I've been thinking about exactly this for quite awhile. I live in what many believe to be the best city in the world, but is it the best for me? Why would I leave somewhere that offers SO much? But your experiment reinforced what I already knew has been weighing be down for quite some time: NYC is great, but I have less access to nature and greenspace than my soul craves, and there is less order and cleanliness than I would like (every time I see trash on the sidewalk or blowing in the wind I die a little - which is obviously a lot in NYC). And while access to public transportation and walkability is important to me, I find myself wishing more and more for the ability to just get in a car and go to where my heart desires at a moment's notice. It's scary to consider moving somewhere new, especially alone, but sometimes you have to go through the tough stuff to get to greater happiness and peace on the other side. <3
I feel your battle Julie. Aix is an amazing city and in Provence, ... what's not to love? While my list of things I need from any location hasn't changed much, the weighting of each element evolves. I'd love to spend more time back in SF while not giving up Aix, although that's a tough arrangement. I'm glad that the essay encouraged you to think more deeply about location, and many thanks for sharing.
I often think of this in my travels. I fall in love with a location and picture myself living there. But current priorities override those desires (primarily family and relationships) so I settle for my adventures both far and near and appreciate that I have the means to do those.
I think most of us have those moments Lori, imagining life in a newfound nirvana. Knowing that you can do it, should that reckless impulse suddenly strike, is comforting. "Hey, don't get me upset, I have options you know!" :)
I've been thinking about exactly this for quite awhile. I live in what many believe to be the best city in the world, but is it the best for me? Why would I leave somewhere that offers SO much? But your experiment reinforced what I already knew has been weighing be down for quite some time: NYC is great, but I have less access to nature and greenspace than my soul craves, and there is less order and cleanliness than I would like (every time I see trash on the sidewalk or blowing in the wind I die a little - which is obviously a lot in NYC). And while access to public transportation and walkability is important to me, I find myself wishing more and more for the ability to just get in a car and go to where my heart desires at a moment's notice. It's scary to consider moving somewhere new, especially alone, but sometimes you have to go through the tough stuff to get to greater happiness and peace on the other side. <3
I feel your battle Julie. Aix is an amazing city and in Provence, ... what's not to love? While my list of things I need from any location hasn't changed much, the weighting of each element evolves. I'd love to spend more time back in SF while not giving up Aix, although that's a tough arrangement. I'm glad that the essay encouraged you to think more deeply about location, and many thanks for sharing.
I often think of this in my travels. I fall in love with a location and picture myself living there. But current priorities override those desires (primarily family and relationships) so I settle for my adventures both far and near and appreciate that I have the means to do those.
I think most of us have those moments Lori, imagining life in a newfound nirvana. Knowing that you can do it, should that reckless impulse suddenly strike, is comforting. "Hey, don't get me upset, I have options you know!" :)