Traffic in the City, Cows in the Country: How I Found My Balance from the Bustle and into the Calm

Living in a city can be exhilarating. The hustle and bustle, the smell of breakfast tacos at virtually every corner, and countless events to attend are enticing, to say the least. Yet, there’s an undeniable charm and serene beauty to rural life that makes it equally appealing. As someone who has bounced between these two worlds, I've come to appreciate what each offers. In this blog post, I’d like to share my journey of finding balance between the vibrant urban lifestyle and the tranquil calm of the country.

The City Activity

There was a time when I thrived on the chaotic energy of city life. I loved waking up to the sound of traffic on the streets early in the morning, kids grouped together to catch the school bus and the joggers running by on my street. My days were filled with coffee shop visits, spontaneous brunches with friends, and late-night outings that often stretched into the early hours of the morning. The local restaurant down the street served the best chips and queso, and each bite fueled my love for the fast-paced life, where I could get anything I wanted from fast food, new clothes, to an espresso martini any day of the week.

I often reminisce about the busy downtown streets filled with people, culture, and endless concrete hippos adorning the businesses. However, despite the excitement, I eventually felt overwhelmed. The traffic to get across town became horrendous, the street lights were never ending and the sounds became deafening. The very things that once energized me began to drain my spirit. I found myself craving somewhere quieter—somewhere that felt a little less frantic.

A Call to the Countryside

On a whim one weekend, I decided to take a virtual road trip to the countryside via Zillow. As I searched for properties in the country, away from the neighborhoods that looked like where I have always lived, I watched the images change from squares of all the same house side by side, to GREEN grass, pastures, and actual bodies of water with ducks (this made me gasp!) in view from your house. The distance to my "starting point" got further out and the landscape transformed into rolling hills dotted with farmhouses, barns and animal life. I remember feeling sheer relief as I could almost inhale the fresh air through the computer screen. The colors were vibrant, and everything around me felt alive in a way that the where I was at, just sometimes did not.

During that weekend, I found myself researching ranches where I spent time learning about farm life. From feeding goats to collecting eggs, each task was so far removed from my daily reality that it felt almost intoxicating. The simplicity of ranch life—with animals roaming freely and fresh produce coming straight from the earth—made me reflect on what truly matters. Did you know that a single egg from a local farm can taste 20% better than the ones you find in stores and lasts on your countertop unwashed for weeks? This experience not only changed my perspective on food but also reminded me of the importance of connecting with where our food comes from.

The Perfect Blend

Closing my laptop lid and spending time at busy places after that weekend felt different. I gained a newfound appreciation for urban life and all that it offers, but also developed a yearning for the peace that comes with country living. It became clear: I didn't have to choose one over the other. Instead, I could hop between both worlds to create a balanced lifestyle. I had family that lived in the city and their were things that would always draw me back there, from employment to medical visits, and more.

I started incorporating more intentional searches for our new home in the country. I sought out green spaces and we took weekend getaways to drive out to farms where we could embrace nature's calm. I even started the process of buying decor with a more farmhouse design, bringing a touch of the countryside to our urban home. The key was realizing that I wasn't leaving everything I knew behind, I was taking all those memories and life events with me into a new space where I would gain ones.

Embracing the Country Calm

Once the dream property was secured, we took the leap and took it FAST! We put our city home on the market and sold it within three days. Quickly packed up 19 years of stuff, purging a ton of items and preparing to downsize from our two story home in the a neighborhood and started taking boxes to our ranch in the country!

When we settled in, I no longer needed all the "things" that occupied my life before. Having less, became so much more. I also began to prioritize moments of stillness. Mornings became sacred; I brewed my coffee with a sense of stillness I had only experienced on the ranch. Sitting on my cozy porch, I would sip my brew while listening to the soft sounds of the morning. This simple act provided clarity—a moment rich in contrast to the often overwhelming noise and distractions of city life. I heard birds chirping without a garbage truck overpowering their songs, the only steps pacing around the ground around me were those of my pups and an occasional deer.

Finding Community in Both Worlds

One of the most rewarding aspects of learning a new lifestyle was discovering community. I found like-minded individuals who also appreciated slowness. I joined local groups focused on sustainable living, where discussions about farm animals, gardening, and supporting local agriculture thrived. Those evenings spent at bars with friends sipping brews and trying to hear over loud music, became dinner at the local burger joint in town, then buying hay from a neighbor while chatting about the cedar trees, fostering a fulfilling sense of belonging and understanding.

The Journey Continues

While I still enjoy my time in the city when I go back to visit, I no longer feel that it is my home and would never want to be there all the time again. When pulling into my gate, upon my return the sense of relief takes over. The key for me has been learning to balance my new world with all my experiences from the past, consciously weaving the energy of my previous life with the serenity of the countryside. Learning which strengths I have and applying them to my days on the ranch. I now relish weekends on our favorite plot of dirt, the one we call home. Where Longhorns roam for acres and the sun sets in a spectacular display of colors too vibrant to find in the city.

Reflecting on the Balance

Finding balance isn’t something that happens overnight. It's a journey requiring curiosity, reflection, and intentional choices. To thrive in a world that offers the calm of country life is to embrace the beauty of it while reflecting on the past experiences that got you there. Whether it's sipping coffee in complete silence or feeding the goats while breathing in fresh air mixed with the aroma of hay, each day presents an opportunity to find harmony in your life.

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, take that leap. Explore, discover, and seek out what it would be like to change your environment. Sometimes, the most fulfilling adventures await right on the outskirts of busy streets and smack dab in the middle of the peaceful pastures.