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Why are you moving?
This is a question I have been asked a lot over the last few months. Friends and acquaintances don’t understand why we’re packing up and leaving behind this life that we know.
Last year, I alluded to the fact that we have been wanting to move for the last ten, eleven years. Selling our house and moving to a new part of the state has been something that has been brewing for quite a while — this was not a spontaneous decision, by any means.
So why move? What’s the draw?
#1 reason — We want a simpler life. This is our attempt to move away from the Joneses. Now, I’m not naive — I believe that every town has their version of the Joneses, and ultimately, it’s your choice of the kind of people you want to hang out with.
I am not saying that I don’t have good friends here in this town. It’s quite the opposite. I have made good, life-long friends. These are good, good people, and I will miss them so much. But unfortunately, the fact remains that this {affluent} suburb is rich with the keeping up with the Joneses attitude. You live here long enough, and you will get sucked into it, in one way or another. Even –especially– when you just want your children to have what the other kids have. Maybe it’s not a case of wanting my kids to have what the others have – it’s more that I don’t want my kids to be treated differently because we choose not to be participate in the rat race.
So we’re getting out. We’re moving to a beach town with a slower pace of life, and we’re intentionally downsizing. This isn’t a case “have to”; this is a case of “want to.”
And this is the time to do it. My son started kindergarten this year and has already started to make BFFs. My daughter, just a preschooler, has a few friends. We need to move now, before they become really attached to their friends and activities.
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My husband and I dream of a slower lifestyle. A life filled with less stuff, and more doing. Going to the beach, going on adventures, learning to {surf, speak Spanish, practice yoga, whatever} and more travel.
***This post has been shared with the Inspired By series, because have been inspired to live a simpler life.
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I LOVE this! I’ve been in your shoes before, living in the affluent neighborhoods and having my kids in the affluent schools. I know exactly what you mean. I applaud your willingness to make this change in your life for those very worthy reasons!
Looking forward to watching the rest of the story!
PS. Your house is gorgeous!
We are also looking to downsize by choice. So many people just don’t understand this concept - and I feel energized and excited it! Best of luck to you and your family….may you find wonderful new friends and make many happy memories in your next home!
please, may I come with you? I promise I won’t take up much space and will keep my things to a minimum : ) your plans sound gorgeous
@ Melissa~ Thank you for your encouragement (and your kind words about my house.) It’s going be difficult leaving everything and everyone that I know, but I know it’s the right thing to do.
@ Lisa~ So you get it? Like you, I am so excited about this change of lifestyle. My husband and I have had so many conversations about it. In our heart of hearts, we know it’s the right thing to do. Good luck on your adventure!!
@ Denise~ Yes, you can come with! I need friends… : )
Sounds like a good set of reasons to me. I hope you get a quick sale!
I think it’s awesome you all have put so much thought into the move and I truly do hope you find everything you are looking for in the new town. It sounds PERFECT
@ Shoestring~ Thanks. I hope we get a quick sale, too. I’ll definitely keep y’all posted.
@ Danica~ I hope everything works out, too. We have high hopes, but we also know that there is no “perfect ” town. ; )
I totally understand why you’re moving; a slower pace of life and escaping the ‘jones’ are both very good reasons on their own.
Your house looks great and I’m sure that it’ll sell quickly, good luck
HEY! you started blogging again! I am sorry I thought you had stopped…. Moving…. Cool….
Go girl! You are doing the right thing!
Glad I found your blog (thanks to Laura@mtp), I will be following your progress with a great deal of interest. Good luck!