The definition of country living varies widely among people. For me, though, a country lifestyle is more of a mindset and way of approaching the world than an actual location. From early in my childhood on, I felt most at peace surrounded by nature and away from the hustle and bustle of outside life. I could sit for hours drinking in the sound of a river lapping against the shore or enjoying the perfect silence of a snowy night. As an adult, I moved around to a lot of big cities, but I always sought these moments out whether in parks or weekend trips. In my heart, I was a country girl whether standing in Midtown New York or on a farm in Vermont.
Whether you live on a farm, are sitting in a city apartment pining for that day, or are somewhere in between, there are a few habits you can develop right now to make the lifestyle part of your life.
Country living is about embracing nature and finding peace. It should eliminate the pressure to always be racing toward the future and instead appreciate the here and now. It finds pleasure in imperfections through the stories behind the nicks and dings in objects and in life. No matter where you live, I hope that you are able to introduce some elements to simplify your life and find beauty in that around you.
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