We Traded Familiarity for Mountain Views

Uprooting life as we knew it.

One evening, after debating our options aloud, we made one of the biggest decisions of our lives. I barely slept a wink that night, terrified and so excited at the same time. We decided to move provinces, shake up the very foundations of our lives and make our dreams come true.

Our plans were just words at first, conversations with close family and friends. But I could just tell that most thought that our plans were exactly that – just words, a fleeting pipe dream. The thing is, when I make my mind up about something, I won’t let go until I have reached the finished line.

Until you have made such a change in your life, you have no clue what it involves. The intense admin, the rollercoaster of emotions, the sheer amount of determination it takes to follow through. And the NOISE! All the opinions you will have to face, the supporters and the haters – there were times I thought we wouldn’t make it, so many times when I had to remind myself why we had decided to follow our hearts, be scared, and do it anyway.

Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?

So why the big move? Our biggest motivation – the future of our children. The change in pace and lifestyle. I craved a life closer to the ocean, closer to nature. I think at heart, I am definitely a country girl. Put me on a farm, or take to a forest, and I am in heaven! In another life, I’d be a hippie or a fairy. Anyway, we were asked this question many times.

What was the hardest part?

As excited and happy as we were to be living our dream, I definitely went through a grieving period – once we were in our new house, the realization of leaving all that was familiar behind, really hit hard. New grocery shops, new roads, new schools, new systems – it was like I had to rewire my brain, and it was exhausting! Not being able to see friends and family was also really hard. Phone calls and video chats became the norm.

If you don’t like where you are, move! You are not a tree.

So is the grass really greener on the other side?

I absolutely LOVE our new home. I remind myself every day that we overcame so much and that we are truly blessed to be living this life. The kids did take a while to adjust but they are thriving in their new schools and they’re making new friends.

By believing passionately in something that does not exist, we create it. The nonexistent is whatever we have not sufficiently desired. – Franz Hafka

Where to from here?

Have you ever found yourself somewhere and felt that you absolutely belong? That’s how I feel in our new home, like I was always meant to be here. My cup is filled with gratitude and peace every day. I do look back in amazement and wonder where we got the strength to make it all happen.

We only have this one, beautiful life. The saying that life is short is absolutely true. Why settle for average. I believe we are meant to challenge ourselves; comfort only creates complacency. Adventure awaits! xxx