In addition also owning abode indicated need nurturing space safeguard investments made.Who knew doing so much solely based instinct and human activity wasn’t enough?

As time went by committing myself became clearer,bigger picture-formulating sustainability policies;

  • Maintaining lawn-mowing
  • Maintaining personal garden(vegetable growth for domestic purposes)
  • Better drainage system to curb water wastage
  • Solar power installations
    The work and sacrifices required are worth making.Expertise evolved from stragglers up-path ensures ultimate transformation.Man vs Nature.So far the latter wins still but willingly given over personal preferences knowing need for preservation.Before, was worried that would fail in dedication,but seeing miracle unbelieveble results makes this possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion nothing resonates like going back to country roots.Witnesses testify metamorphosis subtly reveals itself as more appreciation toward living differently.Noticing how evolving naturally contributes building character ;expands psychological proficiencies previously undiscovered.Discovering theres hidden potential waiting find expression within new surroundings.Communities welcoming anyone creating bonds irrespective of history while nature offers infinite adventure.This is a realization,living outside town opens an entirely different horizon.

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