I believe that wherever you go you bring your baggage with you. I have a good friend who always thinks that if she moves someplace else that her life will be better. Maybe there are more men, more activities and more money to be made. The truth is that I’ve seen her move from Alaska to Cape Cod, from Rhode Island to the Berkshires and even down here to Florida. With each move she complains that “someplace else would be better.” While her surroundings are different at each place, her actions remain the same.
But, there is something to be said about our environment influencing us in positive ways. For my hubby, the sun shining year round helps keep his spirits up, while I am energized by all of the movement and things to do in a big city. He LOVES having a large house with a big back yard, and I’m just as happy in a one room apartment, as long as I have the things and people that I love around me.
Your environment can have a profound impact on your happiness. A city girl like me, would be miserable living in the country (thankfully, in addition to being a city girl – I’m also a beach lover). Believe it or not, organized clutter feels makes me feel cozy, but it might make you CRAZY knowing that everything is not in it’s place.
When we realize what it is that’s important to us, it helps to relieve stress and allows us the opportunity to thrive. It’s amazing just what an impact our surroundings have on us.
Want to know why I love Paris so much? While I love the beauty of the city, the fashion, the shopping, the art, and the food….it’s the ONLY place that I’ve been where my creativity blooms. I have sketch books filled with drawings, stories, and more from my trips there over the years. I know of no other place that brings this side of me out so naturally.
Take a few minutes and think about what you value most about places you’ve lived or been. What is it about certain places that you love? Does where you live promote happiness or stress?
Tiffany Karabaich says
So true! I’ve moved on average every 4 years of my life (military brat and career) from old cities, new cities, mountains and beach towns. I feel most comfortable in a beach town with water activities, nature, and a little jungle. But I still want major shopping and cultural stuff within an hour’s drive!
Jerrilynn Atherton says
Wonderful post!!!