Why We Ditched City Life For Country Living

“And while the city will always hold a special place in my heart, the call of the country, with its many blessings, now resonates deeper.” - Lauren Matts

From the Hustle and Bustle to Country Bliss: Embracing a Wholesome Life

As you may know, Chris and I made the move from inner city living to country living just about a year and a half ago. This change, as one might expect, brought with it both challenges and rewards. Yet, the call of country living—it’s peaceful mornings, being surrounded by nature, getting back to our roots and growing our own food—is unparalleled. So I wanted to share a little bit about why we made the move and the blessing country living has been for our lives so far. 

The Inception: Why Country Living?

Living in the city, we were surrounded by convenience. But with that came noise, pollution, and an often superficial connection to our surroundings. As time passed, we felt an ever-growing yearning to get back to our roots, quite literally. At first, the craving started with a little “porch garden” in pots and then to planting a few raised beds in our little backyard in the middle of the city… but we wanted more. The countryside beckoned with its promise of peace and a more meaningful way of life. 

So we set out to find a piece of land to call home, to build our lives on and to one day raise our children on. We prayed for God’s guidance and He blessed us with a beautiful piece of paradise nestled atop a hill with a beautiful view and lots of land to raise livestock, grow food, and build our own little “Garden of Eden”. (this is a whole other story to tell one day)

Food from Scratch: Knowing What's on Your Plate

One of the most transformative experiences that grew our craving for country living was learning to garden. There’s an unmatchable joy in sowing a seed, nurturing it, and watching it thrive. Beyond the obvious benefits of fresh produce, gardening teaches patience, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the balance of nature. Although we got a little taste of this while living in the city, we were ready to do more, grow more & learn more. 

We took up the task of building our dream greenhouse & garden area to grow our own food. Tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, and herbs soon filled our “kitchen garden” — and our passion for gardening was growing too!

One thing gardening has taught me is that it isn't just about planting and harvesting. It's a mindful activity and process where you connect with the soil, understanding its cycles and desire to grow. The act of getting your hands in the ground and seeing how, with the right ingredients, the miracle of life can thrive from just a seed to a bountiful plant is so beautiful.

Eating something that you've grown provides a sense of achievement. Seeing our plates full of beautiful vegetables that we grew is a testament to the love and care poured into our garden.

And with this home-grown produce, cooking meals from scratch became a passionate endeavor of mine—and a pathway to healthier eating habits.

Nutrient-Dense Veggies: The Soil Connection

It's no secret that the quality of our food is directly proportional to the health of the soil it's grown in. Modern agricultural practices, especially in large commercial setups, often deplete the soil of essential nutrients. In stark contrast, country living offers the chance to cultivate a patch of land with care and knowledge, ensuring that the soil retains its vitality. Something that I have been passionate about is obtaining optimal soil health in my raised beds.

Vegetables grown in healthy, nourished soil are more nutrient-dense which means they not only taste better but also offer a richer profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. When you bite into a carrot pulled fresh from your garden, you're not just enjoying its sweetness; you're also partaking in a spectrum of health benefits.

The Intangible Blessings of the Country Life

While the tangibles of country living are plenty, from fresh air to home-grown meals, it's the intangibles that have left the deepest impression on us.

- A Slower Pace: The frantic pace of city life is replaced with a gentler rhythm. Seasons dictate activities, and there's always time to stop and admire a sunset or listen to the birds sing.

- Reconnection with Nature: Whether it's the dew on morning grass or the songs that nature sings, living in the country rekindles a profound connection with nature. This connection, in turn, fosters mindfulness, gratitude and peace that God intended for us to have when spending time in the beauty of nature that He provided for us as a way to disconnect from the craziness of the world. 

Conclusion: A Life Redefined

Changing one’s life from the convenience of the city to the seclusion of country living is undeniably daunting. But as with all great transitions, the rewards are worth the challenges. Today, as I enjoy a salad made entirely of vegetables from our garden, I revel not just in its freshness but also in the journey it represents—a journey back to our roots.

In the embrace of country living, I've found a life enriched by simple pleasures, profound connections, and the unparalleled joy of being in harmony with nature. And while the city will always hold a special place in my heart, the call of the country, with its many blessings, now resonates deeper.

In this blog, I will be sharing the trials and the joys we have faced thus far, giving you our scoop on country living and sustainable living; PLUS, homesteading tips, delicious recipes & more! From fun on the farm to difficult life lessons - stay tuned for our next blog post! 🌿