I've been dreaming about a lifestyle change for awhile now. We're making big decisions, trying to figure out what's right for us. We've had to really think about what we value and what we're willing to sacrifice. There's been fear. Change is often scary. And excitement. We're very excited. We're giving up things so that we can have others. We're making plans and looking towards the future.We've decided to escape the suburbs for intown life. A place that has been purposefully kept small, a village with beautiful older homes full of character that surround a brick lined main street. A place where we can ride our bikes to the coffee shop or bakery on a Saturday morning. A place where we can walk to a bistro for lunch or a park for a picnic. A place surrounded by horse farms and trees. A place that is safe, has great schools, convenience to all of my favorite places, low crime and a feeling of individuality.
We're no longer going to just sit around dreaming about what we want our lives to be. It's time to make it happen. We're planning a move to coincide with Maddie's graduation in the spring of 2011. We're meeting with our realtor and getting our house ready to sell, we're paying off bills and saving our money. We're no longer going to wait for change, we're going to make change. I would rather take a risk than live with regrets rooted in fear. Making this decision and taking steps to make it a reality feels great. I wish it hadn't taken me so long to find the nerve to do it. I may be late to the party but at least I finally showed up. And here's what I realized, following your dreams will feed your soul.
How are you making change in your life?
Wow, this is exactly what my husband and I are going through right now. Although, I don't have the guts to do it just yet. For us it would mean being an 8 hour drive from all of our family. It's definitely not easy. But we have been daydreaming daily! Good luck to you and congrats on your decision to make a change.
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty darn good to me , win win win .
ReplyDeleteI imagine we will do the same sort of move when our children are out of school .
Got a lot of time before that happens though .
Chris
I don't even know you, but I'm so proud of you! There's a lot to be said for the change you're making! It's stories like this that give me the courage to do the same, live for your dreams! Congrats to you!
ReplyDeleteLauren (also in the Hoosier state)
Good so good, so good for you! Now, promise you will get a retro bike to go to the coffee shop in? It's a must have. I think it's wonderful that, number one, you've stopped long enough to think about what it is you want (most people don't even get that far) and two, that you are acting on it!
ReplyDeleteIt's scary, exciting, and has all the ingredients needed to make a big ole pot of contentment.
Things are changing in my life too. Been unemployed for three weeks, and now I've been given a good job offer. A perfect job for me really. I have to decide. I want to stay home. That is my heart. My 'programmed' mind says...gotta work. I'm taking this weekend to really decide what it is that I want out of life.
Thanks for this post, and the inspiration. Congratulations again.
Yea to you for working to make the changes you want. I am still trying to figure out/refine what changes to make in our lives. How to make our lives ours, and not be held to the life of the job. And what changes to make that would benefit all of us. Good luck with your changes!
ReplyDeleteYour dream sounds like ours. We can't wait to escape suburbia and we will. But not yet. Good for you for jumping in with both feet but eyes wide open. I'll be following you in about 10 years!
ReplyDeleteExciting! We lived in a great old house in the country for 19 years -- the only things within walking distance was the post office and a wonderful bakery! 3 yr ago, I moved into town into a small half duplex on a nice quiet tree lined street. We're within 10 min walk of the mall, fast food joints, banking, etc. But it doesn't feel that way on our street.
ReplyDeleteI haven't regretted it for a single minute. The convenience and the 10 min drive to work every day has been wonderfully freeing.
Good luck with your move.
Jen~
ReplyDeleteGo for it! We live 5 minutes from downtown Cincy in northern Kentucky. We live live a great community, Ft Thomas. It is a great place filled with old homes, parks, a great school system, shops and lots of pedestrians~ You will love it!!!
Bristol
I envy you! I know all about suburban Fishers IN...my folks live there, my sister lives and teaches there, I grew up in Noblesville. If you're planning to stay in the area, there are lots of options open to you regarding the 'in town' thing. Broadripple, downtown Carmel, around Meridian....I can't wait to see where you end up! Here in Fort Wayne, I'm dreaming of moving back into the city, into a historic little area where we can walk to everything and live in a home with character.
ReplyDeletepeace to you as you make the transition.
cindy
Congrulations for putting your dream into reality. Sounds like it will be the perfect time when your daughter leaves for school. It's good to simplify, have things within walking/biking distance ... isn't this the way we are really meant to live. It will be GREAT!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your big decision! I think it's wonderful that you are going after what you want. Two years ago we moved from the "suburbs" into town and we absolutely love it. We went into a smaller house on a smaller in-town lot and it has been worth it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you!!
~Michelle
Beautiful post - making your dreams a reality!
ReplyDeleteLiving in the Colorado mountains has been a dream of mine since I was about 8 years old. After many, many years, that's where Hubby and I are today. Escaping the burbs was the best thing we ever did! The decision to go for it may be your biggest hurdle - the rest will fall into place, and you will be so happy to have made the change.
:)
Zuzu
Wakarusa? You're moving to Wakarusa? It may be a bit of a commute for your hubby, but it's a great decision, all the same!
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty - Yay!! It brings to mind the conversations we had on our first date. How exciting.
That is so wonderful. That is exactly my dream, though it isn't a possibility for us unless we move out of the metro area that we currently live in...but, things may change! Where will you be moving? Will it be in the same metro area?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your brave decision with us. You reminded me to take stock of what I have right now. We live in a town (and in town) of 100,000 in IL. I'm always thinking about when we can buy a nicer house - but right now I'm steps from a park, a bike ride to downtown (note to self: buy a bike), on a reasonably pretty street. Sure, some of my neighbors are wacko, but isn't that normal?
