3 Things I’ve Noticed Since Moving to the Country
1 – I am less worried about my physical appearance at work. This might be one of the most helpful personal changes I’ve noticed since moving to Iowa. I’ve always worried about my appearance. When in high school, I wouldn’t dare leave the house without make-up. Part of worrying about my appearance goes with attaching an identify to my physical state. I’ve always used clothing to express myself, but my “image” has become a money pit and time suck over the years. Living in the country has taught me to get out of bed, work and create regardless of the hair day. To get my remote work completed, I wear an orange t-shirt and pajama pants. Focusing less on on my body image and more on the work I have to complete is extremely refreshing.
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.” – Anna Quindlen
2 – Good food makes you feel good. This is one of those things that just makes sense. The quality of my food has increased since moving to a home a 15 minute drive from the nearest grocery store. Working in the wilderness and traveling often had gotten me accustomed to soup packets, instant noodles and canned beans. After all, the only thing that survives backpacking or on the road are highly processed and pre-packaged foods. Since working with the ingredients available around me, I have felt significantly more in tune with my body. When I go out to eat at a restaurant chain, I notice the way it feels, and it usually isn’t great. About two winters ago, a co-worker of mine told me that his New Year’s resolution was to “listen to his body more.” At the time, I understood the words he was saying, but did not know what he meant. Since paying more attention to the amount of meat or processed foods I consume, I have began to notice patterns. These are personal, but you get the idea.
“Approach life differently and watch it change.” – Dr. Dravon James
3 – Nature heals. Okay, I probably already knew this, as I have been working outside and traveling far and wide since graduating college in 2014. In other words, my work and travels have brought me closer, year by year, to nature. Truthfully speaking, starting a farm is difficult. I often “check-in” with myself, only to realize I am feeling impatient, overwhelmed and alone. Recognizing these feelings and doing something about them has been the key to keeping myself sane out here. I have made it a routine to take a 1-2 mile walk every day. No matter what the weather, I bundle up and head outside to listen to the wind blow through the trees. I walk past baby animals and road-kill alike, which shows me the life-death-life cycle of nature. A walk in nature is often enough to lighten my mood and change my perspective. I often set an intention with these walks. I focus on breathing, walking and recognizing the beautiful pattern of my life’s actions and choices that have led me to this point.
“Nature is like psychic Wheaties.” – Clarissa Pinkola-Estés