If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or even a little unhappy with where you live, you’re not alone. I’ve been there in the past and it is not a good feeling. For a long time, I found myself dreaming about moving… to someplace warmer, closer to family, and idyllic. I couldn’t stop myself from thinking somewhere else, I would feel better and happier.
But constantly wishing for something different made it nearly impossible to appreciate the life right in front of me. So I decided to shift my perspective… very slowly. First, it started with simply learning to love my home. Then, I picked up a wonderful book that helped to shift my perspective. (Amazon affiliate link)
If you’re feeling stuck in the same headspace I was, I think these simple mindset shifts and habits might help you fall in love with where you live again. Years later, I am still living in the same state in the very same house and I have truly never felt more at home.
Here are some of the ways that have helped me to embrace and be grateful for where we live right now.
✨If you want to learn to love the seasons, you’ll appreciate: The Benefits of Seasonal Living (Why It Brings More Joy)
Shift Your Perspective
Make a list. It is very easy for me to list off the reasons why I want to leave this state. I used to dwell on these things. However, f I really sit down and lay it all out, there are also many reasons why I would prefer to stay. And quite honestly, a lot of these reasons outweigh the reasons to move… and when I see it written out, it helps me to think more clearly. Looking back at my list and expressing gratitude towards the things I do like has helped me to come around and not feel as down.
Find good in the bad. What is the worst thing about living where you live? Pinpoint it and try to find a sliver of good. For me, I hate the long and dark winter/snow season because I get seasonal depression and it affects a lot of areas in my life. But I am trying to see the bright side of it to keep out of the funk – cozy Christmas time, warm drinks, blankets, candles, movie nights, snow angels with my daughters, hot chocolate, fuzzy socks. I am trying to shift my mindset to think about the better half of the situation. I have also recently embraced the idea of hygge and I think that I will practice it this upcoming winter to see how it helps.
If there are positives to your own situation, really try to accentuate them.
Try to think past money. Money is everything, right? It truly is the root of all evil and anxiety for so many of us. But it’s a huge driving factor in every decision we make. If we move, we’d probably save a lot of money. But does more money in our pocket equal happiness? Will we miss the seasons? Will we like our neighborhood? Or will it get old really quick? Will we miss extended family and friends? I can’t make a decision based entirely on money because at the end of the day, we are making it work here. It is tough, but money aside, we know what to expect here. That helps with the anxiety of uncertainty that moving will bring to the table.
Reconnect with Where You Live
Visit your favorite spot, often. Something that made me a bit unhappy when we moved last year is that we were further from the beaches than I would like to be. However, they are still very much accessible… so I have been making a conscious effort to head towards them as often as I can. Even if we don’t go on the beach, just seeing the water makes me feel at peace. It makes me grateful to be here. If you have a favorite spot in your area, visit as often as you can and really soak in those moments.
Visit local parks, beaches, etc. Basically, anything that is outdoors and free to walk or roam, do it. Getting outside is very important. Hiking, walking, farmer’s market… whatever you have.
Watch a sunset. Enjoy the sunset while lying on a blanket always makes me feel very grateful to be exactly where I am. It’s easy to forget to do these simple things or say we are too busy, but slow down and just do it. I have found that slowing down and enjoying all areas of the state has helped me to feel better.
✨You may love: 60 Ways to Romanticize Your Life
Breathe New Energy Into Your Life
Find new things to do. Chances are, there is a lot going on in your community and surrounding ones. Make an effort to find out what’s happening and attend. It will feel like something new and exciting.
One major thing I did was get involved in our community library and it has not only brought a sense of belonging, but so many new friends into my life. Being a “regular” somewhere where everyone knows you – and you know them – is such a warm and fuzzy feeling.
Shake up your routine. Do you normally buy your groceries at the same place? How about hitting up a local farmer’s market or stand for a few groceries instead. Something as simple as that can make a difference.
Interrupt your normal schedule. One night, we packed up and drove 45 minutes to the beach just to watch the sunset. This is something we never do because it’s always dinner, bath, bedtime routine, then couch. We nixed the usual bedtime routine, packed the kids’ pajamas, snacks, beach toys, and hit the road. It wasn’t part of our routine, but it felt exciting and spontaneous. And to be honest, we have made this into a tradition and do it much more often. Because you can’t always be tied by monotonous routines and be happy. It’s the moments that you make and create that you’ll remember and enjoy. This night will always hold a special place in my heart. It reminded me that joy isn’t always found in big changes… but in small moments we choose to create.
These tips may or may not be helpful because every single person has a completely unique situation, but I do hope that even one piece of it resonated with you. My heart is with you if you are struggling and I hope that you can find peace where you are.
✨ If you’re learning to slow down and find beauty where you are, you may also enjoy:
- 10 Simple Ways to Create a Calmer Home
- Cottagecore Living Ideas (Simple Ways to Embrace a Cozy, Slow Life)
- 25 Ways to Add Whimsy To Your Life
- Slow Living With Kids