ReplyDeleteWe talk a lot about maybe building something in the country in a few years, but what would we be giving up to do that?
Jen, Not only have my hubby and I been contemplating a change, but we, too, are looking for a lot of the same things you just mentioned! Our kids are grown and so we find the town we live in no longer holds the same appeal for us. Have you found a town that fits your description yet? We are looking at Savannah, GA (my son goes to SCAD there so we have vistied several times) and also Greenville, SC. I emailed Vintage Simple because she lives in Greenvile to find out how she likes it. It sounds like a neat town - but it is hot and humid (as is Savannah). At least Savannah has the ocean nearby. Best of luck to you in your quest! Blessings, too!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! We live in a little town....swayzee...ever heard of it? do not have the little coffee shops....but, love the small town life...don't have far to drive for the other. good luck in your endeavor.....I do believe I recognize the little town, just from your wonderful description!
ReplyDeleteGood for you and your family...it sounds like a great move for all!! My recent changes include a puppy (we have been married 20 yrs and never had one), a new job and my husband had major surgery. We are definately in a change mode!!
ReplyDeleteSounds exciting and wonderful...wishing you all the wonders of the adventure of CHANGE! Best, Coralie
ReplyDeleteSmaller can be wonderful...it sounds maybe like "Z-ville"?
ReplyDeleteWherever you go I'm sure you will love it! I've always dreamed of Lockerbie Square in Indy, but now I'm in Louisville and we have some wonderful neighborhoods.
Best to you and your family, sounds like a wonderful adventure!
We will be leaving Los Angeles in a few weeks, we bought a house in Springfield, MO and it is going to be much slower paced and quiet. Not exactly a small town (I wanted to move to San Juan Island, but my husband had to work...darnit!), but we will work toward that. I would love to ride my bicycle anywhere!
ReplyDeleteWe're also going to save up our money and travel a bit. That'll be the best.
Go for it . . live your dream!
ReplyDeleteLove Helen x
Thank you for your heartfelt words, Jen. They truly touched my heart. Change has always been a very difficult thing for me and it has held me back in certain areas of my life. I believe that I was meant to read your words. As the saying goes, "When the student is ready, the teacher will come." Thank you. God bless.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/
jen, i 'm so thrilled for you!!!
ReplyDeletechange is always hard but this change sounds definately for the best. what a charming area too. i'd love something like that. atlanta & many of our suburbs are just too...well....not as safe & quaint as i'd prefer ( to say the least). i'd love to move but i really love my church and so do my girls. plus several of them don't want to leave their friends..if they were younger it would be much easier.
i love seeing all the new you's in your blog
blessings friend
If you can do it, then do it.
ReplyDeleteJust be sure to show us pictures!
Hooray for you!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect place to live.
I can't wait to see pictures.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
:)
Have a great weekend!
Good for you! It sounds like a solid plan. And In town? I love in town...especially in villages!
ReplyDeletesuper excited for you. It will be rewarding, I am certain of it. all my best!!!
ReplyDeleteI think I know where you are going and you will LOVE it! Good luck as you prepare.
ReplyDeleteJust before we decided to leave Indiana I was watching real estate ads for houses in Zionsville and downtown Carmel...Alas, when we made our move there wasn't a town like that around here so we ended up in the suburbs again.
This is the first time I've read your blog, and what an inspirational start! Sustain that enthusiasm, and you'll have no trouble reaching your goal!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you're following your gut and doing what feels right for you guys. I can tell you, personally, that living in an old house, in a neighborhood with sidewalks where I can walk to the corner store and parks, is invaluable to me. Good for you - I'm sure you will love it! And I can't wait to see what little treasure you call home next... It'll be wonderful, I'm certain. Congratulations for making a plan and being happy with it!
ReplyDelete-maria
I live in a historic neighborhood in Baltimore and I LOVE being close to everything. Sure my taxes are higher than my suburban friends, but for me the quality of life is worth it. I hope you find just the perfect place for you!
ReplyDelete(((Jen)))
ReplyDeleteI am SO excited for you - and you aren't late to the party - you are way ahead of me... I was 46 when we made my dream come true! All that matters is that you get there.
You will LOVE your new life-to-be.
I am so happy for you.
Love,
Kim
P.S. My blog has been having lots of problems lately with comment issues and bloglines... I can't figure out why either. Hopefully it all gets fixed soon.
gorgeous post...we too live the life we dreamed about.
ReplyDeletewe live in town..walking distance to everything..
love.love.
xo
Your post is wonderful. I love the idea of living in a village- it sounds magical! Best wishes to you and your family. I love your blog and will follow as you make this exciting transition! Good for you! You're an inspiration to all of us! maria
ReplyDeleteDream big, Jen! That's what I say and what I do. I believe in it with all my heart.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Serena
P.S. I love the farmhouse pics you sent : )
I would love to have the "in town" life. It's the way i grew up and it's what i'd like for my kids. Good for you for setting your sights on how to make your desire for change become a reality.
ReplyDeleteSigh.
ReplyDeleteThis is sooo exciting! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Jen :)
ReplyDeleteI was back reading and read this post and had to say congratulations on making the decision to follow your dreams. I have a feeling you're going to love it even more than you think ;)
Thank you for the sweet comment about our kitchen!
BTW, I make your chicken pot pie recipe all the time and my family loves it :)
rue
Our goal is to move to a village community one day. With the housing market like it is, we're going to have to wait a few years at least. I love hearing about how life is going there for you.
ReplyDelete